Schoolchildren asked to exhibit faith, unity, discipline

President Alvi advises students to focus on their studies

President Dr Arif Alvi called upon school children to adopt the values of discipline, unity, and faith espoused by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to achieve success in life.

He was speaking at an event “Quaid aur Bachay” organised at the President House in connection with the birthday of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah the other day.

Samina Alvi, wife of President Dr Alvi, ministers, members of Parliament and people from different walks of life attended the event.

The president praised the performances of children who paid tribute to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e -Azam and in their speeches highlighted different aspects and achievements of his life. He said freedom was a blessing and many nations struggled for hundreds of years to get freedom which was the most precious quality.

Dr Alvi expressed his optimism that the country’s vibrant youth would take leadership roles in the future and play a pivotal role in the affairs of the country. He advised the children not to waste their time and focus on their studies.

While sharing his experiences of youth’s days, the president said sports were good for body and mind but youth should follow the advice of their parents and keep balance in the studies and sports. The president noted that the mother of Quaid-i-Azam, who was also fond of sports, advised him to pursue his studies.

“Children used to write letters to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who also replied to those letters,” he told the children. Quaid-i-Azam kept his sister Fatima Jinnah alongside him, he said, adding family values were important to keep the society moving ahead. Goals could be achieved with unity, he said and urged the students to always speak truth and stay away from evil.

The president called upon the children to respect their parents and teachers and take care of elders as pronounced by the Islamic teachings in the Holy Quran.

Youth should also exhibit good behaviour towards children from other religions and differently-abled children, he stressed.

At the end of the event, the president along with the children cut a cake to celebrate the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam.

He also posed for a group photo with the school children who performed at the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2021.