The 4th convocation ceremony of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics was held on Tuesday at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad. Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiative, was the chief guest of the ceremony.
Acknowledging the services of PIDE, Federal Minister underscored the unique status PIDE enjoys in the academic arena of the country and appreciated PIDE’s role in preparing the future leadership to adeptly take on the existing and emerging challenges in the country.
Federal Minister said that PIDE is a valuable institution, and I have always had a keen interest in the research produced by this worthy organization. I believe that research is the way to sustainable development. I have personally engaged with academic research in the past to help create a knowledge-based economy. Sound economic policies and development plans must draw upon high-quality research.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal further stated that we live in the age of information. In this day and age, economic and social policy can no longer remain isolated from real-time data and robust research foundations. The new forces of technology, information, globalization, and innovation are shifting development paradigms.
According to the PIDE Press Release, Six students were awarded gold medals and merit certificates in various disciplines in the Third Convocation held on October 28, 2014. Around 1582 students are being bestowed degrees in multiple disciplines in the fourth convocation this year. PIDE has produced about 2133 graduates working at different national and international organizations total of 64 students were awarded Gold Medals for extraordinary academic prowess during their time at PIDE.
