Pakistan”s future lies in education, Fawad Hussain
Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of International Islamic University (IIU) organized a flag hoisting ceremony and a seminar on “ Role of Youth in shaping future of Pakistan” in connection with Independence Day celebrations that was addressed by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain who said Pakistan’s future lies in education, logic and argument.
The ceremony was also attended by Minister for State and Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehryar Afridi, MD Baitulmal Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Rector IIU Dr. Masoom Yasinzai , IIU President Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, IIU Vice Presidents, DGs, Deans, faculty members, students and children of Dar ul Ehsas Baitulmal (who also presented national songs) and DG IRI Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq.
Addressing the ceremony, Fawad hussain Chaudhary said Pakistan was envisioned as a modern Muslim state by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The Minister said the Ministries of Education and Science and Technology have a key role in building the nation and the future of Pakistan. He said universities should focus on quality of education and linking education with the economy.
Referring to the situation in Afghanistan, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said Pakistan wants an inclusive government in Afghanistan that has representation of all the parties, groups and people. He said Pakistan made sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan. He said the situation in Afghanistan has an impact on Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Shehryar Afridi said slogans and national songs are not enough but this day demands a commitment to make this homeland prosperous, peaceful and progressing. He said the world has waged war of Islamophobia against Muslims and called upon the Muslims societies and scholars to foil this attempt. He urged youth to not to be impressed of the glitter of west and urged them to follow the teachings of Islam. He said the role of Pakistan in peace, environment and education is being hailed across the world, which is a positive sign. MD Baitulmal Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokar said that education and learning is Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). He stressed upon the education of women adding that it is a key to success. He also appreciated the services of IIUI. He said the day of independence is a day to express immense love to the beloved homeland.
IIU Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai while congratulating on the eve of Independence Day celebrations shared the news that the government has approved a sports academy for the university. He hailed IIUI for its special initiatives such as Kamyab Nojawan Program. IIUI Rector said IIU has prepared the Paigham e Pakistan narrative and guiding the youth in the light of this comprehensive narrative. IIUI Rector added that as many as 2 million youth are in the universities who are ray of hope for the Muslim world. He said acknowledgment of Pakistan in research and education globally is a positive omen.
Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi , IIU President in his address on the occasion felicitated the Pakistani nation and announced that soon the university will have a Waqf grant of 15 million dollars from Islamic Development Bank as well as it will have a grand King Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Mosque and complex at campus. He apprised that a pc 1 project of 3 buildings is also being pursued by the university, while talks for as many as 400 scholarships for the students of IIU are also being held with a Kuwait Charity organization. He told that the university has approved its strategic plan and its implementation is a top priority. He told that E-portal for distance learning has been established that will surely bring more foreigner students to IIU. He also told that the Institute of Professional Development of IIUI shall be made one of the leading training institutes to meet the training related needs of the university, while he also mentioned Iqra college telling that vocational training for students who miss the admission shall be arranged. IIU President also briefed that a E-governance system shall be soon launched at IIU. Talking about the Pakistan and Saudi relations, he said both countries have shared objectives of disseminating the message of peace. He said ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are strong and getting stronger by every passing day. He said that IIU is a perfect example of Pak Saudi exemplary ties.
On the occasion, Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq, DG, IRI said that it is imperative to address the challenges of hour instead of being reactive. He said there is a dire need to discourage hatred and promote peace and tranquility through initiatives such as Paigham e Pakistan. On the occasion, Dr. Farkhanda Zia, Vice President Female also presented the copy of Dukhtran e Pakistan booklet to the chief guest and guest of honour. Later, Shehryar Afridi also inaugurated a book exhibition arranged in connection with the Independence Day celebrations.