Independent Report
QUETTA (November 12): Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has called for a comprehensive review of the province’s educational curriculum to bring it in closer harmony with the philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the evolving requirements of modern education.
Speaking at a one-day seminar on “Iqbal Studies,” organized by the Directorate General of Culture, Government of Balochistan, in collaboration with the Iranian Cultural Center Quetta, the governor said educational institutions must equip young people with the ability to think independently, conduct research, embrace scientific inquiry and respond creatively to emerging challenges.
Mandokhail observed that the purpose of education should extend beyond acquiring degrees or seeking government employment. He said students needed to develop knowledge, innovation, intellectual independence and a sense of responsibility so they could play a meaningful role in society.
Discussing Iqbal’s intellectual legacy, the governor described the philosopher and poet as a visionary thinker whose ideas drew upon both Eastern spiritual traditions and Western philosophical thought. He said many of Iqbal’s concepts continued to offer guidance in addressing contemporary social and intellectual challenges.
He stressed that Iqbal’s teachings should not be confined to the memorization of poetry. Instead, students should be encouraged to understand and apply his concepts concerning selfhood, personal development, moral responsibility and collective advancement.
The governor also referred to Iqbal’s academic accomplishments and his reported role in contributing to Afghanistan’s educational curriculum during the rule of King Nadir Shah.
He urged public and private universities to give greater attention to research, critical analysis, scientific inquiry and cultural values, saying such an approach would help students prepare for rapidly changing professional and technological environments.
Mandokhail said genuine recognition of Iqbal’s contribution required translating his intellectual principles into educational practices and everyday life rather than restricting his legacy to commemorative events held each year.
MNA Akhtar Bibi, Iranian Cultural Center Director General Abolhassan Amiri, Provincial Secretary for Culture and Tourism Hameedullah Khan Nasir, along with academics, researchers and literary personalities, attended the seminar.
At the end of the event, the governor presented commemorative shields to researchers and organizers in recognition of their contributions.
Mandokhail reiterated that Iqbal’s emphasis on knowledge, character-building and self-reliance could serve as an important foundation for shaping the educational direction and future development of the younger generation.
