Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday that it was the duty of every individual, especially the youth, to fight against the miscreants who spread intolerance and misinformation in the society, saying that sustainable development was not possible without peace.
Talking to the participants of Peace, Education and Development Conference held under the auspices of the University of Narowal, at Narowal Sports Gymnasium, he said the biggest challenge faced by Pakistan was propaganda stemmed in misinformation fracturing the very basic ethics and value set of our society.
Ahsan Iqbal said that without peace there would be no sustainable progress and development, adding that the foundation basis of Islam was ‘peace and peace’ only.
The Federal Minister said that in past, unfortunately our politics had become a victim of intolerance and bigotry and even some have used religion to victimize their opponents but salute to the people who rejected such elements with the power of their vote.
He said the purpose of today’s conference was that we had to make this country a citadel of peace as progress and prosperity depend on peace.
Ahsan Iqbal said that today youngsters should dive deep into the reason behind Pakistan’s creation, it was struggle for peace which then was not possible as Muslims felt vulnerable as a minority – Thus, today, it was the duty of every Pakistani to protect it’s minorities and their rights.
He said: “If we want Pakistan to enter top economies then we need to embrace “Mera Pakistan Movement” for each Pakistani working in different sectors, his or her circle of influence is their Pakistan”.
