Govt Did Best Root Canal of Economy and Made It Smile Again: Ahsan Iqbal
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday used a dental metaphor to describe how the coalition government performed a root canal on Pakistan’s economy to make it smile again.
Addressing the first international dental conference organized by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, the minister said economic conditions inherited in 2022 had pushed Pakistan close to default, but the government’s measures helped stabilize the situation and restore confidence in the economy.
Referring to the period from 2018 to 2022, Iqbal said Pakistan’s economy had been damaged by policies that created serious challenges. He compared the situation to teeth being harmed by excessive sweets.
He said Pakistan’s economic recovery was now facing opposition and said everyone must continue strengthening its economy and remain focused on long-term growth. He said the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative aims to transform the country into a $1 trillion economy by 2035.
AI Expected to Transform Dentistry
Speaking about the future of healthcare, Iqbal said artificial intelligence is expected to become a key driver of innovation in medicine and dentistry.
He said leading global universities are already exploring AI applications in healthcare and emphasized that Pakistani institutions must also focus on research, innovation, and technology adoption.
The minister said universities should not remain limited to teaching activities but should become centers of research capable of solving national challenges.
He urged researchers to focus on projects that create measurable improvements in people’s lives and contribute to Pakistan’s development.
New PhD Programs Planned in Dentistry
The Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University said Pakistan is launching nine new PhD programs in dentistry for the first time.
He credited the Planning Minister for supporting the expansion of dental education and approving the university’s new medical block project.
The minister said the goal was to transform the dental institution into a modern facility that could serve as a model for other provinces.
He also called on dental institutions to voluntarily conduct oral health awareness campaigns in government schools.
Youth Can Help Build Pakistan’s Future
Planning Minister said around 60 percent of the country’s population consists of young people.
He expressed hope that future dentists and professionals would dedicate themselves to serving the country and use their skills and creativity to help Pakistan achieve a stronger position globally.
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