Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan has earned international recognition for its efforts to promote peace while emphasizing that the country’s future depends on education and knowledge. Speaking at an event on Saturday, he urged young people to focus on learning beyond academic degrees and play a positive role in national development.
During his address, Khawaja Asif praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. He said their leadership had helped strengthen Pakistan’s position through both military and diplomatic achievements.
The defence minister claimed that Pakistan had gained respect globally for promoting peace during a period of regional tensions. According to him, the country’s diplomatic approach helped prevent a wider conflict and improved its image on the international stage.
He also said Pakistan had emerged successfully from what he described as both the “battle of war” and the “battle of peace.” He added that these achievements had increased the country’s global standing and earned appreciation from the international community.
Khawaja Asif described the past one-and-a-half years as a period of significant national progress. He said the achievements during this time would be remembered in the country’s history and reflected Pakistan’s growing influence in regional and international affairs.
Alongside his remarks on peace and diplomacy, the defence minister strongly emphasized the importance of education. He said the true purpose of education should be to gain knowledge rather than simply earn academic qualifications.
According to him, possessing a degree does not automatically mean a person has acquired meaningful knowledge. He stressed that education should help individuals develop critical thinking, responsibility, and the ability to contribute positively to society.
The minister said that nations become stronger when they invest in education and human development. He added that a knowledgeable society is better equipped to overcome economic and social challenges while creating opportunities for future generations.
Speaking about the audience at the event, Khawaja Asif noted that nearly 85 percent of attendees were female students, while around 15 percent were male. He described this as an encouraging sign for the future of education in Pakistan.
He said greater female participation in education reflects positive social progress and highlights the importance of providing equal learning opportunities for everyone.
The defence minister also called upon teachers, social workers, parents, and community leaders to work together in guiding young people. He encouraged them to help students become responsible, productive, and ethical citizens who can contribute to national development.
He stressed that education should focus on character building as well as academic achievement. According to him, both knowledge and values are essential for building a stronger society.
The government, he said, remains committed to expanding access to quality education and creating better opportunities for young people across the country. He emphasized that investing in education is one of the most important steps toward long-term national progress.
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Concluding his remarks, Khawaja Asif reiterated that Pakistan’s future depends not only on peace and stability but also on educating its youth. He urged students to pursue knowledge with dedication and use their education to serve the country and contribute to a brighter future.
