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LAHORE, Dec 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that peace, political stability, continuity of policies and consistent implementation of reforms are the four essential pillars for achieving sustainable national success.
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 45th King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Annual International Scientific Conference 2025 as the chief guest on Friday. He congratulated the organisers on holding the conference and termed King Edward Medical University a premier institution that has brought pride to Pakistan in the field of healthcare.
Ahsan Iqbal said overseas Pakistanis should not be viewed as a “brain drain” but rather as a “brain gain,” emphasizing the importance of human resource development. Referring to the situation in the Middle East, he said that Israel, with a population of around one crore, had carried out a massacre of eighty thousand Muslims in Gaza, while two billion Muslims failed to stop it. He added that Israel imposed its will through effective use of human resources.
Highlighting Islamic history, the minister said Muslim Spain represented a golden era during which Muslims witnessed nearly three hundred years of progress and glory. He lamented that today Muslims have become disconnected from their roots. He said the Holy Quran inclines humanity towards knowledge and invites reflection on the mysteries of the universe, stating that there are signs for those who possess intellect and vision. He added that pondering over the universe opens pathways to progress and described the Quran as a “powerhouse,” stressing that Muslims must not disconnect their supply line from it.
Calling for a return to foundational values, Ahsan Iqbal said this was essential to restoring the country’s stature. He said efforts had always been made to move Pakistan forward, recalling that in the 1990s Pakistan’s exports stood at five billion dollars. He expressed concern that countries once economically behind Pakistan had moved far ahead, while Pakistan remained stagnant, calling it a matter requiring serious reflection. He said no patient could be treated without first diagnosing the disease.
The minister said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a significant opportunity for progress, but Pakistan even pushed away its close friend China by leveling allegations of corruption. He emphasized that at least fifteen years of continuous and consistent effort were required to put the country on a sustained path of development, adding that progress demands dedication and preparedness.
Referring to recent economic challenges, Ahsan Iqbal said that in 2022 the world was betting Pakistan would become another Sri Lanka within four weeks. He said the government was questioned for taking on a sixteen-month tenure, but at that critical time the entire political leadership decided to save the country from bankruptcy. He claimed that within two years inflation was reduced from 38 per cent to 4 per cent.
He said students are the future of Pakistan and stressed that continuous effort is necessary for progress in every sector. He added that the government has launched the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative to ensure sustainable development. He said challenges in the health sector must be addressed and appreciated the alumni of King Edward Medical University for carrying forward the institution’s traditions.
The minister concluded by saying that leading Western institutions, including Harvard, have adopted traditions rooted in Muslim civilization, underscoring the enduring value of Islamic intellectual heritage.