Says using force not a solution to eliminate extremism

ISLAMABAD: Wars don’t resolve issues, dialogue does, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday, while addressing the inaugural session of Islamabad Conclave 2021. Prime Minister Khan emphasized that using force was not a solution to eliminate extremism, rather instilling moral and ethical values in the young generation would create a moderate, tolerant and progressive society. “The main objective of establishing Rehmatul Lil Alameen Authority is to raise the moral standards of our society,” he said added.  He urged the international community to help avert a looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which was facing severe economic problems, owing to its frozen assets.

The conclave, themed ‘A Peaceful and Prosperous South Asia’, was held at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, where PM Imran Khan highlighted the need to make efforts for peace and dealing with a potential humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. “I personally think that whenever the option of war is adopted to resolve issues, there is always a miscalculation,” the premier said.

These miscalculations only lead to prolonging wars that are supposed to end within weeks, he said, citing the examples of Afghanistan and Pakistan. PM Khan said the government tried its best to make peace with India since he assumed office in 2018 but “unfortunately [the] Modi-led regime in India took every initiative as our weakness”.

He regretted that the Hindutva led BJP regime could become a threat for its own country as the specific ideology has excluded its major population and exclusion can only create radicalism.

The premier further stated that Pakistan can play a role in bridging the differences between China and the United States and reducing tension, rather than joining any political bloc. “The situation is going towards a new Cold War and Pakistan should try its best to stop the formation of these blocs because we should not become a part of any bloc.”

PM Imran Khan said climate change is another challenge that requires a collective approach to be resolved on a priority basis. He said to deal with it, we started the Ten-Billion Tree Tsunami program that is being appreciated at every world forum. He said it is unfortunate that the global leaders are not focused on it as their personal interests clash with the desired steps.

The Prime Minister was answering a question about extremism and rising number of crimes against women and children, during an interactive session with officers participating in the 115th National Management Course (NMC).

Discussing the need for a Single National Curriculum, he stated that parallel education systems have created class distinctions. The Prime Minister said that children have access to every kind of material through mobile phones and to an immature mind such content gives way to misconceptions and extremism. The government will provide an alternative to our youth i.e. the teachings of Holy Prophet (PBUH) including respect, dignity, family values, ethics and morality, he added. Pakistan would do every effort to help address the sufferings of the 40 million Afghan people, he said.

Pakistan is to host an extraordinary meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Minister in Islamabad on December 19, to deliberate on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and to find a way out to address the sufferings of the Afghan people. Prime Minister said Pakistan through the OIC would play its part to reach out to the Afghan people who were in dire need of food, shelter and medicines.