KARACHI, Dec 21: Federal Education Minister and Chief Scout Commissioner Zobaida Jalal on Friday exhorted the scouts to follow the ideals set by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

“At this age, the mission of life for the youth is the acquisition of knowledge,” the minister said while formally inaugurating the five-day Quaid-i-Azam National Yekjehti Scout Rally held here at Gulistan-i-Scouts.

She told the scouts that their focus on studies in fact amounted to the development of Pakistan. Scouting also provided them with opportunities which played an important role in building their personalities.

She said she was confident that ideals of the Quaid and characteristics of Qaumi Yekjehti would also reach those youth who were not with us at present or who had not become members of the scout movement.

“Your character should be the testimony to the fact that you are a true and useful Pakistani,” she said.

Zobaida Jalal said whether it was the time of war or peace, whether the national conditions were satisfactory or uncertain, we have to remain united against all odds.

“Personal interests have to be sacrificed over national interests and work for the country’s progress should be carried out by remaining above personal prejudices,” the minister said.

“Certainly Pakistan is our identity and, as such, Pakistan should be foremost for us.”

She said the present government had announced that it would observe 2001 as the year of the Quaid-i-Azam and the scouts had taken an initiative to pay homage to the great leader by organizing the rally in this city of the Quaid, who had dedicated each and every moment of his life for the attainment of Pakistan.

Earlier, Deputy Scout Commissioner Abdul Hameed Akhund presented the address of welcome and the secretary, Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, Kazi Zahoorul Hasan, presented the vote of thanks.

A flag hoisting ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony which was followed by presentation of tableaux and national songs by scouts.—APP