Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, urged the country’s academic institutions to take a leading role in promoting national unity and peace through critical thinking and innovation. Speaking at the “Hilal Talks” forum in Rawalpindi on May 29, the COAS emphasized the value of academia in shaping a stable, knowledge-driven society.
Hilal Talks: A Platform for Ideas
The Hilal Talks, held at the Army Auditorium, brought together around 1,800 academics from across Pakistan. Participants included vice chancellors, department heads, senior faculty, principals, and students, many of whom joined virtually. The initiative aims to foster open dialogue on international, regional, and national issues while encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
Special emphasis was placed on inclusion, with participants from the southern districts of Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan joining the discussions.
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Encouraging Innovation and Critical Thinking
In his address, the Army Chief called for universities to become hubs of independent thought and local innovation. He stressed the importance of transitioning toward a knowledge economy, where academic institutions provide organic solutions to national challenges.
Highlighting the critical role of higher education in national development, the COAS acknowledged the research-related challenges currently faced by academia. He reaffirmed the military’s support for government-led efforts to strengthen the education sector and promote research.
A Collective Vision for National Progress
The event featured an open Q&A session where participants directly engaged with the COAS. Attendees praised the Hilal Talks initiative, expressing hope that it would continue to build bridges between academia and national institutions.
The forum concluded with a unified call for sustained academic engagement to reinforce peace, cohesion, and progress in Pakistan. Participants agreed that regular interaction through such platforms would inspire innovation and enrich the national discourse.
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