ISLAMABAD, Aug 9: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday Pakistan was focused on its human resource development as this was what constituted the foundation of a nation’s progress.

“Human resource development is the basis for a nation’s emancipation and rise — the development of our human resources will enable us to harness our potential and lead us to sustained progress and power,” the president stated at an awards distribution ceremony held for top position holders in the SSC and HSSC examinations.

In his address, directed to 75 million youngsters of Pakistan, who constitute 55 per cent of the country’s 145 million population, the president underlined the importance of observing merit, embracing scientific and technological advancement and raising the quality of education and health services for optimum utilization of the country’s human potential.

However, Gen Musharraf referred to unsatisfactory levels of literacy, and said there was no short-cut to human resource development.

“We have to develop both the capacity and quality of our human resource, particularly, we have to raise the quality of our education at all levels,” he said, referring to the international educational standards.

Gen Musharraf advised students to have a goal in life and concentrate on having a strong inner character.

“You should have a direction for future and raise your level as individuals for self-emancipation and focus on contributing your optimum to the nation you belong to.”

President Musharraf asked students to focus on all-round grooming, stating that a wholesome personality — built on education, physical fitness and strong character — and a proper balanced attitude to their superiors, peers and subordinates, would bring them success in life.

The president announced a 100 per cent increase in the number of the country’s top students — from seven to 15 — who would be fully financed by the government for higher studies in any institution of their choice in the country.—APP