President calls for character building of youth

Islamabad: President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday called for the character building of youths in addition to the provision of education to them saying this will help promote moral values in society.

He also said youths should prepare themselves for managing the affairs of the country as the future belongs to them. The president was talking to a delegation to the Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) led by Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali Shaikh, who called on him here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

The president said national development was possible only if the people pursued education and research with sincerity. He urged youths to read more and more to understand the modern world and new social, political and economic trends.

"The students should make their knowledge part of their practical life," he said. The president asked girls to acquire all types of education and join any profession of their liking but asked them to always uphold norms and values.

He praised the SMIU for fully participating in academic activities. The president said new opportunities were emerging in the shape of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and so, the students should prepare themselves to take full advantage from those openings.

He pointed out that several energy projects under CPEC had been completed, while development work was being carried out at a fast pace on other projects. The president said some people were spreading uncertainty regarding the route of the CPEC, which was totally incorrect.

"There has been no change in the route of the corridor," he added. The president said recognising the importance of the project, several countries had expressed their desire to join it, which was evidence of the fact that it would be a blessing for Pakistan.

He said the future of Pakistan was associated with democracy and therefore, it was imperative that we must promote democratic culture in society. The president appreciated the National Leadership Programme of SMIU to enhance the skills of the students and directed to make it more effective.

He said he was hopeful that the students would visit educational institutions and government departments under the programme to learn a lot from their activities. "I expect that the SMIU will further improve its standards so that students can be provided with a better opportunity to comprehend the requirements of contemporary world and practical life," he said. On the occasion, the SMIU vice-chancellor apprised the president about the activities of the university.