KARACHI, July 26: Scholars and intellectuals have stressed the need for determining short-, mid- and long-term strategies aimed at earning Pakistan a respectful and conspicuous position in the comity of nations, and to have an improved image of society in the backdrop of the global scenario.

In a prolonged meeting held at the Governor’s House on Monday evening, emphasis was laid on collective efforts by all segments of society to accomplish the objectives of Pakistan’s establishment, revival of our high moral traditions and continuity of the process of ensuring human and democratic rights.

The meeting continued for over five hours in which the participants had an overview of the current situation in the country in the current global scenario and presented their suggestions to steer things towards betterment.

Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad asked the Vice-Chancellor of the Karachi University, Dr Pirzada Qasim, to compile a comprehensive report based on all proposals so that headway could be achieved in the light of the same.

Participants of the meeting included Federal Minister Syed Safwanullah, Provincial Adviser Fatima Surayya Bajiya, Provincial Ombudsman Yousuf Jamal, Provincial Secretary Information Fasihuddin, Secretary Home Ghulam Mohammed Muhtaram, Dr Mohammed Ali Siddiqi, Dr Manzoor Ahmed, Azhar Hussain Siddiqi, Dr Akhlaq Ahmed, Dr Farman Fatehpuri, Dr Sikandar Mehdi, Dr Akhtar Saeed, Prof Kafeel Ahmed and others.

The participants particularly emphasised a multi-pronged strategy for elimination of trends of extremism and terrorism, and the impression about Pakistan and Islam, alleviating poverty and providing guidance to the new generation.

In this regard, they pointed out the need for specially focussing on bringing reforms in the fields of education, zakat system, madressahs, social welfare, art and culture, and media.

They opined that for the purpose, the participation of NGOs, intellectuals, writers, educational experts and media, besides steps at the government level, were of great importance.

Ibad made it clear that the government was not against Islam or Muslims, but wanted the elimination of hatred, extremism and violence. —APP