Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal highlighting the importance of professional education has said that the government is committed to promote science and technology in the country. The minister while addressing the ‘World Space Week’ ceremony at Islamabad Model College on Monday asserted that the future of the Muslim Ummah lies in the revival of science and technology. It should be mentioned here that International Space Week was celebrated globally from October 4 to 10. Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that when Muslims abandoned knowledge and research, they became victims of decline, citing the example of Israel, a population of 10 million dominating two Arab countries. Muslims’ honor has been affected due to their distance from knowledge and research, he said adding that Muslims today were plagued by intellectual decline and polluted thinking. The minister quoted the Quran’s encouragement to unravel the mysteries of the universe and reminded that Allah has commanded humans to conquer the moon and stars, but Muslim countries have failed to do so.

He urged returning to science and research in accordance with Quranic teachings. He regretted Muslims’ weak role in unraveling the universe’s mysteries. He said, Allama Iqbal called youth ‘Shaheen’ and encouraged them to move forward. Ahsan Iqbal said the current era was driven by technology and artificial intelligence adding the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Big Data were changing human leadership and predicted that future progress belongs to nations that excel in science and technology. He said that the Ministries of Planning and  Education plan to utilize Space Week as a platform for youth and stressed the importance of increasing young people’s interest in science and research. He also directed the organization to organize events during Space Week. He emphasized the need to escape economic slavery and achieve self-sufficiency. He also highlighted how scientific advancements could better combat natural disasters. Ahsan Iqbal praised the government’s significant improvement in educational standards within six months and also congratulated students on their successful space project exhibitions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan