President calls for counter narrative against extremism

Islamabad: President Mamnoon Hussain has asked writers and poets to build a counter narrative to eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country.

He was speaking to the members of the Alami Mushaira 2017 Organising Committee, who called on him at the Aiwan-i-Sadr here on Wednesday. The president said intolerance in society and the menace of corruption could be overcome by promotion of the teachings of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal among the people to ensure progress and prosperity of the country.

He added that poets and writers could play an important role in this regard. The president said that poets promote love for country among the new generation through their work. The president said by following in the footsteps of Allama Iqbal, writers and poets should highlight national objectives and the problems faced by the society.

He added that the holding of literary ceremonies was part of cultural values as they were an important source of training the nation. The president said holding of the final match of Pakistan Super League in Pakistan was a welcome development, which would promote a positive image of the country in the world. He expressed optimism that international cricket would come to the country soon.

On the occasion, the members of the Alami Mushaira 2017 Organising Committee also apprised the president about their issues. The president directed the authorities concerned to take corrective measures in that respect.