Development: President cautions against fear-mongering

Says nation must reject violent elements, support govt in its pursuit of progress

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that violence and fear-mongering could push the country towards chaos and anarchy and hamper its progress.

He also said that Islam stood for peace and security and those misusing and exploiting it were not only doing disservice to the community but also to the country.

While speaking at a convocation of the Air University here on Thursday, the president said that everyone must understand the fact that nothing could be achieved by resorting to violence.

“Only the right path needs to be chosen to achieve higher objectives as violence never helps achieve anything,” he said.

He said that political stability was vital for national growth and economic development and this could be achieved by expanding business and trade activities.

Mamnoon said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project could help make Pakistan economically strong.

The president said that the nation must stand united and support the government in national its pursuit of development and progress.

He said that in the past the country was subjected to a lot of abuse and corruption and mismanagement ruled the roost.

Manoon mentioned that in 1999 Pakistan’s external debt was Rs3,000 billion and it stood at Rs14,800 billion when the present government came to power in 2013.

He said that previous governments were duty-bound to start work on alternative projects for construction of water reservoirs, when the Kalabagh dam issue became controversial. He said that the previous governments failed to initiate work on Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams, despite the fact that their feasibility was complete.

The president said that the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) would help overcome energy crisis. He said that though there was some criticism on the LNG price, it was not possible to import the gas at a lower price.

While addressing the graduates, Mamnoon advised them to focus on their studies and urged women graduates to join the workforce after complete their education to take the country forward.

He also said that the women graduates should not hesitate from travelling abroad to seek higher education.

Later, the president handed over degrees and shields among the successful graduates.

Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed was also present.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who is also Chairman of the Board of the Air University, presented a commemorative shield to the president. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2016.