ISLAMABAD, October 19, 2026: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called on Pakistani universities to become engines of economic growth by promoting technological innovation, research and entrepreneurship, stressing that higher education institutions must play a leading role in the country’s economic transformation.
Addressing the NUST Master Convocation 2026 at the National University of Sciences and Technology’s main campus in Islamabad on Monday, the minister said Pakistan needed to strengthen its technological capabilities, expand exports and prepare its young population to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
The ceremony saw 66 scholars receive PhD degrees, while 26 undergraduate students were awarded President’s Gold Medals and 28 received Chancellor’s Silver Medals in recognition of their academic achievements.
Ahsan Iqbal, who attended as chief guest, was received by NUST Rector Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif.
Universities must support Pakistan’s economic transformation
The planning minister said Pakistan continued to face challenges in technological development, per capita income, exports and access to international markets.
He emphasised that universities must move beyond traditional academic roles and contribute directly to national development by generating practical solutions, advancing research and supporting technological transformation.
Referring to the government’s Uraan Pakistan programme, Ahsan Iqbal said increasing exports remained a central economic priority.
He stressed that innovation, technology adoption and research-driven development were essential to improving Pakistan’s economic competitiveness.
The minister said higher education institutions could help address structural economic challenges by providing the government with research-based solutions and developing the skills needed for emerging industries.
He also highlighted the importance of reforms and political and economic stability in creating an environment conducive to sustained development.
Ahsan Iqbal highlights AI and changing global economy
Speaking about technological disruption, Ahsan Iqbal said artificial intelligence was transforming established systems while global political and economic conditions were undergoing significant changes.
He urged graduates to recognise the opportunities and challenges created by these developments and prepare themselves for a future shaped by rapid technological advancement.
The minister said Pakistan possessed sufficient resources and human potential to improve its economic trajectory, provided these were effectively utilised.
He identified the country’s young population as a major strength and encouraged graduates to contribute to national development through their professional achievements.
Referring to Allama Iqbal’s concept of the Shaheen, he said Pakistani youth should be viewed as a source of strength, ambition and progress.
Ahsan Iqbal also advised graduates to learn from setbacks, remain committed to their goals and build careers that make a meaningful contribution to society.
“People are known in society by their contributions,” he said, urging graduates to work for Pakistan’s well-being in their respective fields.
Recalling his association with the university’s early development, the minister said the NUST model had been presented during his tenure as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission in the 1990s.
He said he had recognised the institution’s potential to emerge as a leading university in Pakistan and internationally.
NUST rector stresses ethics, leadership and emerging technologies
Earlier, NUST Rector Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif congratulated the graduates, their parents and faculty members, describing the convocation as the beginning of a new phase of professional and personal responsibilities.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by families in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.
The rector said NUST had developed into an institution focused not only on academic achievement but also on preparing graduates to serve society.
He emphasised that knowledge alone was insufficient in an increasingly complex world and that graduates needed honesty, integrity and dedication to succeed.
According to Dr Zahid, ethical values and moral responsibility remained central to the university’s educational philosophy.
He said NUST was placing increasing emphasis on emerging technologies and leadership development as artificial intelligence reshaped education and professional environments.
The rector also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to women’s empowerment, expressing confidence that female graduates would demonstrate leadership and make significant contributions in their chosen fields.
He encouraged all graduates to use their education to bring positive change to society.
NUST awards 66 PhDs and 54 academic medals
The convocation recognised academic achievements across doctoral and undergraduate programmes.
A total of 66 PhD scholars received their degrees, while 54 undergraduate students were honoured with academic medals, including 26 President’s Gold Medals and 28 Chancellor’s Silver Medals.
The ceremony also marked the beginning of NUST Convocation Week 2026, bringing together graduates, faculty members, university officials and families to celebrate academic accomplishments.
The event concluded with an emphasis on the role of education, innovation and responsible leadership in shaping Pakistan’s economic and technological future.