QUETTA | Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has urged the Education Department to review the existing curriculum and align it with the philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the demands of modern education.
Governor calls for curriculum review, urges universities to promote scientific thinking, research, creativity and critical thinking among students
Addressing a one-day seminar titled “Iqbal Studies,” organized by the Directorate General of Culture, Government of Balochistan, in collaboration with the Iranian Cultural Center Quetta, the governor emphasized the need to develop research skills, scientific thinking, creativity and critical awareness among young people.
He said education should not be limited to obtaining degrees or securing government jobs but should prepare students to contribute to society through knowledge, innovation and independent thinking.
Align Education Curriculum with Iqbal’s Vision, Modern Needs: Governor
Highlighting Iqbal’s intellectual contributions, Mandokhail described him as a visionary philosopher who combined Eastern spiritual traditions with Western philosophical thought, offering insights that remain relevant to contemporary challenges.
The governor stressed that studying Iqbal should go beyond memorizing poetry, encouraging educational institutions to explore his philosophy of selfhood, intellectual development, moral responsibility and collective progress.
He also referred to Iqbal’s academic achievements and his reported contribution to Afghanistan’s educational curriculum during the reign of King Nadir Shah.
Mandokhail called on public and private universities to strengthen research, critical thinking, scientific inquiry and cultural values, enabling students to meet emerging professional and technological challenges.
He emphasized that meaningful appreciation of Iqbal’s legacy required translating his ideas into educational practices and everyday conduct rather than limiting them to annual commemorations.
The seminar was attended by MNA Akhtar Bibi, Iranian Cultural Center Director General Abolhassan Amiri, Provincial Secretary for Culture and Tourism Hameedullah Khan Nasir, and academics, researchers and literary figures.
At the conclusion, the governor presented commemorative shields to researchers and organizers, reaffirming that Iqbal’s vision of knowledge, character and self-reliance should guide the education and development of future generations.
