Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal said innovation was the basic currency of Pakistan and it would be best for the country to progresses in this field.He was addressing the Sixth Invention to Innovation Summit organised by the Punjab University Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Pakistan Science Academy, Institute for Research Promotion, UMT and others at Al Raazi Hall on Wednesday.PU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir, UMT Rector Hassan Sohaib Murad, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Chairman Dr Muhammad Ashraf as well as researchers, scientists, faculty members and a large number of students were present.Addressing the summit, the minister said the incumbent government was using its position for economic cooperation instead of playing the power game. He said Pakistan, which was previously known for terrorism, is now being recognised as an emerging economy and one at the centre of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.He said many foreign countries expressed their interest in becoming part of CPEC, which was a sign of great change. He said Gwadar would become a model port city and centre of trade for the region in the next 20 years.“We must put Pakistan on the road to wealth with the help of all areas and segments of the country,” the minister said. “However, it is only possible when we have competitiveness.”He said Pakistan should adopt the principal of survival of the fittest and its products and services must match international standards. “We cannot compete with international markets unless there is a strong industry-academia linkage.”He said research at universities must be aligned with our industry. The minister said the research agenda must focus on improving standards of living, products and fulfill the demands of society.He said that productivity, quality and innovation were the three drivers of growth. Iqbal said quality products must be branded, adding there are no buyers for substandard goods.He blamed the religious leadership for failing to highlight the importance of invention and innovation. Iqbal pointed out that there was up to 18 hours a day of load shedding three years ago, but now electricity remained available for the same time duration.He said unprecedented investment had been made in the energy sector over the last three years and 10,000 megawatts of additional electricity would be added by 2018.The minister stated the world was restoring its confidence in Pakistan and foreign automobile giants would set up their factories in the country. Iqbal said that the country would produce 20,000 PhDs in the next ten years and 10,000 would come through the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor project from top-ranked American universities.He said the government’s responsibility was to equip the youth with knowledge and skill. He urged students to believe in Pakistan’s future and say goodbye to negative thinking. He congratulated Lahoris for successfully hosting the PSL cricket final in the city.Addressing the conference, PU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir said universities, as creators of knowledge, had to be linked with the real economy to shape a true understanding of the economy. “We need to provide the latest technologies to add value to our raw materials and export high value products and services,” the VC said. He added the academia must also involve its best human resources to solving the country’s problems. He invited proposals to increase technology diffusion in Pakistan. Nasir continued that technology, presentation and poster awards would also be given to distinguished participants of the conference to encourage them.Pakistan Science Academy Chairman Professor Dr Muhammad Ashraf said PSA was striving to generate funds and is currently executing 35 international projects. He said modern countries were focusing on reverse engineering.Published in The Express Tribune, March 9, 2017.