City Desk
Islamabad: Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, chief guest at the NUST Master Convocation 2026 in Islamabad on 19 October, urged graduates to champion Pakistan’s economic transformation, saying universities must act as growth engines through technology, innovation and research. The ceremony awarded degrees to 66 PhD scholars, along with President’s Gold Medals to 26 undergraduates and Chancellor’s Silver Medals to 28.
Rector Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif told graduates that knowledge alone is not enough and that they must lead with honesty, integrity and dedication. He said NUST is focused on emerging technologies and leadership skills in the age of AI, and expressed confidence that women graduates would lead with courage.
Iqbal said Pakistan still lags in technology, per capita income and exports, and described increasing exports as the priority of the Uraan Pakistan programme. He said AI is disrupting existing systems, making reforms and a stable, peaceful environment essential. He encouraged graduates to build lasting legacies, learn from setbacks and see Pakistan’s youth as Iqbal’s Shaheen (eagle). The event opened NUST Convocation Week 2026.
