Gilani inaugurates ‘PM in dialogue with nation’

New initiative aims at engaging literati in devising national policy.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday acknowledged the positive contribution of literati towards a tolerant society, and assured that the national strategy will be drawn based on their suggestions to cope with internal and external challenges.

Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, writers and poets at the launch of his new initiative ‘PM in dialogue with nation’ at the Prime Minister Secretariat, the premier said there was an urgent need to develop and pursue a vision that addresses the needs of changing times. Under the new initiative, the prime minister will hold four interactive sessions with writers, artistes, vice chancellors of universities and media. Their suggestions would then be incorporated into the prime minister’s address to the nation on Pakistan Day.

Participants of Monday’s gathering included writers and intellectuals from all over the country who spoke on the necessity of developing a national curriculum that inculcates patriotism and spirit of nationalism in young minds.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Gilani also said that Pakistan desires good ties with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and interests. He recalled his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai and said his interactions with these leaders led to an improvement in bilateral ties.

The prime minister also acknowledged President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision of handing over his powers to the parliament in an unprecedented manner and said his government has always accorded respect to state institutions and restored the judiciary.

Speaking on the occasion Cabinet Secretary Nargis Sethi, who pioneered the idea of the dialogue, said it was for the first time that the cabinet meeting room will be used to formulate a national strategy, by seeking advice of the literati of the country.





Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2011.