‘Economic, social development impossible without peace’

Upgrading basic education and health facilities was a top priority of the government, he says

MULTAN: Punjab Minister for Energy Dr Akhtar Malik said that economic and social development was impossible without peace, and pledged to work with civil society for greater social harmony and lasting peace in the country.

He expressed these views while addressing a reception titled ‘Parliamentarians-Civil Society Dialogue’ organised in his honour by MPA Sabeen Gul Khan and Hafeez Ghee and General Mills.

Dr Malik said that the government was taking revolutionary measures to improve the lifestyle of ordinary people and poor segments of society. He added that upgrading basic education and health facilities was a top priority of the government.

Peace prospects in Afghanistan

MNA Malik Amir Dogar said that Multan would soon emerge as a hub of peace and development. He strongly criticised India for promoting extremism and terrorism in South Asia and unleashing a reign of state sponsored terrorism upon the innocent Kashmiris.

Dogar hailed the government and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for United Nations Security Council session on the issue of Indian Occupied Kashmir and the UNSC response ratifying the stance of Kashmiri people.

Bahauddin Zakariya University Vice Chancellor Dr Tariq Mahmood Ansari said that promotion of knowledge-based activities, education, culture and literature can be instrumental in maintaining peace. Civil society representatives presented their recommendations and participated in a question-answer session during which legislators briefed them in depth on government policy.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2019.