Universities Must Serve as Centers of Dialogue, Research and National Development: Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan

Speaker Punjab Assembly Addresses Inaugural Ceremony of Mukabbir University of Science & Technology, Gujrat
By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
Gujrat: Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, on Friday formally inaugurated Mukabbir University of Science & Technology in Gujrat, underscoring the role of universities as hubs of dialogue, research and national development.
He was accompanied by Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafi Hussain. The ceremony was attended by Rana Javed Iqbal; Members of the Provincial Assembly Chaudhry Abdullah Yousaf, Tashfeen Safdar and Raja Aslam Khan; Dr. Tariq Saleem; Chaudhry Ansar Dholl; Professor Irfan Ahmad; Iftikhar Ahmad Cheema; along with a large number of students, faculty members and representatives from political and social circles.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker said a university is not merely a building but a comprehensive center of diverse disciplines and intellectual development where students engage with science, philosophy, politics, research and the practical demands of life. He appreciated the institution’s modern infrastructure, academic blocks and sports facilities — including horse riding and swimming — noting that a well-rounded educational environment plays a pivotal role in nurturing youth talent and serving the nation.
He emphasized that universities must function as platforms for dialogue, tolerance and respect for differing opinions. “In research, multiple perspectives naturally emerge. Students must pursue knowledge and scientific inquiry with open minds,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen a culture of dialogue within educational institutions to enable the younger generation to contribute positively to national progress.
Referring to constitutional obligations, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that while the state is responsible for providing basic education under the Constitution of Pakistan, the private sector is also playing a significant role in promoting higher education and research. In developed nations, he noted, universities lead advancements in scientific innovation, agriculture and medicine, supported by adequate government funding and resources. He stressed that Pakistan must similarly prioritize research and innovation at the national level.
Expressing concern over disparities in the education system, the Speaker highlighted the widening resource gap between public and private institutions, warning that it is contributing to social inequality. He expressed hope that Mukabbir University and other private institutions would allocate at least a 10 percent quota for underprivileged and deserving students to ensure access to quality higher education for talented youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He further observed that the present era is defined by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement, making it imperative to equip young people with research capabilities, innovation skills and scientific thinking.
Concluding his address, the Speaker commended the efforts of the university administration and expressed hope that the institution would achieve prominence in academia and play a meaningful role in national development.