DOHA, Oct 23 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Sunday urged the Pakistani youth at home and abroad to equip themselves with the latest knowledge and fast evolving technologies like computers, internet, smart phones etc., as their positive use could help achieve individual and collective progress.
“The invention of Internet has changed this world, and when you will take the rein of affairs, it would have changed completely, confining into a small device (cell phone) which all of us are carrying in our hands today,” he told students at the Pakistan Education Center (PEC), a school run by Pakistan Embassy in Qatar.
He, however, cautioned them about the negative uses of these technologies, as irresponsible use of these technologies could prove fatal for the whole world. “That’s why I will advise you to learn about these technologies and commit yourselves to use these for the benefit and welfare of mankind,” he added.
The President, who is in Doha on a four day official visit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, said the main objective of his visit to the Pakistan Education Center was that he wanted to meet the students and know how they think about their country and the world.
He also called upon the Pakistani students to adopt positive approach and thinking about the world, and follow moral and spiritual values. “If we become good Pakistanis, it will mean that in terms of moral and spiritual values, we are on the right path,” he remarked.
The President said,”The person, who works with honesty and commitment, avoids corruption and dedicates himself for the welfare of human kind, is considered as a good man. This is the path, by following which we can make this world peaceful and beautiful.”
“In this respect, we have high hopes on our new generation, and I believe that you will not disappoint us,” he maintained.
The President was happy to note that a large number of PEC educated youth were serving in various fields of life in the brotherly country, including the Qatar Armed Forces. “It will help further strengthen and deepen the already existing close bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar,” he hoped.
He also lauded the services and hard work of teachers and staff of the Pakistan Education Center for the provision of quality education to Pakistani youth and equipping them with the jewel of knowledge.
He said the present government in Pakistan gave priority to the promotion of education, which was also evident from his visit to PEC. He being the head of state was chancellor of 17 universities and frequently visited the educational institutions.
The President said Pakistan, which was facing bad governance during the previous regimes, had improved its fiscal and financial performance during the last over three and a half years, a fact also being recognized by international institutions.
Giving the example of bad governance, he said Pakistan’s total debt, which was at Rs 6,700 billion in 2008, reached Rs 14,800 billion in 2013. “With no spending on major infrastructure and development projects like dams, power generation, health, education, how the debt registered such a huge jump?” he questioned.
The President said a landmark China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), under which 3400 kms of road would be constructed, was an excellent opportunity for Pakistan’s development, progress and prosperity.
He said the CPEC would cover all the four provinces as well as Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and would create thousands of job opportunities. He also made it clear that there was no change in the original plan of the Corridor.
The President urged the students to focus on their studies, adopt and promote the Pakistani culture and their Islamic identity. They should also abide by the Qatari laws and help further strengthen ties between the two brotherly countries with their good and friendly behaviour, he added.
PEC Principal Madam Nargis Raza Otha, in her welcome remarks, highlighted the educational activities of Pakistan Education Center and its achievements in curricular and extra curricular arenas.
She said the PEC, established in mid 80s, was the largest in Doha in terms of its area, and was providing quality education from Kindergarten to intermediate level to 3600 enrolled students of 27 countries.
The PEC students, on this occasion, also presented performance depicting diverse colours of Pakistani society and its culture.
The President also visited a few classrooms and library of the Education Center and had a frank interaction with the students there. He also signed a visitors’ book and recorded his expressions.
Earlier upon arrival at the PEC, the President was received by principal and staff of the Education Center. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar Shahzad Ahmad also accompanied the President.
Pakistan Education Center, established in Doha in 1985, was providing quality education to the students of 27 countries. Most of the students belonged to the Pakistani community.
The President was highly appreciative of the standard and quality of education as well as other facilities in the Education Center.
The President, who got very impressed with the pronunciation of verses of the Holy Quran by a PEC student that he at the outset of his address called the student on the podium and praised him.
