Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday urged the young generation to adhere to the golden words of unity, faith and discipline of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to transform Pakistan into a modern, progressive country.
"Our forefathers made innumerable sacrifices for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, now it is your duty to work hard to strengthen and safeguard its sovereignty and integrity," he told a group of students who sang national songs at the flag hoisting ceremony at the Convention Centre.
The Prime Minister asked the students to inculcate in themselves a sense of pride, accomplishment and direction. "We are a great nation. Pakistanis, wherever they are have proved they are second to none," the Prime Minister said.
He asked them to get higher education and said there was a need to maintain a balance between regular and religious education for overall growth of their personalities.
The Prime Minister asked them to study the Holy Quran, saying it was a complete code of life, providing guidelines for every facet of life. "We are proud of our faith, tradition and culture and should live according to the guidelines of our religion," he said.
He said the government was promoting a culture of merit. "There are no short cuts in life and no substitute for hard work," he added. He appreciated the participation of girls in the flag hoisting ceremony and said government was paying special attention to enhance the participation of women in every sphere of life. "No country can develop without ensuring an active role of women in the development process and the government is working for the political, economic and social empowerment of women," he added.
The Prime Minister and Begum Rukhsana Aziz gave away prizes to the children, some of whom were injured during the October 8 earthquake.