All of us learned from mistakes of past: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need for making collective efforts for the progress and development of the country.

Talking to the media persons after addressing the inaugural ceremony of University of Lahore (UoL) Young Development Corps (YDC) Lahore Chapter here on Saturday, Ahsan Iqbal said that all of us have learned from mistakes of past and recognized the supremacy of democracy.
Responding to a question he said that it was not possible for any one to take over elections as all institutions were independent.

“It is our policy to revive national institutions, adding that PIA aircraft fleet has been increased and we want to improve the services of Pakistan International Airlines to make it one of the world’s best air lines,” the Minister said in response to a query.

He said basically people of Pakistan do not believe in extremism and efforts were being made to root out terrorism and extremism.

Earlier, addressing the inaugural ceremony at UoL, he said that it was important to take on board all stakeholders for the progress and development of the country.

The minister said that continuation of policies and stability were key factors to prosperity and development.

He said that countries like Turkey Malaysia and others maintained the continuation of their policies which in real manner helped them in making progress.

Ahsan Iqbal said that peaceful transition of power from one government to another was a missing element due to which country faced problems adding that there would be no compromise on stability and peace of the country.

He said the YDC was formed to take the youth on board for development of the country and under it youth of different educational institutions would compete with each other indifferent events which would arrange to improve the image of the country adding that best ideas would be recognized as well.

We should use our energies in positive way to achieve further goals and must acknowledge good happenings in the country he said.

Ahsan Iqbal said that under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the country would become hub of regional connectivity adding that LNG agreement with Qatar would help in overcoming gas shortage and benefit the industries.

He said that in CPEC all areas of the country had been added and western route would benefit less developed areas of Balochistan and Kyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The minister said the completion of Diamer Bhasha Dam would benefit agriculture and other sectors as well.

UoL Rector Prof Dr Asrar ul Haq Sheikh, in his address, said that diversity always helps in resolving problems as it acts like strength.

He said: “We need to focus on education as it is important element to further enhance capabilities.”

Oath was also administered to the new office bearers of Young Development Corps (YDC).