21st century is knowledge-based century: Ahsan Iqbal

Waqar Naseem Wamiq RIYADH — Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms Chaudhary Ahsan Iqbal addressed the Pakistani community here recently. In his keynote address in the annual leadership seminar arranged by Pak Professionals Forum (PPF) he said the 21st century is knowledge-based century of Information and technology. Director Darussalam Publications Maulana Abdul Maalik Mujahid also addressed the audience. The program was attended by the Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq as chief guest. Deputy Head of Mission Hassan Wazir, Head of Chancery Sardar Muhammad Khattak and several community representatives also attended the seminar. The keynote speaker Ch. Ahsan Iqbal began his speech in a evocative manner stating: “21st century is knowledge-based century of Information and technology. Previously we knew about the agricultural and industrial eras, but we must update and equip ourselves with the modern technologies in this new era.” “Allah has given the miracle of knowledge in shape of Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Once we were the leaders of the world. If Muslims want to lead the world and wants to be successful once again than they must regain their lost identity of wisdom and knowledge,” Ahsan added. Speaking at the seminar he stressed his countrymen to shun negativity. “We must stop our negative approach to all subjects, we must begin now in positive manners to provide pivotal direction of success. And one of the success story is the Pak-China economic corridor that is going to be the backbone of our upcoming economic revolution in Pakistan,” he said Patron In chief of PPF and prominent scholar Maulana Abdul Maalik Mujahid reminded the audience about the golden era of Muslims in his speech and advised them to follow the teachings of Islam according to Qur’an-o-Sunnah in order to regain the respect and dignity of Ummah in the world. Mujahid recalled the golden saying of the second caliphate of Islam, Umar Bin Al-Khattab, who said: “We were the most humiliated people on earth and God gave us honor through Islam. If we ever seek honor through anything else, God will humiliate us again.” PPF awarded two students of Pakistan International School (English Section and Nassariyah respectively) with certificates of appreciation and gift hampers. Hamza Abid Hussain of PISES secured first position in physics of annual Cambridge exams in the world, and Hafiz Usama of PISR got the first position in a Qirat competition in which 50 international schools of Riyadh were in fray. PPF President Imran Zaheer highlighted the activities of Pak Professional Forum and gave a brief introduction in his welcome note. The seminar was ably conducted by Ahmed.