ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for fostering peace and harmony while rejecting extremism and hatred.
In his address at the National Youth Convention in Islamabad, Dar emphasized that the youth have a crucial role in promoting unity and tolerance. He urged collective efforts to advance the country by overcoming differences.
Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing quality education to empower the youth. He stressed that anger should not be directed at the motherland and that violent expressions of discontent are counterproductive. Instead, he advocated for building bridges of understanding and unity.
Reflecting on his visit to Balochistan, Dar acknowledged the frustration among some Baloch who have taken up arms but reaffirmed that terrorism is unacceptable. He called for rational discourse and cautioned against emotional or naive responses.
Dar highlighted the importance of continuous education, referencing a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to emphasize the enduring value of knowledge. He shared insights from his political career, including the 2013 manifesto focused on reducing extremism, stabilizing electricity supply, and strengthening the economy.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s youth, who make up 65% of the population, are the nation’s greatest asset and called on them to positively shape the country’s future.
Dar also shared a personal anecdote from December 1998 when, as Finance Minister, he secured funding for Pakistan’s missile program despite severe economic sanctions, contributing significantly to the country’s defense capabilities.
