National News

ISLAMABAD, (millat+APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Saturday
urged the youth to keep themselves fully abreast with the global
changes and technology savvy world, so that they can play an
effective role in the progress and development of the country.
Contrary to the past, he said this era was not only
spearheaded by the fast paced technology, but new concepts
and realities were emerging as well.
Addressing at the Convocation of Ripah University here,
the President reminded the students that a full comprehension
and adaption of these transformations were inevitable to
achieve national objectives.
It was also equally important to understand the factors
that pushed this region into unrest and instability; promoted
extremism and caused unprecedented bloodshed, which not only
affected Pakistan but the whole region, he added.
The President said besides, emerging changes in the
arena of international politics, it was also important for
the youth to realize the global economic trends for their
future challenges and opportunities.
As a result of the emerging global scenario and the new
alignments, this region has got special importance, he said,
adding it was in this backdrop that the national leadership,
had undertaken a long-term strategy and launched the Economic
Corridor with the cooperation of our great friend China.
He noted with satisfaction that CPEC was currently in
the completion phase and with the grace of Allah Almighty,
trade convoys had also started moving under it.
This corridor was in a way an extension of the
historic Silk Route, which would not only benefit this region
but the whole world, he added.
He said new prospects of development and progress had
emerged from the operationalization of the Gwadar Port where
first trade cargo had been sent.
The President noted with appreciation that Russia and
Central Asian Republics (CARs) had also expressed their keen
interest and desire to become a part of the CPEC and benefit
from the vast connectivity opportunities being created.
He said efforts were on to make Diamer-Bhasha Dam a
part of the CPEC.
A number of wind, solar, coal and nuclear energy
projects were also being implemented, he said, adding
that there was no change in CPEC Western route.
The President about the steps taken by the current
government for the economic turnaround, said it had paid
back $10 billion debt with interest out of the total $15
billion of the past regimes, whereas the foreign reserves
had surged to $24 billion.
The President said the role of Pakistan and China for
including all countries of the region in CPEC, a project of
progress and prosperity would be written in the history in
golden words.
He said for availing these opportunities created for
Pakistan’s stability and prosperity, the youth would have
to prepare themselves with the latest knowledge, skills and
expertise.
While without compromising on ideologies and national
objectives, they have to conform with the global system,
and put his region on the road of progress and stability,
by taking it out from the clutches of war and conflicts, he
added.
He also regretted that during previous regimes,
corruption had left the country lagging behind in respect of
progress and development.
The President hoped that everybody in the country would
now contribute towards completion of all the development
projects, so that the dreams of our Quaid and Allama Iqbal
should be realized.
Dr. Mukhtar, Chairman Higher Education Commission,
Hassan Muhammad Khan, Chancellor (Designate), Prof. Dr. Anis
Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, and ambassadors of China, Mauritius
and Oman were also present on the occasion.
Extending his heartiest congratulations to the
successful students, the President expressed his confidence
that they would serve the country and nation.
The President also expressed his satisfaction that
during the last few years, the trend of getting higher
studies in Pakistan had increased and the number of experts
in various disciplines of life would augment this tendency.
He said education was essential to move ahead with the
world, but the objectives of education could not be achieved
if its moral aspect was ignored, a society became weakened if
it lost its moral values due to corruption and debauchery.
Appreciating launch of “Life and Living” programme by
the Ripah University, he asked the Higher Education Commission
to also include other universities in this experience, after
reviewing this curriculum.
The President said noted that the women made half or
even more of Pakistan’s population. This proportion of
population indicated that until our women included themselves
in the mainstream, the dream of national development would not
be realized, he added.
The President also advised that they should always keep
in mind the fact that they were the daughters of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, who had their own ideological and
cultural identity.
This caution was essential, as the people who go abroad,
particularly, youth represent themselves as country’s
ambassadors and their acts exhibit their country’s identity,
he added.
He also congratulated the University for getting second
position in the Higher Education Commission’s ranking.
The President also prayed for the departed soul of Maj.
Gen. Dr. Zulfikar Ali Khan, who laid the foundation of Ripah
University.
The President also gave away prizes, certificates and
medals to students and staff members for excelling in their
respective disciplines.