Rawalpindi: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, has encouraged academia to play a proactive role in promoting a national narrative of harmony, stability, peace, and progress. He was interacting with participants of ‘Hilal Talks’ at the Army Auditorium in Rawalpindi today.

According to Radio Pakistan, ‘Hilal Talks’ are designed as a forum for perspective sharing among members of Pakistan’s academic community, featuring interactive sessions and group discussions on a range of international, regional, and national issues. The Forum brought together around eighteen hundred members of the academic community, including Vice Chancellors, Heads of Departments, senior faculty members, principals, and students from institutions across Pakistan. A majority participated in ‘Hilal Talks’ through virtual mediums, with special emphasis on participation from southern districts in Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.

The Chief of Army Staff emphasized the importance of critical thinking and knowledge-driven economies, stating that academic institutions must serve as centers for critical thinking, reasoning, and innovative solutions to foster Pakistan’s progress. He acknowledged the challenges higher education faces, particularly in research, and reiterated the Army’s commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at improving the academic environment and promoting innovative research.

Following a candid Question and Answer session, participants expressed appreciation for the institution of ‘Hilal Talks’ and confidence that such initiatives would significantly contribute to fostering an atmosphere for sharing ideas, opening up avenues for research and innovation, and gradually strengthening national cohesion through sustained interaction. The Forum concluded with a shared commitment to work together towards a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.