{
  "id": 12185143,
  "title": "AI Cannot Replace Teachers: Ahsan Iqbal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/ai-cannot-replace-teachers-ahsan-iqbal",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-05T15:21:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/05/ai-cannot-replace-teachers-ahsan-iqbal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal emphasized at a Teachers' Day event in Narowal that teachers are the architects of a nation's future. He highlighted that teachers must not only impart knowledge but also imbibe character, discipline, critical thinking, and confidence in students. Iqbal spoke of Pakistan's achievements being underpinned by the contributions of teachers and paid tribute to those working diligently despite constrained resources.\n\nThe minister underscored the interconnectedness of peace, education, and development, emphasizing that peace enables children to learn, education creates opportunities for youth, and development instills hope for a better future. He asserted that schools, colleges, and universities serve as the bedrock of Pakistan's future, but the true essence lies in the teachers who mold these institutions.\n\nIqbal advocated for an education system capable of adapting to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and climate change. He urged teachers to cultivate inquisitiveness, foster research skills, evaluate evidence, and empower students to solve problems. He called for classrooms that nurture curiosity, appreciate effort, and perceive mistakes as learning opportunities.\n\nTeachers must continue their own learning journey throughout their careers, staying abreast of novel teaching methods, technology, and discoveries. He stressed the significance of responsible AI use, urging students to scrutinize information, think critically, and bear responsibility for their decisions. Education, according to Iqbal, should not solely aim at producing skilled workers but also nurturing responsible citizens—embodying honesty, empathy, a sense of duty, respect for others, and awareness of civic responsibilities.\n\nIqbal urged teachers to offer every child a chance to progress, especially those facing poverty, family challenges, or a lack of confidence. He stressed that a child's present circumstances should not be considered a barrier to their potential. He highlighted the importance of instilling confidence in girls to pursue their ambitions and ensuring low-income children understand their equal entitlement to opportunities.\n\nHe proposed aligning teaching materials, facilities, practical training, and professional support with educational goals. The Uraan Pakistan initiative, aiming at exports, technology, environmental protection, infrastructure, and equitable development, could only be realized through developing human capabilities. He called for enhanced curricula, teacher training, and examination systems, warning against contradictory messages—encouraging creativity while examinations reward memorization.\n\nThe real aim of education reforms, Iqbal stressed, should be to impact classrooms and students effectively. He urged teachers to identify and nurture every student's potential, as a single word of encouragement from a teacher can transform a child's life. Iqbal envisioned classrooms in Narowal as platforms where talent is unearthed, character fortified, and hope revitalized. He expressed hope that a generation educated by such teachers could forge a confident, capable, compassionate Pakistan respected globally.",
  "summary": "Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said teachers are the builders of a nation’s future … Read More The post AI Cannot Replace Teachers: Ahsan Iqbal appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}