ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday urged people of the country not to observe Valentine’s Day, saying that it was not a part of Muslim tradition, but of the West.

Addressing a function held here to pay homage to Pakistan Movement leader Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar on his death anniversary, the president said: “Valentine’s Day has no connection with our culture and it should be avoided.”

He said drawbacks of western culture had adversely affected one of our neighbouring countries.

Talking about the education system in the country, the president said there was a need to formulate educational curriculum of Pakistan according to the requirements of the modern age and ideology of Pakistan. “Work in this regard is under way and soon new curriculum with consensus of all stakeholders would be implemented,” he said.

He said Pakistan could achieve progress by adopting thoughts and philosophy of our great leaders and could earn a distinguished status in the comity of nations as dreamt by our founding fathers.

“We could not derive full advantage of our strategic geographical location in the past but now the government is endeavouring to take Pakistan to newer heights of prosperity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and development of Gwadar port,” he said.

Paying tribute to national heroes, the president said Pakistan came into being because of struggle waged by Sardar Nishtar and others under the leadership of the Quaid-i-Azam. “We need to emulate the principles and self-belief of our founding fathers to make Pakistan strong and prosperous country,” he said.

The president said Sardar Nishtar was blessed with many qualities which were instrumental in enabling the nation to overcome many challenges after the creation of the country, adding that his conducts were exemplary during those testing times.

He said Sardar Nishtar was the only ray of hope during political instability in the country in the 50s and 60s. He enjoyed the trust of Mader-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah who entrusted him with the leadership of the party.

He said Sardar Nishtar never took advantage of his official position and led a dignified and simple life as governor of Punjab. “He never utilised official resources for his sake or for his children as he believed in judicious and meaningful use of national resources,” he added.

Mr Hussain said after assuming the office of the president he had decided that ceremonies would be organised at the Aiwan-i-Sadr to nourish the ideology of Pakistan and strengthen national identity. “Today’s ceremony is part of this process to pay homage to national heroes,” he added.

The president asked students to attain higher education in their respective fields and go abroad if there was need of it but always maintain their religious and national identity.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2016

Opinion

Politics of hate

Politics of hate

The issues between the two countries are no longer merely about territorial disputes but have taken a more insidious turn.

Editorial

Famine in waiting
19 May, 2025

Famine in waiting

FOOD insecurity across the world has reached unprecedented levels, with conflict, economic shocks, and climate...
Erratic policy
19 May, 2025

Erratic policy

THE state needs to make up its mind on the import of used vehicles. According to recent news reports, the FBR may be...
Overdue solace
19 May, 2025

Overdue solace

LATE consolation is a norm for Pakistanis. Although welcome, a newly passed bill that demands tough laws and...
War and peace
Updated 18 May, 2025

War and peace

Instead of constantly evoking the spectre of war, India and Pakistan should work towards peace.
Unequal taxation
18 May, 2025

Unequal taxation

PAKISTAN’S inefficient, growth-inhibiting, distortive and unjust tax system can justifiably be described as the...
Health crimes
18 May, 2025

Health crimes

MULTAN’S Nishtar Hospital, south Punjab’s largest public-sector hospital, was in the news last year for...