Imran Khan vows to turn Pakistan into knowledge-based economy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said that his government was determined to turn Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy and innovation by utilizing the energies of youth at proper platforms.

Addressing the inauguration of the country’s first Science and Technology Park here at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), the prime minister said increased allocation in budget for innovative knowledge would be his prime priority despite financial constraints to put the country on track of development.

The NUST Science and Technology Park is aimed at harbouring companies and start-ups in diverse areas particularly agriculture, health, automobiles and smart technologies and will act as a link between academia and industries.

“Pakistan is the second youngest population in the world, which could do marvels if provided with right opportunities to excel,” PM Khan said. “The government will replicate more technology parks in the country to involve youth in the domain of innovation.”

Khan empashized meritocracy and accountability as vital ingredients of democracy, which he said flourished talent for the benefit of the country.

He said the societies that discouraged merit got ultimately ruined and mentioned the hierarchy of major political parties in the country where leaders were chosen on the basis of hereditary set up rather than merit.

Imran Khan said Pakistan once a shining nation in sixties in view of its performance indicators faced a downfall in later decades due to inefficiency of system and institutions.

He expressed satisfaction that NUST was progressing as an institution that encouraged research in modern sciences and urged upon the students to maximum exploit their potential by challenging themselves in the field of education.

He asked them to realize the ‘Cycle of struggle’ and never get disappointed by setbacks in life and always get back to their feet with more courage to deal with challenges.