Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has highlighted the crucial role of universities in promoting a culture of research and knowledge-seeking in the country.

He was addressing the meeting of All Pakistan Tenure Track Faculty Association board in Islamabad today.

The Minister emphasized that the country could only effectively tackle the challenges it faced at both the national and international levels by promoting knowledge, research, science and technology.  

He described universities as the cornerstone of the ecosystem of any modern economy, recalling the past glory of Muslims when their institutions produced world-leading scientists in all fields.

Ahsan Iqbal also stressed the need for following the four basic principles of achieving progress and prosperity as was done by developed nations, including peace, political stability, decade-long continuity in policies and a strong committee for reforms.