ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday encouraged the academia to play a proactive role in promoting the national narrative of harmony, stability, peace and progress.

In a meeting with participants of ‘Hilal Talks’, a national awareness programme that brought together teachers and experts from across the country at the Army Auditorium on Thursday, the COAS emphasised the need for critical thinking and knowledge-driven economies.

“Our academic institutions must serve as centres for critical thinking, reasoning and organic innovative solutions for Pakistan’s progress,” he said and acknowledged the challenges being faced by higher education, including in the field of research.

He reiterated the army’s commitment to support the government’s initiatives to improve academic environment and promote innovative research.

According to ISPR, sessions and group discussions on a range of international, regional and national issues were held during Hilal Talks.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2025