President Dr Arif Alvi said on Monday that upholding the country’s Constitution was the responsibility of all segments of society because the document not only guaranteed political stability but also ensured the citizens’ fundamental rights.
“In addition to the administrative authority, it is the duty of the state and its organs to bring improvement to the society through a system based on welfare,” he said in his address at a ceremony to recognise public contribution towards social welfare, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The event, organized by Network for Human and Social Development, acknowledged the services of departments and individuals in the field of humanitarian service and philanthropy.
President Alvi stressed that the Constitution vested its power in citizens, which led to realizing a welfare State with a political system based on social justice.
He said supremacy of the Constitution was vital as its pillars set out the goals for basic rights in various areas including education, health, employment, and social and economic justice.
“A Constitution does not belong to a politician or an institution, but to every individual of the country,” he said.
The president emphasized the importance of social welfare and philanthropy to address the problems amid the growing population, particularly in the shape of poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment.
As per UNICEF data, he said the 27 million out-of-school children of Pakistan were a serious challenge, and required urgent steps for their inclusion in the educational and skill-set system.
The country’s 10 per cent population of persons with disabilities also needs mainstreaming, he added.
