Lahore (GNP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, has called upon graduating engineers to become the driving force of Pakistan’s economic transformation, describing them as “Gen 47 2.0”—the generation entrusted with making Pakistan a success story by its centenary in 2047.
Addressing the convocation of his alma mater, the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, as chief guest, the Minister said Pakistan’s future would be shaped by young professionals who combine technical competence with integrity, innovation and public service.
Recalling his association with the university, he said that as President of the Students Union, he had organised its convocation in 1981 after a gap of ten years. Returning to the institution, he paid tribute to the teachers who shaped his life and the parents whose sacrifices enable young people to pursue higher education.
Professor Iqbal said artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials and other emerging technologies were transforming engineering and global competition. He urged graduates to embrace these tools while strengthening their capacity for independent judgment, continuous learning and responsible decision-making.
“Your degree certifies what you have learned so far. Your career will depend on how well you keep learning,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that Pakistan needed to expand its capacity to design, manufacture and export competitive products and technological solutions. Linking engineering capabilities with URAAN Pakistan, he identified industrial productivity, reliable energy, water management, climate-resilient infrastructure, digital transformation and agricultural technology as areas where graduates could make a substantial contribution.
Explaining the mission of “Maarka-e-Taraqi,” he said its success would be measured through productive enterprises, stronger institutions, meaningful employment and improvements in people’s lives.
“The generation of 1947 secured a homeland. Your generation carries the responsibility of fulfilling its promise through knowledge, enterprise, service and character,” he said.
Professor Iqbal encouraged graduates to pursue a purpose larger than personal advancement, build disciplined work habits, recover from setbacks and protect their professional integrity. He stressed that an engineer’s signature carries responsibility for public safety and that knowledge, resources and professional authority constitute a trust.
He also urged young people to verify information before sharing it, resist persistent hopelessness and combine constructive criticism with confidence in Pakistan’s future.
The Minister called for stronger university–industry collaboration and full opportunities for women engineers. He encouraged graduates working abroad to maintain active links with Pakistan through knowledge sharing, research, investment and professional networks.
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Concluding his address, he urged graduates to judge their contribution by what they would have helped build when Pakistan celebrates one hundred years of independence.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
