After Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan will achieve success in battle of development: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the economy is stabilising, inflation has declined significantly and foreign exchange reserves and foreign investment have increased.

“After Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan will also achieve success in the battle of development,” he said, adding: “National economy has moved in the right direction and Pakistan will be transformed into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035.” While addressing the annual alumni ceremony of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), here on Saturday, Ahsan said that engineers play a pivotal role in national progress and announced that the government is set to launch an internship programme this year to provide job opportunities to young engineers. He emphasised that promoting research and innovation in every sphere of life is indispensable for sustainable development.

He added that the UET not only provided him with technical education but also nurtured his leadership skills, enabling him to serve the country.

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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, he said.

In order to bring Pakistan into the ranks of developed nations, modern engineering, quality education, research, science and technology must be promoted, he said. He said Pakistan must move towards a knowledge-based economy for a 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.

He also highlighted the rapid technological changes following the advent of artificial intelligence and said universities must link their laboratories with industry to promote an enterprise ecosystem and develop skilled, experienced professionals.

Earlier, UET vice-chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Munir highlighted the importance of alumni reunions in strengthening ties between the university and its former students. He highlighted the UET’s academic performance, research projects and future goals, stating that the university is providing engineering education of international standards.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026