Tribute to Armed Forces as Experts Call for Research-Driven National Stability

A declaration has been issued regarding the seminar titled “Stability of Pakistan and Higher Education”, organized under the auspices of Higher Education Advocacy and Development. The declaration states that tribute is paid to the Pakistan Army, emphasizing that the entire nation stands behind its armed forces. It also affirms a commitment to leave no stone unturned in efforts within the higher education sector, particularly in research and related fields—that contribute to national strength. The chief guest of the seminar was Suhail Warraich, while the event was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah. Other guests of honor included Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami and Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat. Among the notable participants were Professor Naeem Masood, Dr. Shahid Munir (VC, UET), Dr. Kamran (VC, Islamia University Bahawalpur), Dr. Rauf Azam (VC, GCU Faisalabad), Dr. Akif Chaudhry (VC, University of Education), Dr. Uzma Qureshi (VC, Lahore College for Women University), Dr. Mian Yasin (Pro-Rector, University of Lahore), Dr. Faleha Kazmi (former VC, Home Economics University), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Anwar Chaudhry, Prof. Dr. Shahid Farooq, Dr. Waqas A. Khan, Dr. Anjum Tahira, Dr. Tanveer Qasim, and Dr. Abdul Ghaffar. The declaration further stated that modern media played a vital role in the success of military operations and the war with India, such as Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos. Hence, the role of social sciences cannot be disregarded. This era is one of fifth generation and electronic warfare, where satellite-guided missiles were used—highlighting the significance of science and technology in achieving success. It was emphasized that while we speak of Chinese and European technology today, we must remember that Pakistani engineers and scientists modified these technologies to meet our specific needs—a notable innovation in the tech sector. Therefore, in today’s context, the importance of knowledge cannot be denied. The future lies in technologies such as driverless and flying cars—an initiative also explored at UET. A student from UET was praised for developing an app that digitizes the judicial system, providing complete information on court cases. This eliminates the need for repeated court dates, allowing lawyers to access all case-related details with a single click and prepare accordingly. Similarly, the digitization of the Patwari (land records) system and other sectors was lauded. Technology is playing a critical role in eradicating poverty, ensuring economic stability, and delivering social and economic justice. The current Punjab government has allocated more education funds than previous administrations and has appointed Vice Chancellors, college principals, and education officers on merit. Reforms in school education—ensuring full teacher attendance, eliminating exam cheating mafias, and implementing modern systems—are transforming the education sector.

The government plans to grant full autonomy to universities and double the funds for higher education institutions. Universities must act as community centers and research hubs and identify their stakeholders. High-quality training of professors in affiliated institutions and universities is essential for national stability.

The initiatives of the Punjab government under the umbrella of higher education—including the provision of free laptops and scholarships for talented students—were commended. Higher education will be turned into a research hub with the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories and modern facilities. There is a need to focus on self-sustained sources of income.

It was further stated that research is essential for peace, and true stability lies in peace. Universities must also act as guardians of the two-nation ideology. The times have changed, and science and technology must become a way of life. Our universities stand ready as research battalions for the Pakistan Army. Congratulations were extended to scientists from the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Physics, and IT fields, who have proven their excellence even in past India-Pakistan conflicts.