ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, September 22, 2026: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday called for sweeping education reforms in Pakistan, saying universities must move beyond simply awarding degrees and equip students with critical thinking, research, creativity and problem-solving skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing world.
Addressing the 9th International Conference on “Research and Practices in Education” at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), the minister said Pakistan’s education system must adapt to contemporary and global challenges through greater emphasis on quality education, innovation, research and modern technology.
“Universities must develop an educational and research system that enables students to question, think critically and creatively, conduct research, solve problems and make informed decisions,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that education should not leave young people with degrees alone. Instead, students should graduate with knowledge, practical research skills, creativity, awareness and the confidence required to deal with real-life challenges.
He described education as the foundation of national development and prosperity, saying classrooms should encourage observation, reflection, analysis, questioning and problem-solving rather than relying primarily on conventional learning methods.
The minister also highlighted the importance of mother-tongue education in improving children’s understanding and intellectual development. At the same time, he said proficiency in English, modern disciplines and technology was essential for Pakistani students to compete internationally.
He said the government was focusing on reforms aimed at bringing the education system and curriculum in line with contemporary requirements.
Highlighting the role of teachers, Ahsan Iqbal called for developing talented and well-trained educators capable of cultivating curiosity, research, creative thinking and confidence among students.
He congratulated AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood and his team on organising the conference, saying academic and research forums could help improve educational standards and bridge the gap between research and practical experience.
Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood, meanwhile, said artificial intelligence was reshaping education, teaching and research and that universities needed to become active participants in the transformation rather than merely observing technological change.
He said the future of education revolved around three concepts — “Connect, Teach and Growth” — involving stronger links among students, teachers and researchers, technology-driven quality teaching and opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
According to the vice chancellor, institutions capable of connecting knowledge with technology, research with practical needs and people with new opportunities would be better positioned to shape the future of education.
Professor Dr Aftab Khan of Longwood University, United States, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session, while conference officials briefed participants on the objectives of the event.
The two-day conference, being held on September 22-23, brings together national and international education experts and researchers for panel discussions and academic sessions focusing on education, research, teaching, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. AIOU’s official conference schedule confirms the 9th International Conference on Research and Practices in Education is being held on September 22-23, 2026.