Pakistan lacks serious, focused approach, says Kobler

German envoy shows interest in enhancing cooperation on education, energy, climate issues

Pakistan’s present input to research and education is not adequate, said German Ambassador Martin Kobler while answering a question during his visit to the Air University.

“A nation armed with nuclear weapons is surprisingly not even able to produce export quality bicycles and relies heavily on imports from other countries for even such minor commodities,” he said interacting with the students and the faculty.

The reason for such deficiency, according to him, was definitely not a lack of potential, but a lack of a more serious and focused approach. He assured that Germany was ready to support and cooperate in various areas of development in order to empower Pakistani youth and make Pakistan leap forward in the 21st century.

Kobler has said that he is deeply impressed with and is in love with Pakistan due to the warm hospitality he always received from the Pakistani people and the heritage-rich beautiful landscape of the country. He made these remarks during his visit to Air University, Islamabad. On the occasion, the German envoy was warmly welcomed by the vice chancellor, deans, directors, HoDs, faculty members and a large number of students.

The German ambassador, during a lively question and answer session, showed a strong desire to further strengthen bilateral relations by enhancing cooperation especially in the areas of youth development and education, climate change and energy, and modern economy. On the occasion, German Academic Exchange in Pakistan (DAAD) Director Inge Iqbal also explained different opportunities available for academic and research collaboration between Pakistani and German universities.

The ambassador, during his visit, admired the modernised building and an overall aura of innovativeness by labeling it as a “modern”, “friendly” and “green” university.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2019.