Rabat: In a significant recognition of leadership in education, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, received the Lifetime Achievement Medal of Honour at the 6th Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, held in Rabat, Morocco.
The award acknowledges Prof. Iqbal’s leadership in transforming Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in higher education and innovation. His work is noted for reviving a civilization-building ethos rooted in ethical inquiry and technological advancement within the Islamic world.
Speaking at the forum, Prof. Iqbal highlighted the influence of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his vision. He emphasized the importance of Iqbal’s ideas of selfhood and creative reasoning in shaping a knowledge-driven future for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s higher education landscape has transformed under Prof. Iqbal’s leadership. The number of public universities expanded from 99 in 2013 to 154 by 2025, with enrolment increasing from 1.1 million to 1.65 million students, and faculty strength rising significantly.
Key initiatives driven by Prof. Iqbal include overseas PhD scholarships, the Pakistan-U.S. Knowledge Corridor, and the establishment of National Centres of Excellence in various fields. These efforts have culminated in the launch of Quantum Valley Pakistan, a deep-tech ecosystem, and a National Venture Capital Fund.
At the forum, Prof. Iqbal articulated a vision for pan-Islamic cooperation, proposing initiatives such as an ICESCO Knowledge Alliance and a Youth Research Mobility and Leadership Programme. This vision aims to foster collaboration in education, research, and technological innovation across Islamic countries.
Prof. Iqbal’s recognition at the forum follows his acknowledgment by the Asian Productivity Organization, underscoring his role in championing innovation-led and inclusive development in Asia.
Expressing gratitude to Pakistan’s leadership, Prof. Iqbal dedicated the award to the youth, scholars, and educators of Pakistan. He called for embracing Allama Iqbal’s vision as a guiding compass for a self-reliant and enlightened Muslim society.
This recognition highlights Pakistan’s growing influence in the global education and innovation sectors, reinforcing its commitment to a knowledge-driven future in the Islamic world.