Federal Minister Calls for Youth Guidance Through Iqbal’s Teachings to Counter Infowar Threats
A high-level steering committee meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the urgent need to shape the intellectual and ideological direction of Pakistani youth in the current age of information warfare. The session called for a cohesive national narrative to eradicate extremism, promote social harmony, and ensure effective youth participation in national development.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed relevant institutions to implement coordinated measures that nurture tolerance among young people, moving away from hate and divisiveness. He highlighted the importance of steering youth away from intellectual confusion by grounding them in the philosophical teachings of Allama Iqbal, seen as a safeguard against ideological aggression infiltrating the country.
Special focus was given to creating emergency employment opportunities for youth in conflict-affected and underprivileged areas. The minister noted that the government has already initiated a targeted program to generate jobs and economic prospects in the country’s 20 poorest districts. He also referenced the provision of scholarships to 5,000 talented students from Balochistan and the former FATA region between 2013 and 2018.
The meeting instructed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to take concrete steps to fully integrate scholarship recipients from Balochistan into the mainstream national development pipeline. Vice Chancellors from major universities in Punjab and Islamabad were urged to play a leading role in promoting unity and social integration among students.
In another key recommendation, the committee suggested ending hostel allotment in universities on linguistic or ethnic grounds, aiming to foster greater solidarity among students. Provincial governments were tasked with developing comprehensive programs to instill patriotism and national consciousness in youth, particularly in connection with Independence Day celebrations.
The committee further stressed that drama and media content should be leveraged not just for entertainment but as powerful tools for social reform and positive messaging.
The meeting brought together senior officials from provincial governments, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Ministry of Law & Justice, PEMRA, HEC, and the Ministry of Planning. The committee also reviewed progress on decisions from previous sessions, underscoring the need for prompt action to ensure enduring harmony at the national level.
