ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Monday emphasised the importance of science education and space exploration for Pakistan’s bright future, asserting that these fields were key to positioning Pakistan among developed nations.

The minister said this while addressing a function held at Islamabad Model College for Girls F-6/2 in connection with World Space Week.

The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10.

Mr Iqbal stressed that in today’s world, progress and prosperity depend on expertise in science and technology.

“Nations that lead in science, technology, and modern research are the ones advancing on the path of development,” he said and recalled the Islamic civilisations of the past, stating that when cities like Baghdad, Damascus, and Cordoba were centres of learning and research, Muslims led the world.

Ahsan Iqbal asserted that the future of the Muslim world lies in the revival of science and technology.

The federal minister highlighted that space exploration and research have become critical components of global advancement. Referring to the achievements of the James Webb Space Telescope and the European Space Agency, he pointed out that today’s modern nations have made tremendous efforts to understand the mysteries of the universe through science and research.

Unfortunately, no Muslim country currently possesses the capacity for space research, he said and expressed regret that no Muslim nation has gone beyond earth’s orbit.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that the Quran instructs humanity to explore and conquer the moon and the sun.

He added that world has entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology are now standards of progress. He noted that only those nations with expertise in these technologies will lead global development in the future.

Quoting Allama Iqbal’s verses, he encouraged the youth to think beyond the skies and dream big.

The planning minister appreciated the joint efforts of the ministries of planning and education, stating that Space Week would be celebrated annually as a platform to educate the younger generation about space science and nurture their research skills.

Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, speaking on the occasion, stressed on the factor, “we are a nation of youth, and only knowledge combined with hard work can get our country out of its current socio-economic condition.”

He said without investing in technology and artificial intelligence sectors no country could make progress.

He said that government will also provide microscopes in educational institutions.

The education minister commenting on foreign education, stating that those Pakistani students are getting education aboard are not brain drain rather they are brain train.

In other countries, students after getting education in foreign institutions, when return to their countries they turn around their countries. Besides other, the event was also attended by parliamentarians Farhat Naz Khan, Wajiha Qamar, Anjum Aqeel, Nuzhat Siddique and many others.

Education Secretary Mohyuddin Wani said Space Week activities would be conducted in public schools/colleges of ICT in both urban and rural areas, while Steller scholars team will facilitate space-related activities in 20 participating institutions.

He said that science stalls will be held without disturbing the morning and evening sessions which will run smoothly, especially in schools. Space knowledge will be inter exchanged between institutes and star gazing night events will be held.

The secretary said that the purpose of World Space Week is to provide unique leverage in space outreach and education and educate people around the world about the benefits that they receive from space.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2024