Varsities must evolve into national think tanks: Ahsan

LAHORE, September 5th, 2026 — Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has urged Pakistani universities to transform into national think tanks and engines of economic growth, during a visit to the new Government College University (GCU) campus in Lahore. The minister toured the facility to assess ongoing construction and academic expansion plans.

At the briefing, Vice Chancellor Prof Omer Chaudhry detailed the campus’ progress, future development phases, and how its academic programs align with national needs. The minister declared that the future of nations is now decided in research labs and classrooms. He urged universities to shift focus from mere publications to a "national development impact factor" and stressed the importance of commercializing research and strengthening academia-industry partnerships.

Highlighting the Kala Shah Kaku campus, Iqbal noted that he personally insisted new facilities be designed as an architectural replica of the historic main campus to preserve its signature features. A new, state-of-the-art physics laboratory complex, a project he initiated, was nearing completion. The minister warned that global innovation moves at an accelerating pace, citing the downfall of tech giants as proof that outdated knowledge becomes obsolete rapidly – in ten days, rather than a decade.

Iqbal challenged universities to abolish "office hours" for research and keep libraries and laboratories open 24/7, like leading global academic institutions. He emphasized preparing the youth with the right skills and values ahead of Pakistan's centenary in 2047, warning against the twin threats of fake news and social polarization that can divide the nation.

He urged students to avoid weaponizing political differences, stressing unity in diversity and reaffirming that while political choices differ, Pakistan stands united.

Concluding, the minister expressed hope that Government College University will continue its legacy by producing future Nobel laureates, successful entrepreneurs, and visionary scientists who will create new knowledge rather than merely consume it.