Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi Sunday warned Indian Prime Minister against future misadventure against Pakistan and advised the neighbouring country not to undermine Pakistan. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi must understand that any misadventure will be retaliated with full force," he said, speaking at the 17th Young Leaders Summit held under the aegis of Positive Pakistan in collaboration with Paigham-e-Pakistan at the Jinnah Convention Centre, here Sunday. The event was aimed at promoting social harmony, peace and tolerance in the society and enhancing the employability skills of the youth.
He said we know India is all set to undergo elections in a few months time. He said we also know the ruling party (BJP) is facing strong challenge from the opposition and Modi's popularity is waning. He said we also understand that misadventure in February has further dealt the BJP severe blow and they were after another desperate effort to help win upcoming polls. But, he warned Pakistan would retaliate with full force if challenged. "My message for Modi is.......Don't undermine Pakistan," the minister said amid patriotic slogans raised by twenty thousand youth simultaneously.
Afridi said Pakistan had done enough in war against terrorism and it had also taken the brunt of the war too. He said Pakistan would no more be heeding to the do more rhetoric. He noted that Afghan peace process is bearing fruits. It is time for the world to do more now. The Minister said that Pashtuns have always been patriotic people and those who were speaking against Pakistan are speaking enemy's language.
"We are ready to embrace anyone who has real issues ... but anyone who creates law and order situation will be taken to task," he warned the anti-state elements to refrain from working against the interests of the country. He vowed that the government would foil all conspiracies against the state of Pakistan. Afridi said the participation of youth in decision-making on social, cultural and economic affairs is very important for the bright future of the country. He said youth of the country have the ability to compete at all levels in the world. He said if provided an opportunity they could play an important role in bringing about a real change in the country. He also urged the youth to work for humanity and establishment of peace which would not only bring in stability, prosperity and growth but also end misconceptions and negativity and portray a positive picture of Pakistan before the world.
Urging the government to provide adequate opportunities to the youth to become a productive citizen of the State, the minister maintained that the solution to violent extremism and other threats to safety and stability of the country could be found in working with the young people and tapping their talents and potentials to reform and rebuild the society. The conference brought together over 20,000 youths from all over the country with an aim to help them develop leadership skills, highlight global issues, understand the challenges and equip young people with the solutions to see them becoming engaged and involved in their local communities for a positive social change.
The summit comprised of technical sessions, job and career fair, an exhibition, Sufi Night and the Young Leaders Awards. It was held to transform the current environment of negativity in the society mainly by educating the youth of Pakistan through character-building and instilling 4Ps: Purpose, Passion, Positivity and Patriotism in them through the motivational philosophy of Allama Iqbal and strengthening their beliefs in the message of 'Faith, Unity and Discipline' as bequeathed by Quaid-e-Azam.
Those spoke at the conference included Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Fehmida Mirza, MNA Romina Khursheed Alam, Council of Islamic Ideology Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz, Director General Islamic Research Institute Dr Ziaul Haq and Positive Pakistan president Abid Iqbal.
The conference provided the youth an opportunity to engage with mentors for proper guidance and counselling, besides capacity-building of youth-led organisations and sensitisation for a positive social change.
The technical sessions identified the issues and challenges faced by the youth such as extremism, social media, career guidance, distance learning, life skills, leadership, skills training, job placement, significance of digital and e-businesses, innovative technologies, self-employment, governance, political awareness, human rights and youth engagement in the development of a sustainable future. On the occasion, the chambers of conference announced internships for youth to motivate them and enhance their abilities and the confidence.-PR
Comments
Comments are closed.