LAHORE
Revolutionary steps should be taken for the success of cooperative movement and every person has a role to play in this regard.
This was stated by speakers at a seminar jointly organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS), Jang Group of Newspapers, and Punjab Cooperative Union here at a hotel the other day.
Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana presided over the seminar. The other speakers included Punjab Minister for Cooperatives Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, Cooperatives Secretary Muhammad Shehryar Sultan, Cooperatives Punjab Registrar Mirza Mehmood-ul-Hassan, renowned TV anchor and analyst Sohail Warriach, senior journalist and MKRMS Chairman Wasif Nagi, Punjab Cooperatives Union Chairman Muhammad Humair Hayat Rokhri, Punjab Cooperatives Lahore District Officer Farrukh Hayat, National Supply Cooperatives Corporation Limited President Muhammad Khalid Waseem, Farrukh Awan and Arshad Jilani.
The seminar was hosted by Shajiya Niazi and Humaira Khurram.
Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana said that due to cooperative movement, unemployment could be eradicated which would built a society on equal footings at different fronts, including social, ethical and economic. The cooperatives movement could put neglected and underdeveloped nations on path to prosperity and development. Such movements are the need of the hour, the governor remarked, adding that nations of the world such as China and Japan were achieving success through this very idea. He said that leaders of the country should work for the betterment of their people.
Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar said that without implementing cooperative movement’s manifesto, economic development was not possible in any country. He said cooperative movement was an economic movement which was quite similar to economic principles of Islam. He said a lot had been said on the issue but its success depended on its practical application.
Muhammad Shehryar Sultan was of the view that they would leave no stone unturned for the success of cooperative movement. He said success of economics and commerce lay in the principles of cooperative movement. He said efforts were underway to implement these principles, adding that they would do whatever could was possible in serving the people.
Mirza Mehmood-ul-Hassan stated that people had to be motivated for cooperative societies. He was of the view that many nations of the world had progressed by adopting the principles of cooperative movement.
Sohail Warraich said, "Our attitudes towards the concepts of cooperative movements need to be changed. Cooperatives movement was part and parcel of our culture but, with the advancement and modernity, the younger generation was drifting away from its basic principles." He said, "Our religion also teaches us brotherhood, unity and equality."
Wasif Nagi said collective efforts were needed for the success of cooperative movement. He said, "We can help each other in developing our Punjab being an agriculture entity. Due to collective efforts, our agriculture can be improved which would also help improve the overall economic condition of the people."