ISLAMABAD, Apr 4 (APP): President Dr. Arif Alvi on Thursday urged students to put their energies for social betterment by utilizing the knowledge they have gained.
Addressing at annual convocation of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad, the president asked the students to lend a hand for those who could not apt place in society. He said after graduating from university they had to contribute deprived segments in their surroundings for an ultimate objective of social balance.
The president said 200 million children were still out of school, for which collaborative efforts were required. He said one’s responsibilities increased with increase in ranks and status in life. “Therefore each one of us has to take responsibility to help these children getting admission in schools” he added.
He went on saying presence of elite class was in marginal proportional, but they had to play greater role in social reforms. He further said only institutions could not succeed in that regard until privileged class joins them in financial support and encouragement of poor.
The president also appreciated NUML’s welfare projects of financial assistance to needy students and encouraging street children for education. ‘This is our national and religious responsibility’, he added.
He noted Pakistani graduates were less in number at international level of research and development, particularly in fields of science and technology. He advised the graduating students for getting further education in their respective areas to become global part of science and technology.
The president said Pakistan after constant efforts had successfully come out of ethnic strife. He said Pakistan had proved to be a mature and responsible state. At difficult time when Afghanistan was set into fight by foreign forces, Pakistan welcomed 3.5 million migrants, he said adding it was a great depiction of brotherhood and sympathy with them.
He further said there was not a single notion of denial from Pakistan side in accepting them. He termed this gesture to Afghans as ‘strength’ of Pakistani nation. He went on to say when western countries were knocked for refuge; they built up walls disallowing refugees for entrance.
He said Pakistani nation had also expressed resilience during relief and rescue activities in 2005 earthquake, and same was reflected during reconstruction and rehabilitations activities super floods.
‘Remember, resilience and maturity are your two great strengths on basis of which you can achieve any target in your lives’ he advised.
The president said Pakistan is a peace loving country and always extended hand of peace to its neighbors. We did show repeated peace gesture to India when it intended for any act against Pakistan. He said Pakistan had sent message of peace to India during post Pulwama situation and repeated after downing two intruding Indian jets. ‘Pakistan also expressed peace gesture by releasing Indian pilot’ he added.
The president said extremism was growing in India. Unfortunately India was not taking steps to stop it. He further noted that Islamophobia and Xenophobia remained two challenges to be countered.
The president said Pakistani nation was united against any threats. Government, people and armed forces of Pakistan are on one page for peace and security of the country, he added.
The president congratulated passing out students, parents and teachers. He said parents have invested in their children and teachers have polished their skills. He specially appreciated the top position holders. President also awarded medals and shields among distinct students.
APP/News Desk
Source: VNS, Islamabad
