ZIARAT/QUETTA - President Manmoon Hussain Thursday said the government had launched a decisive action to root out all types of terrorism from the country in the wake of the Peshawar school blast.
Addressing a public gathering at Quaid-e-Azam Residency here at Ziarat in connection with the birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he termed Quaid-e-Azam’s personality a source of inspiration to steer the country out of the current crises.
“The nation has an emotional attachment with Quaid-e-Azam Residency, which is evident from the fact that it was restored within a minimum possible time after it was destroyed by the terrorists,” the President said and lauded the Balochistan government’s sincere efforts in this regard.
Referring to the Peshawar school incident, he said the nation was waging a decisive war against terrorists and urged the people from across the country to promote unity among their ranks and extend maximum cooperation to the government and the armed forces at this critical juncture of the country’s history.
He was sure about the complete victory of the nation in its war against terrorism and said the present government’s prudent policies would put the country back on track of progress and prosperity.
Highlighting the government’s efforts for economic development of the country, the President said 4,000-kilometer-long Gwadar-Kashgar Road would serve as an economic corridor, which would cast far better impact not only on the economy of the country but also on the entire region.
“This project will greatly benefit the people of Balochistan as well,” he said and added no decision would be made against the interests of the people of the province. On the occasion, the President paid tributes to the people of Balochistan for their role in the independence of the country.
Terming Ziarat valley’s Juniper forests a precious asset to the country, he directed the government to seek services of the world’s acclaimed experts for preservation of these trees and assured the authorities of his full cooperation in this regard. About the efforts to overcome the energy crisis in the country, the President said work on Dasu Dam would be completed within six years which would generate about 4,000MW of power after completion.
“Feasibility and financial resources for Diamer-Bhasha Dam have also been arranged and work on the project will soon be launched. This project will not only generate 4,500MW of power but will also have the capacity to store a huge quantity of water,” he said and added about 16,000MW would be added to the national grid by 2018 with the government efforts.
He termed Pakistan a blessed country and urged the people to play their role in eradicating corruption from the country. Referring to economic uplift of Balochistan, he said Sindh and Punjab provinces had surrendered their generous resources under the NFC Award for development of Balochistan. He added the province would receive maximum resources in this regard.
He underlined the need to promote education in the province and said without education the goal of human resource development could not be achieved. On the occasion, he asked the disgruntled quarters of the province to set aside their differences and join hands with the government in its efforts being made for the well-being of the people of the province.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai welcomed the President in Ziarat and said his presence had doubled the joys of celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary.
President Mamnoon Hussain also visited different parts of Quaid-e-Azam Residency.
Southern Command Commander Lt-Gen Nasir Khan Janjuua, provincial ministers, government high-ups, tribal notables and others were also present on the occasion.
Minority rights to be protected at all cost, says President
President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said the government was determined to protect the rights of the minorities in line with the Constitution of Pakistan and no one would be allowed to commit injustice to them.
“All citizens irrespective of their caste, colour and creed enjoy equal rights in the country, which the incumbent government would ensure at any cost,” he said while addressing a ceremony held to celebrate Christmas Day here at Holy Rosary Church in Quetta.
Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Southern Command Commander Lt-Gen Nasser Khan Janjua and MNA Asiya Nasir were also present.
President Mamnoon Hussain reiterated that majority of the people of Pakistan believed peace and stability was thriving and Pakistan progressing, but a handful of anti-peace elements that did not represent any religion were playing with the lives of innocent people.
Attack on a church in Peshawar and gruesome incident of killing of schoolchildren of Army Public School were the bitter examples of barbarianism of terrorists, he maintained.
“It is a good omen that the entire Pakistani nation along with minorities is united against the menace of terrorism which has spoiled the real face of Islamic society,” he said.
President Mamnoon Hussain noted: “December 25 reminds us of the sacrifices of the Prophet Isa (AS), while it is also birth-anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who worked hard for a piece of land where followers of all religions are free to live according to their beliefs and thoughts.
He praised the minority community for expressing solidarity with the Muslims victimised by the terrorists and reiterated the Muslim majority stood by them too in time of need.
“Pakistani nation, as a whole, is against the menace of extremism and terrorism, but there are some mischievous elements that caused the Peshawar church blast and Kot Radha Kishan incident. The elements creating problems for minority community would be dealt with strictly,” he averred.
He said, “Te teachings of Prophet Isa (AS) guide us towards a balanced society in which justice prevails and cruel persons receive punishment. The struggle of Quaid-e-Azam also leads us to a country of justice, peace and equality.”
Earlier, President Mamnoon Hussain cut a cake while Bishop Victor prayed for the prosperity, peace and stability of the country. One minute-silence was also observed to pay homage to the martyrs of Army Public School, Peshawar.