<Thisi s a nation making sincere efforts to change, his speech was a class act, he spoke on reform and moderation in the deeply Islamic country of about 150 million people but has remained careful in the past not to directly provoke the powerful mullahs.
However, he sounded more aggressive Monday.
"Instead of behaving like an ostrich, hiding the face in the sand in front of dangers, we must confront these dangers realistically and squarely," he said.
"You must condemn and counter any religious personality who is dividing you and fueling hatred and sectarianism and promoting militancy in any form."
Musharraf said militants
President, students for end to extremism
By Hummaa Ahmad
ISLAMABAD: The country’s first ever three-day youth convention, organised under the auspices of Higher Education Commission (HEC) which began Saturday, concluded today with President Pervez Musharraf present throughout the marathon five-hour session.
The concluding session pulled together the thoughts and views of eight chosen speakers who gave individual presentations along the lines of three set thematic topics — investment in education; extremism a barrier to development; enlightened moderation key to globalisation.
Each speaker contributed a sensitive yet rational perspective in either Urdu or English, sensitizing the convention about their concept of nationhood and key issues that currently afflict the youth.
Speaking on the occasion, the president remarked at the impressive quality of the presentations, which reflected that their dialogue was a serious attempt to take on board and contribute to Pakistan’s development and the future which lay with the country’s young population.
He reiterated that to make Pakistan a moderate, tolerant and dynamic country, it was paramount to "emerge as a tolerant and moderate country among a comity of nations and to get rid of extremism" that is so damaging to the fabric of nationalism.
In his long speech President Pervez Musharraf called upon the youth for the need to counter four misperceptions, which were the presence of al-Qaeda remnants in Pakistan, allegations of the infiltration in Kashmir, alleged nuclear proliferation and the projection of Pakistan as an extremist society.
He said that Pakistan was actually in "the eye of the storm" and what was needed is unity and nationhood to develop Pakistan. He said, "I want to take the country on top, but without collective efforts the dream of progress cannot come true", adding that he wanted to take along the youth in all pertinent national issues as they are the future leaders of the nation. Commenting on his government’s commitment to education, the president said that "sincere efforts were made to improve the environment of educational institutions" and that educated enlightenment should be the focus of youth rather than political extremism which hampers progress and prosperity.
He stated, "we are nothing without Pakistan. Pakistan gave us respect and dignity and we should work for its honour and dignity".
He mentioned the role of Deeni Madaris that provide free boarding and lodging to around one million students, but, that they should also pay heed to impart a broad-based education and come more into the mainstream that will help students to become professionals in various fields.
Urging moderate Islamic values he reiterated that Islam teaches wisdom and tolerance, rejecting all forms of violence and prejudice. At the conclusion of his speech, the president was invited to meet the eight key speakers, during which he announced that each would receive a gift of Rs.25,000 and those student delegates invited to attend from across the country would be given Rs.5,000. The convention was attended by federal and provincial ministers, diplomats, government officials and students from various educational institutions.
President, students for end to extremism |
