- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Feb 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal administered an oath to first-year MBBS students at the King Edward Medical University (KEMU) during its prestigious White Coat Ceremony.
Addressing newly-admitted students at the King Edward Medical University here
on Monday, he congratulated the medical students, emphasised that their journey
had just begun.
He stressed that becoming a distinguished doctor requires a decade of rigorous study,
with 2025 marking their beginning and 2035 their culmination as experts in their fields.
He remarked that a doctor’s behavior plays a crucial role in a patient’s recovery, beyond just medicine.
He reminded students that their success is the result of their hardwork and their parents’
prayers, urging them to become a valuable asset to the nation.
In his address, the minister shared a deeply personal experience, recalling the assassination attempt on him in 2018 and how KEMU’s Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz, played a crucial role in his treatment. He highlighted the sacred bond between a doctor and their white coat, comparing it to the relationship between a soul and a body.
He proudly noted that Pakistan is the 7th atomic power in the world but pointed out economic disparities when compared to other nations.
Ahsan Iqbal recalled that in 1969, Pakistan’s revenue stood at $200 million, equal to that
of Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea at the time. However, these nations had since achieved remarkable economic growth, which he attributed to strategic policies, investment in innovation and long-term planning factors.
He mentioned that when the government took charge, Pakistan was on the verge of bankruptcy, but despite political challenges, they put the country back on track. Inflation has now decreased, the stock market is booming, and foreign investments are returning, signaling Pakistan’s readiness for another economic take off under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
The minister announced the launch of ‘Uraan Pakistan’, a three-year healthcare programme aimed at addressing health challenges. Under this initiative, Rs 67 billion has been allocated for Zero-Hepatitis and diabetes treatment and Rs 8 billion has been designated for providing heart stents in the upcoming budget.
He emphasised that research and technology must drive Pakistan’s medical advancements,
urging students and professionals to focus on contributions to the field. The world recognises Pakistanis as a hardworking and intelligent nation and he envisions Pakistan reaching a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035 and becoming one of the world’s top 10 economic powers by 2047, Ahsan Iqbal added.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz extended his heartfelt appreciation to Ahsan Iqbal for his development initiatives in Narowal. He commended the minister’s visionary leadership in transforming the region through infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and enhanced public services.
The ceremony concluded with Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz presenting a souvenir to
the minister as a token of appreciation.
The event was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Naeem, Registrar Dr Muhammad Imran, along with faculty members, students and their parents.