Efforts under way to make Pakistan Islamic welfare state: minister

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Noor-ul-Haq Qadri has said priority of the incumbent government is to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. Addressing the 8th meeting of National Islamic Scholars Council in Peshawar on Sunday, he said it is the responsibility of Ulema to devise recommendations for establishment of Riasat-e-Madina. He said holding of Paigham-e-Pakistan Conference is a tremendous success of Ulema.
The minister urged Ulema and scholars to refrain from becoming part of a negative propaganda about closure of Madaris in the country. Earlier, addressing the cultural night function organised by Khyber Students Association, Noorul Haq Qadri has said that the people of the tribal areas are being dragged into another war in the name of nationalism.
He said the people of the tribal areas have suffered a lot recently and now they are being pushed into another troublesome situation in the name of Pakhtunism and nationalism. The minister said Ameer Abdur Rehman and Amanullah Khan played great role for the Pakhtuns and due to their efforts Pakhtuns are now living with honour and dignity. He said it is a great opportunity to get maximum rights and privileges for Pakhtuns as important ministries as held by the Pakhtun ministers in the sitting government of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the Centre.
Noorul Haq Qadri said he will always make demands for Pakhtuns' rights and with fight for it under the Constitution of Pakistan, but he can never imagine betraying the country. He said Pakistan was achieved under the Islamic Ideology and the country will be there till the end of times. He said India cannot cast an evil eye on Pakistan.
The minister advised the students to stay away from politics for the time being. He advised them to become good students instead of becoming good leaders. He said the time for politics and leadership will come once they complete their education. He also advised the students to focus on their character building as that is what the parents expect from their children.
The minister mentioned that a survey has been completed in the merged districts for restoration of educational institutions which were damaged during militancy and military operations. He said the Khyber Economic Corridor has been made part of the mega project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and this process will cost one billion dollars.
Noorul Haq Qadri also emphasised the need for improving bilateral trade with Afghanistan through Torkham border. He said the government is working on keeping Torkham border open round the clock and relaxing the visa policy. He again made it clear that he can sacrifice everything, but will never allow anyone to disturb peaceful environment of the region.