Interior
Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal was the Chief Guest at the 5th Annual
Parents Day of Military College Sui, Balochistan. Minister Ahsan
Iqbal participated in the event to acknowledge the young bright Balochi Youth
which are seen as an asset of Pakistan.
The Chief
Guest, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal
distributed medals, trophies and prizes amongst the best performing students in
academics, sports and other extra co curricular activities.
The
Minister termed his presence on the occasion in spite of a
difficult situation back at the capital as a testimony of the Government
commitment towards mainstreaming the youth of Balochistan educationally,
socially, economically and politically. Minister Iqbal
acknowledged that historically, Balochistan has been unfortunately neglected
which is why the present Government has made the socioeconomic uplift of
Balochistan a top priority since 2013 through Inclusive and sustainable
development. Youth of Balochistan are very talented and are proving their
potential by shinning in various fields. We are empowering youth with
education, skills and digital tools to become knowledge leaders in an age of
Innovation and disruption.
He stated that
the government is pursuing inclusive development model under Vision 2025, which
aims to bring Pakistan in top twenty five economies of the world. Today, world
is acknowledging Pakistan's progress in economic, energy and security fields.
The Government has injected new life in the dead projects which were buried in
the files due to unavailability of funds - Kachhi Canal is such an example
which is now a reality and will benefit upto 72000 acres of barren land in Dera
Bugti, Balochistan.
Interior
Minister pointed out that around 10,000 Kms long highways are
under construction in Balochistan with federal funding. He
stated that Since, 1947 there was no upcountry connectivity of Gawadar due to
which Gawadar was not able to yield any socioeconomic dividend BUT now it has
upcountry connectivity due to road projects completed in the record time of
three years reducing the distance from Gawadar to Quetta from two days to eight
hours. Likewise, the completion of Gawadar to Ratto Dero road will connect
southern districts of Balochistan and Sind.
He
further emphasised that roads are not mere concrete and rubble - Roads
provide the much needed connectivity, which allows economic activity to
flourish and as a result improves the overall standard of living of the people
by connecting under developed areas with developed areas.
Prof.
Ahsan Iqbal said that under PSDP 2017-18 more than 40 Small Dams are funded
by the Government which will act as source of irrigation, water security, food
security, energy and protection against floods.
He
emphasised that Govt's vision is not limited to building
infrastructure and energy plants - Since, 2013 the Govt has more than doubled
the budget of the Higher Education Commission. Government views an increase in
the budget of higher education as investment in Human Capital which is why it
is leaving no stone unturned in providing quality education. In order to
ensure access to higher education for all, the Government is building a campus
or a sub campus of university in every district of Pakistan, he stated
The
Minister also said that Balochistan is a direct beneficiary of CPEC
- CPEC will equip Balochistan with necessary infrastructure and energy
resources needed to tap the resources of Balochistan in order to transform its
socioeconomic fate and by extension the fate of Pakistan. He
stated that CPEC will lead to enormous opportunities for the Youth of
Balochistan. Minister Iqbal elaborated that
CPEC will fasten the process of industrialisation in Balochistan which will
lead to creation of jobs and higher income levels. He
cautioned everyone on the cynics who spread hopelessness and negativity.
Prof.
Ahsan noted that due to effective policies of government and great
sacrifices of the armed forces, peace has returned to Balochistan. Minister Iqbal noted that this hard earned peace coupled
with the ongoing development process will change the face of Pakistan
forever. He urged the students to step up and play a
constructive role in the development of Pakistan.
Prof.
Ahsan Iqbal greatly praised the efforts of the administration of Military
College Sui, Balochistan for providing quality education and great environment
to the students. The Minister highlighted that
the role of educational institutions is immense in the building of
Pakistan. He touched upon the need of reverting back
to the Quranic model of learning which is based upon inquiry, observation and
reflection. He noted that knowledge holds the key to
the future of nations and countries - Accumulation of knowledge is the only way
to survive in the modern day world of disruption and innovation.
Post his
address, Interior Minister, planted a tree on the
campus as a sign of his commitment towards educational environment which should
be close to nature. He also visited the science and
arts exhibition put up by the students.
Lastly, Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal praised the cadets of the
Military College Sui, Balochistan for their achievements and termed them as the
hope and future of Pakistan.
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