Ishaq Dar calls for building bridges of peace & harmony while rejecting extremism & hatred

ISLAMABAD, August 20 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has called for building bridges of peace and harmony while rejecting extremism and hatred.

Addressing National Youth Convention in Islamabad on Tuesday, Ishaq Dar said responsibility rests with the youth to promote unity and tolerance. He said we have to undertake joint efforts to take the country towards the path of progress while rising above all sorts of differences.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed government’s firm commitment for promotion of quality education to empower the youth.

The Deputy Prime Minister, while addressing the gathering, said during the 2013-2018 PML-N government era, Pakistan was projected to become a member of G-20 nations as the country was taking off that time with two percent food inflation, 3.7 percent consumer price index, six percent growth and the most stable currency in South Asia.

Talking about the PDM government, he said it was aimed at saving Pakistan as its enemies desired to see it default. Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s youth had the potential to become change makers but it required unity, a continuous learning process and setting aside hatred, extremism and personal biases.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said the government is committed to empower youth through several revolutionary initiatives. He said the incumbent government is taking crucial steps for the betterment of the youth.

He urged the youth to play their due role in country’s development as it is also their responsibility.

Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, addressing the gathering, said the nation will soon hear good news about his ministry which aims to lessen burden on the electricity consumers.

The Minister said the incumbent government is committed to reduce electricity tariff and is making serious efforts to reform the country’s power sector.

He advised the youth not to waste time over fake news regarding the issue of IPPs.

Awais Leghari said Pakistan and China have agreed to convert coal plants to use local coal in the country.

He said after 2018, the depreciation of the rupee and the rise in interest rates have played its role in jacking up the capacity payments to IPPs.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Islamabad IT Park will be ready for the youth in which all the required needs of the market will be available. She said the IITP will create 10,000 job opportunities for the IT related students of the country.