Ahsan Iqbal urges graduating engineers to drive Pakistan’s economic transformation

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has urged graduating engineers to play a leading role in Pakistan’s economic transformation, describing them as “Gen 47 2.0” – a generation tasked with making the country a success story by 2047.

Addressing the convocation of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, as chief guest, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s future depended on young professionals equipped with technical skills, integrity, innovation and a commitment to public service.

The minister, an alumnus of the university, recalled his association with the institution, saying he had organized its convocation in 1981 while serving as president of the students’ union, following a 10-year gap.

He paid tribute to his former teachers and the parents whose sacrifices had enabled graduates to pursue higher education.

Ahsan Iqbal said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced materials, were reshaping engineering and global competition.

He urged graduates to embrace these tools while strengthening their capacity for independent judgment, continuous learning and responsible decision-making.

“Your degree certifies what you have learned so far. Your career will depend on how well you keep learning,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that Pakistan needed to expand its capacity to design, manufacture and export competitive products and technological solutions. Linking engineering capabilities with URAAN Pakistan, he identified industrial productivity, reliable energy, water management, climate-resilient infrastructure, digital transformation and agricultural technology as areas where graduates could make a substantial contribution.

Explaining the mission of “Maarka-e-Taraqi,” he said its success would be measured through productive enterprises, stronger institutions, meaningful employment and improvements in people’s lives.

“The generation of 1947 secured a homeland. Your generation carries the responsibility of fulfilling its promise through knowledge, enterprise, service and character,” he said.

Professor Iqbal encouraged graduates to pursue a purpose larger than personal advancement, build disciplined work habits, recover from setbacks and protect their professional integrity. He stressed that an engineer’s signature carries responsibility for public safety and that knowledge, resources and professional authority constitute a trust.

He also urged young people to verify information before sharing it, resist persistent hopelessness and combine constructive criticism with confidence in Pakistan’s future.

The Minister called for stronger university–industry collaboration and full opportunities for women engineers. He encouraged graduates working abroad to maintain active links with Pakistan through knowledge sharing, research, investment and professional networks.

Concluding his address, he urged graduates to judge their contribution by what they would have helped build when Pakistan celebrates one hundred years of independence.