In Pakistan, Minister Iqbal calls on universities to become think tanks
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said during a visit to the new campus of Government College University Lahore in Kala Shah Kaku that universities must transform into national think tanks and drivers of economic growth. As Dawn reports, the minister reviewed the development of the campus infrastructure and the expansion of its academic activities.
Practical impact of research
The university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Omer Choudhry, briefed Iqbal on the progress of work, future stages of campus development and the alignment of academic programs with national needs. The minister told faculty and administrators that the future of states is determined in laboratories and classrooms.
Iqbal urged higher education institutions to focus not only on academic publications but also on the impact of research on national development. According to him, the commercialization of research and strong links between universities and industry should contribute to economic growth.
Campus and physics laboratory
According to the minister, he had insisted that the new buildings in Kala Shah Kaku be an architectural replica of the historic main campus of Government College University Lahore. He said this was intended to preserve the institution’s recognizable style. Iqbal also noted that the construction of a modern laboratory complex for the physics department, of which he called himself the initiator, is nearing completion.
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The minister stressed the rapid pace of global innovation and urged Pakistani universities not to limit research work to working hours. He proposed ensuring round-the-clock operation of libraries and laboratories following the example of the world’s leading universities.
Skills and social unity
Ahead of Pakistan’s centenary in 2047, Iqbal called for developing among young people both professional skills and value orientations. Referring to World Economic Forum reports, he warned students against fake news and polarization, which, he said, are used to intensify internal disputes.
The minister also said that political differences should not lead to the country’s disintegration and expressed hope that the university would prepare future Nobel laureates, unicorn entrepreneurs and scientists who would create new knowledge.
