LAHORE
Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has said that after Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan will also achieve success in the battle of development.
He added that engineers play a pivotal role in national progress. He said the national economy has moved in the right direction and Pakistan will be transformed into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035.
He was addressing the annual alumni ceremony of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore on Saturday as the chief guest.
Ahsan Iqbal announced that the government is set to launch an internship programme this year to provide employment opportunities to young engineers. He emphasized that promoting research and innovation in every sphere of life is indispensable for sustainable development.
Expressing pride in addressing his alma mater, the federal minister said it was an honour to speak at UET, from where he also graduated. Recalling his student days, he said he served as president of the students’ union and contributed to initiatives such as the launch of Student Week and the revival of convocations. He added that UET not only provided him with technical education but also nurtured his leadership skills, enabling him to serve the country.
He said engineers are the backbone of national development and sustainable growth is impossible without their services. Engineers contribute to progress through infrastructure development, industrial growth, energy projects, communication systems, technology, and innovation. Roads, bridges, dams, power systems, factories, IT, and digital solutions are all the result of engineers’ expertise.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that to bring Pakistan into the ranks of developed nations, modern engineering, quality education, research, science, and technology must be promoted. Institutions like UET, he said, are guarantors of Pakistan’s bright future.
Highlighting his vision, he said Pakistan must move towards a knowledge-based economy for sustainable growth. He urged young engineers and alumni to actively contribute to research, innovation, and industrial development so the country can compete globally. He said the government is taking serious steps to strengthen education, research, and technology, and is turning higher education institutions into centers of national development.
