Peace, stability prerequisites to materialize dream of progress: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said peace and stability are prerequisites without which dream of progress and prosperity cannot be materialized.
The conclusion of research conducted in all parts of the world is that providing security and maintaining law and order are the key to execute development projects.
The inclusive and sustainable development is the best way to ensure long-lasting peace, he was addressing a function, organised in connection with International Day of Peace here at Convention Centre.
Ministry of Interior arranged the event which is being celebrated alongside all other peace-loving nations of the world on September 21.
The function was attended by Secretary Interior, Arshad Mirza, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, renowned singer Shehzad Roy, school and university students and media-persons.
Ahsan Iqbal said in other words, peace and development are intertwined and added to put it in Hegelian terms, there is a dialectical relationship between peace and development.
“The people of the country value importance of peace and stability more than anyone else as they have lost thousands of men and women in uniform and civilians in war on terror,” he said, adding that with every sacrifice, the resolve of nation against violent extremism and terrorism has strengthened over time.
The Minister said Pakistan has made it clear that it will continue to fight terrorism until it is completely eliminated from the country once and for all.
Pakistanis aspire to lead a peaceful and prosperous life. The political and democratic history of the country is a testimony to the fact that its people have always rejected the forces of extremism and violence and sided with the forces of peace and development.
He said one of the country’s biggest assets is its youth who are a force of positivity and progress and added numerous educational and skill development programmes are being launched to facilitate the youth.
The Minister said during next three years, every district in the country would a have a university campus which would facilitate the local students.
Moreover, HEC has been asked to initiate Inter Universities Olympics to promote sports activities amongst students.
On the occasion, the Minister administered oath from office bearers of Young Peace and Development Corps which he launched to to create linkages of Planning Commission with universities where intellectual capital of the country lies.
Young Development Corps aims to engage youth in a way where energy of the youth is harnessed in a positive manner for a better Pakistan and also to take the Vision 2025 goals and pillars down to university level in order to generate input from the youth.
“It is essential that we leave a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan for our future generations. Therefore, we must learn from our past and avoid repeating the same mistakes. It is a healthy exercise to critically reflect on our past and pragmatically plan for our future,” he added.
The Minister said through various energy projects power shortage would be overcome, which is the first prerequisite of industrial development. The energy security would ensure economic security for the country,” Ahsan Iqbal, who is also Minister for Planning Development and Reforms, said.
Ahsan Iqbal said development and improved standard of living was not possible without peace, stability and harmony. The world had entered the information age and countries were competing for economic ascendancy.
“If there is a conflict, then the development process gets stalled,” he maintained.
As for peace and security, a requirement for industrial investment and development, he mentioned that the government had taken solid steps to improve the security situation in the country.
“Pakistan was committed to peace in the region. The government was working in coordination with other governments to promote regional peace, he said and added only a strong economy with favourable environment would ensure development and prosperity.
The minister said Pakistan had defeated terrorism and now its economy, sports activities and tourism were being revived.
He said Pakistan was on the path of recovery, contrary to 2013, when security situation was not well, but now there was renewed optimism and energy.
He said as a developing country, Pakistan needed to harness its human and natural resources. It needed to make speedy progress by enhancing cooperation.
He said the future belonged to those who blended science with economy and focused on innovation and creativity for achieving development. good results. – APP
Story first published: 21st September 2017
Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/09/peace-stability-prerequisites-materialize-dream-progress-ahsan/