Islamabad - President Mamnoon Hussain yesterday said that solution to all problems of the country lies in democracy and only through democratic dispensation we can attain continuity of the political system, achieve good governance and stabilise the economy.

The President expressed his satisfaction that all sections of society are united in the quest to achieve progress and prosperity and the country is moving in the right direction. The President said this while addressing the 7th Convocation of the Quaid-e-Azam University here at Jinnah Convention Centre yesterday. Vice-Chancellor Quaid-e-Azam University Dr Javed Ashraf was also present on the occasion.

The President urged the youth to acquire modern and scientific education noting that those nations excel in the world, which have quality human resources. The President advised the youth to fully focus on their education and that girls in particular should not accept any hindrance in acquiring education and also not hesitate to go for studies abroad if they feel it necessary. The President advised the female students not to blindly ape the West and to follow Islamic traditions proudly to earn a good name for their country.

The President said that Pakistan would emerge as an important trading hub of the region after operationalisation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He hoped that Gwadar Port will become functional by the end of 2016 which would usher in a new era of economic development and progress. The President underlined that in order to put the national economy on strong footing, there is a need to fully take advantage of CPEC. The President emphasised that there is no change in the route of CPEC. He hoped that after completion of the ongoing energy projects, the country will be able to overcome electricity load shedding.  

The President noted that the country was moving in the right direction until 1970s but afterwards it got de-tracked due to bad governance and corruption adding that now the government is working in the right direction and the country’s economy has revived. He noted with satisfaction that there was a significant improvement in the economic indicators as a result of prudent policies and improved law and order. He urged the well-off to pay their due taxes in order to increase government resources for spending on public welfare.

President Mamnoon stated that corruption has eroded the foundation of society and emphasised upon the need to get rid of this menace to ensure economic development and wellbeing of the people. He noted with satisfaction that the general law and order in the country has improved and reaffirmed the resolve of the government to continue Zarb-e-Azb operation till elimination of the last terrorist.

The President noted with appreciation that Quaid-e-Azam University is imparting quality education as a leading public sector university. He urged that in order to further enhance is performance, the university should establish educational linkages with leading international universities to take benefit from their experience. He also called for focusing on character building of students, besides imparting education to them. He congratulated the graduating students and also distributed medals among position holders.