Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has called for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan’s education system, stressing the need to strengthen quality education, research, innovation, creativity and modern technology to prepare young people for contemporary and global challenges.
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the ninth International Conference on “Research and Practices in Education” organised by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad.
The two-day conference brings together national and international educationists, researchers and experts to discuss emerging challenges in education, teaching and research, with particular attention to artificial intelligence, modern technology and the connection between academic research and practical educational needs.
Ahsan Iqbal said universities should develop education and research systems that enable students to question, think critically and creatively, conduct research, solve problems and make informed decisions. He said education should not be restricted to producing degree holders, but should equip young people with knowledge, research skills, creativity, awareness and confidence to confront the challenges of practical life.
He described education as the foundation of national development and prosperity, emphasising the need to develop students’ abilities in observation, reflection, analysis, questioning and problem-solving so they can contribute effectively to national development.
The minister also highlighted the importance of language in education, saying instruction in the mother tongue can support children’s intellectual development and understanding. At the same time, he stressed that proficiency in English, modern academic disciplines and technology is essential for competing at the global level. He said the government was working to align the education system and curricula with contemporary requirements.
Highlighting the role of teachers, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan needs talented and well-trained educators capable of developing students’ passion for learning, research, creative thinking and self-confidence.
He congratulated AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood and the university team for organising the conference, saying academic and research activities of this nature can contribute to improving educational standards and narrowing the gap between research and practical experience.
AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood said the rapid transformation taking place around the world, particularly because of artificial intelligence, was creating new directions for education, teaching and research. He said universities should not simply observe these changes but should actively participate in the transformation of education.
Dr Nasir Mahmood presented the future of education through three concepts: “Connect, Teach and Growth.” He explained that “Connect” means linking students, teachers and researchers with national and international academic communities, while “Teach” refers to quality teaching aligned with modern technology and artificial intelligence. “Growth”, he said, represents opportunities for continuous learning, research, creativity and professional development.
The AIOU vice chancellor said educational institutions capable of connecting knowledge with technology, research with practical requirements and people with emerging opportunities would be able to play an effective role in shaping the future of education.
The conference also reflects AIOU’s continuing focus on expanding and modernising its academic programmes. The university recently approved new FSc Pre-Medical and FSc Pre-Engineering programmes for the Autumn 2026 semester, alongside changes to several existing degree programmes and postgraduate academic structures.
AIOU has also continued to expand its open and distance-learning services, including online admission facilities and programmes in emerging fields. These developments underline the growing importance of technology and flexible learning models in the university’s academic strategy.
Professor Dr Aftab Khan of Longwood University, USA, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural session. Conference Secretary Dr Hina Noor and Conference Coordinator Professor Dr Naveed Sultana briefed participants about the objectives and programme of the conference.
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The two-day event features panel discussions, parallel sessions and academic and research presentations involving national and international experts. Participants are discussing developments in education, research, teaching, artificial intelligence and modern technology, with the broader objective of exploring how educational institutions can respond to rapidly changing global requirements.
