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| October 16, 2003 | Thursday | Sha'aban 19, 1424 |
President wants democracy to take roots
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said he wants democracy to take roots in the country as “this is the way forward for Pakistan.”
He said this while addressing members of the Pakistani community here.
The president said changes in the Constitution were introduced to establish a sustainable democracy.
Referring to sectarian violence, he stressed the need for timely actions to curb the menace and rectify the situation, he said children should be taught Islam in its true perspective.
Urging the people not to impose personal views on others, he said that hearts and minds could not be influenced by force but could only be won over by setting personal examples.
Deliberating on the strategy evolved to bring the Madressahs into the national mainstream, he said that the government’s education policy sought to introduce modern subjects in its curricula.
Talking about efforts to promote understanding and harmony among the provinces, particularly on the issue of construction of dams and canals which, he said they were vital for the country’s economy.
Referring to India’s move to increase its defence spending, the President said Pakistan would continue to pursue its policy of ‘minimum deterrence’ to safeguard the country’s strategic interests.
Pakistan, he said, was militarily “very strong (and) capable of defending its frontiers. No one can pressurize Pakistan to compromise on its sovereignty.”
Referring to the government’s economic policies and reforms, the President said that no one would be allowed to tamper with the reforms and reverse the gains in the economic arena.
He referred to the infrastructure projects, specially the water projects, which were being initiated to ensure the long- term gains.
The president said the global focus was now on “our region and Pakistan has become a geo-economic and geo-strategic epicentre.” He said that international community realizes the fact that in the prevailing situation, Pakistan can contribute effectively.
He said the country was prepared to accept the challenge with the aim to do something for the Ummah, Islam and the world.—APP
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