Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Speakers at the meeting of Shura Hamdard Karachi chapter proposed multifaceted recommendations for the social and economic uplift the country and urged all stakeholders to play their part in the development of the country.
The meeting was held titled, ‘Three pillars of nation-building: Education, Economic Stability, Defense’, presided over by Justice (R) Haziq-ul-Khairi at Hamdard Corporate Head Office. Hamdard Foundation Pakistan President Sadia Rashid was also present at the meeting.
The guest speaker Shafiq-ul-Rehman Paracha, a renowned intellectual and a former bureaucrat said acquiring knowledge and wisdom is the cornerstone of Islamic teachings. “There is no other precedent in the world for the intellectual movement created by Islam. The rise of Islamic Civilization was due to the innovation and scientific discoveries of Muslim scientists. Then Muslim society began to decline. Only Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was present on such an occasion who once again highlighted the importance of knowledge among the Muslims of the subcontinent,” he said.
He further said that Pakistan was facing serious challenges at present which, if not addressed or resolved, would be detrimental to the country in the long run. “It is important to focus on education to create an effective workforce,” he said.
Prof. Ikhlaq Ahmed said that the purpose of education was not literacy but to awaken and nurture social consciousness. Early education is the foundation of a child at an early age. No country can develop without efficient education.
Commodore (R) Sadid Anwar Malik, while emphasizing economic development, said that in the current financial outlook, economic development was essential for the survival of the country. “In order to strengthen domestic production and increase exports, manufacturing at the local level should be encouraged to reduce import costs. At the same time, alternative energy technologies and resources need to be enhanced,” he said.
Anwar-ul-Haq Siddiqui said that education was ineffective without character-building and skills development. “There should be common goals align with national interests, on which the whole nation agrees. Unless common goals and objectives are clear, the overall development of the country is not possible,” he said.
Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan while emphasizing upon reforms in overall justice system said that if the justice system was improved in the society then all the issues would gradually begin to resolve. Justice delayed is justice denied. “An ignorant and sick nation can never develop. Only Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said realized this. That is why he struggled for the development of the health and education sector in the country. Pakistan is a blessed country and it is rich in natural resources,” he said.
Prof. Anwar Ali Jafari said that a special focus on the agricultural sector for economic stability in the short run is a need of an hour. By developing agriculture, Pakistan’s exports can be increased. Corruption in the education sector should not be tolerated under any circumstances. This sector is very important for national interests.
Musarat Akram said: “The whole nation suffers from class division in terms of education, due to which there is a lack of collective-thinking. There should be a uniform education system in a country. Education plays an important role in national development. There is a need to establish quality educational institutions in the country.”
Usman Damohi said that for the overall development of the country, long-term educational reforms should be introduced and for the short term, defense sector production must be increased with intentions to obtain and acquire latest technology.
Col (Retd) Mukhtar Ahmed Butt said: “Import expenditure needs to be reduced for economic stability. Along with the reduction in external debt, concrete steps will have to be taken to attract foreign investment. Millions of children in Sindh province alone do not have access to basic education facilities.”
Prof. Dr. Shaheen Habib said: “We have to put aside all the shortcomings of our past and resolve to fix the country anew. It is all about convincing our younger generations that this is an ideological country whose future lies in creative thinking, Eastern values, and patriotism.” She further said that one should not be disappointed with the current situation as the future of Pakistan would be very bright.