Strong Economy, Advanced Technology, Unity Vital To National Defence: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 6th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Sunday said that Pakistan’s defence in the 21st century could no longer be viewed solely through the prism of protecting geographical borders. He asserted that a strong economy, advanced technology, skilled human capital, energy and water security, effective institutions, and national unity have become crucial pillars of national security.
Addressing a Defence Day ceremony as the chief guest, Ahsan Iqbal paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis, expressing that their sacrifices for Pakistan and their families would forever be an unpaid debt of the nation. He stated, "A martyr does not sacrifice his life alone; his entire family makes a sacrifice in the name of the homeland."
The minister highlighted that while Pakistan had foiled enemy designs through unity, resolve, and sacrifice in 1965, the nature of warfare had evolved. He identified new fronts in national defence, including cyber space, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, space technology, electronic warfare, and the information domain.
Ahsan Iqbal called for Pakistan to become a creator of technology rather than merely a consumer, advocating the development of indigenous capabilities in fields like artificial intelligence, cyber security, space sciences, robotics, quantum technology, and emerging areas. He emphasized the need to bring together universities, research centres, defence institutions, scientists, engineers, and the private sector to establish an integrated national ecosystem for research and innovation.
Economic sovereignty, according to the minister, is an essential component of national security. He argued that a strong and sustainable defence cannot be built on a weak economy, emphasizing the need for a shift towards an export-led economic growth model.
Ahsan Iqbal proposed a seven-point national strength and stability framework, linking Pakistan’s defence needs to its economic, technological, and social priorities. He stated the first priority as defence and technological superiority, necessitating Pakistan’s pursuit of defence and technological edge.
