ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday called for building bridges of peace and harmony while rejecting extremism and hatred.
Addressing the National Youth Convention in Islamabad, Ishaq Dar said responsibility rests with the youth to promote unity and tolerance. “We have to undertake joint efforts to take the country towards the path of progress while rising above all sorts of differences,” Dar said.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed the government’s strong commitment to the promotion of quality education to empower the youth of the country.
Ishaq Dar said that during the 2013-2018 PML-N government era, Pakistan was projected to become a member of G-20 nations as the country was taking off that time with two percent food inflation, 3.7 percent consumer price index (CPI), six percent growth and the most stable currency in South Asia.
Talking about the PDM government, Ishaq Dar said it was aimed at saving Pakistan as its enemies desired to see the country default. He said Pakistan’s youth had the potential to become change makers but it required unity, a continuous learning process and setting aside hatred, extremism and personal biases.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said the federal government is committed to empowering youth through various revolutionary initiatives. He said the government is taking crucial steps for the betterment of the youth.
Rana Mashhood urged the youth to play their due role in the country’s development as it is also their responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Power Awais Leghari said the nation will soon hear good news about his ministry which aims to lessen the burden on the electricity consumers.
The Minister said the incumbent government is committed to reducing electricity tariffs and is making serious efforts to reform the country’s power sector. He asked the youth not to waste time on fake news regarding the issue of IPPs.
The Minister for Power said Pakistan and China have agreed to convert coal plants to use local coal in the country. He said after 2018, the depreciation of the rupee and the rise in interest rates have played a role in jacking up the capacity payments to IPPs.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Islamabad IT Park will be ready for the youth in which all the required needs of the market will be available. She said the IITP will create 10,000 job opportunities for the IT related students of the country.
