Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, has encouraged the academia to play proactive role in promoting national narrative of harmony, stability, peace and progress.
He was interacting with participants of “Hilal Talks” at the Army Auditorium in Rawalpindi today.
Spanning interactive sessions and group discussions on a range of international, regional and national issues, “Hilal Talks” are intended to act as a forum for perspective sharing among members of Pakistan’s academic community.
As an acknowledgment of the critical role that academia plays in national progress through innovation, research and in influencing perceptions, the Forum brought together around eighteen hundred members of the academic community, comprising Vice Chancellors, Heads of Departments, senior faculty members, principals and students from institutions across Pakistan. Majority of whom participated in the “Hilal Talks” through virtual mediums.
Special emphasis was made on participation from southern districts in Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
Emphasizing the need for critical thinking and imperatives of knowledge-driven economies, the Chief of Army Staff stated that our academic institutions must serve as centers for critical thinking, reasoning and organic innovative solutions for Pakistan’s progress.
The Chief of Army Staff acknowledged the challenges being faced by higher education including in the field of research, and reiterated Army’s commitment in supporting Government’s initiatives to improve academic environment and promote innovative research.
After a candid Question Answer session, participants appreciated the institution of “Hilal Talks” and expressed confidence that such initiatives would significantly contribute in fostering an atmosphere for sharing ideas, open up avenues for research and innovation, and gradually strengthen national cohesion through sustained interaction.
The Forum concluded with a shared commitment to work together towards a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.
