KARACHI, Sept 13: Speakers at a meeting of the Shura Hamdard, Karachi Chapter — on the topic of “requirements of (the) country’s defence” — stressed the restoration of the democratic system, establishment of social justice, growth of the literacy rate and promotion of education in the country for the solid and strong defence of Pakistan.

The meeting was presided over by Justice Haziqul Khairi (R), Ombudsman Sindh, at a local hotel.

Maj-Gen Ghulam Umer (R), while addressing the meeting, said that extremism was not helpful for Pakistan’s defence, and the real defence lies in projecting Pakistan as a nation desirous of progress and peace. Mohammed Ahmed Sabzwari was of the view that control of the law and order situation was the supreme need for the effective defence of the country.

Former Chairman of Pakistan Steel, Haq Nawaz Akhtar, emphasized on development and research in metallurgical sciences for the indigenous preparation of metal — needed for defence machinery — which was now being imported from foreign countries. Mohsin Bhopali urged the need to prepare the nation for defence together with the armed forces.

Scientist Dr Mirza Arshad Ali Beg highlighted the imminent danger of the brown fog which could reduce agriculture produce. Due to the brown fog, agriculture lands received 15 per cent less sunshine.

Mumtaz Rashdi urged the adoption of a balanced foreign policy, and the need to motivate Pakistan’s embassies to build the country’s image.

Islamuddin Agha said that there were other weapons besides military ones to overcome threats from enemies, and that these weapons were education, economics and technology.

Prof Dr Wiquar Ahmed Rizvi said that the book is more powerful than the atom bomb. We should read and write books to make ourselves stronger and be careful about our ideological frontiers.

Prof Dr Syed Irtefaque Ali, former Vice Chancellor of KU, said that our effective and strong defence was dependent on our skills in technology, and technology could be acquired through education only.—PPI