- CGSS in collaboration with IIUI organise a Conference on “Reclaiming Pakistaniat”
- Without following our religion we cannot be a successful nation: President IIUI
ISLAMABAD, December 20: The aim of the Conference was to channelize the young generation towards the main stream of nation building for their contribution as an active and beneficial member of the society and to motivate the youth to rejuvenate the old spirit of “Pakistaniat”. The Conference addressed the dire need to identify collective efforts for combating the current and future threats to national harmony that are major hurdles in creating a unified nation based with a sense of belonging to Pakistan.
The conference commenced with the welcome remarks of Lieutenant General Muhammad Zahir Ul Islam, HI(M), (Retd) – Chairman CGSS who thanked the honorable speakers and participants of the Conference.
Chief Guest of the occasion, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood – Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training presented speech on “Reclaiming Pakistaniat” by raising the question that what is Pakistaniat? He stated that it is a passion of nationalism which can not be described but it is observable in the wars of 1965 and 1971. It is the feeling of 1992 world cup, it is our music, our culture and our heroes like Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal. We as a nation have a single frame of reference but multiple challenges. He further stated that we need to increase our literacy rate and eliminate poverty but most importantly, we have to reform our judicial system to induce equality in the society. We need to reform our educational system by creating one syllabus across the country. There is internal subversion in our country which gave birth to terrorism. In the end, he thanked Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), for organizing this Conference as these type of activities pave the path for success of the nation.
Prof. Dr. MasoomYasinzai, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Aizaz-e-Fazeelat – Rector, International Islamic University, Islamabad stated that don’t fitter away your energies and use your energies for your country. Pakistan can only win this race by upgrading its technology and by being part of the international community.Women should not be neglected in this regard. He gave message to the youth to be an entrepreneur, create job opportunities for yourself and your fellows. We need to build narrative of Pakistan.
Professor Dr. Ahmed Yousif Ahmed Al Draiweesh – President, International Islamic University, Islamabad stated that it is the responsibility of our media and educational institutions to educate our youthand in case of irresponsibility, it will be a loss for our country. Without following our religion we cannot be a successful nation. As a nation, we need to resolve our issues on our own and trust the youth of our country.
Brigadier Akhtar Nawaz Janjua, SI (M), (Retd)- Member Advisory Board, Center for Global & Strategic Studies presented speech on Rising Nationalism in Pakistan as a Tool of Public Administration. He stated that we never understood the true essence of Pakistaniat. He stated that we can only exist as a federation, our leaders must know this fact and act accordingly. Spiritual foundations of Pakistan must be included in our syllabus. We need to reform our political system and it is the right of the citizens to disqualify any corrupt person. We must dissolvethree tiered educational system and teachers should be the highest payed lot of our country. We must not build schools for business purposes and they must serve its real purpose.
Mr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri – Executive Director Sustainable Development Policy Institute, (SDPI) Islamabad shared his views on Economic Situation in Pakistan: The Way Forward. He stated that national and individual security is essential to forge a strong collective identity. Economic problems are created by the passage of time and similarly they require time for its resolution. We have mainly three problems in our country; direct taxes revenue collection, energy deficit and annual deficit in public sector enterprises. These issues can be resolved through structural reforms by increasing our direct taxes base, stabilizing country rates and solving the problem of energy crises.
Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting/Senior Member Board of Advisors, Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabadpresented speech on Two Nation Theory: Implications in Today’s Pakistan. He stated that two nation theory started from riasat-e-madina and it teaches us peaceful coexistence, forgiveness and freedom of religion. Furthermore, he stated that we are drifting away from the true essence of our education and educational institutes are merely becoming a hub for business purposes. Today, every person has a degree but lacks knowledge which is the real reason people do not know the true meaning of two nation theory.
Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry – Former Federal Tax Ombudsman shared views on Protecting Human Rights: Implications for the Societal Change. He stated that 58% of our population constitutes of women population which are not getting their basic rights. -PR
