LAHORE:“Terrorism in Pakistan is the biggest problem. Pakistan is facing problems in relations with neighbouring countries. Inflation, rising population and energy crisis are major challenges. Fake information and false propaganda on social media are affecting our young generation”.
These views were expressed at a seminar held here on Pakistan Defence Day. The seminar was organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society and Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society. Presided over by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan was the chief guest at the seminar.
Speakers included Lieutenant General (R) Ghulam Mustafa, Sohail Waraich, retired Commodore Arshad M Khan (Secretary General PESS), retired Air Commodore Khalid Chishti, Brigadier (R) Zafar Bilal Yasin, Dr Arshia Mir (Mass Communication Department Lahore College for Women University), Professor Dr Ehsan Malik (Former Chairman MBA Department), Dr Saima Butt, Dr Farhat Yasmin (Head of Chemistry Department UET), Dr Kalyan Singh Kalyan (Chairman Punjabi Department Government College University) and Major (R) Khanzada Muhammad Ali (President PESS).
Wasif Nagi, Chairman Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society Jang Group of Newspapers, hosted the seminar.Addressing the gathering, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider said, “We have to stand with our army. The day the institution is destroyed, country will face severe problems”. There is a lot of wrong going on, he lamented. Unlawful incidents cannot be stopped if punishment is not awarded, he said. “If founder PTI is involved in the unlawful activities, he should be tried in the military court”, he said.
There would be no justice system in the country if the accused of May 9 attacks are released, he observed. Addressing the participants, Speaker Punjab Assembly Muhammad Ahmed Khan said in modern times territories are not captured by using weapons. It’s economy of a country which is destroyed. “Parliament is a place to do politics, but we observed all this being done in the courts”, he said. Pakistan Army is fighting longest war on terror in the history of world, he said, adding networking websites and smart phone companies are running the economies of the countries. He told the audience 29 cantonments of the country were attacked on a same pattern. There have been Special Courts in the country to try such cases, he reminded.
Aziz Ahmed Awan regretted a section of people is against the army. “How can we go against our army? How we can forget the sacrifices of our army in 1965 War, he asked. He said those involved in the May 9 attacks should have not been allowed to participate in politics.
General (R) Ghulam Mustafa said we need to unite. The enemies are at work to increase distance between the nation and the army, he said. Brigadier (R) Zafar Bilal Yasin said the army is indeed responsible for the security of the country, but the support of people is vital.
Sohail Waraich said there was martial law in the country. Situation in Karachi was so bad people feared city would be separated from Pakistan. “But the army controlled the situation”, he said. In the second incident there were threats to the country when Taliban were 70 miles from our border, he said. “Again, our army controlled the situation. Retired Commodore Arshad Khan said Pakistan Army needs our support. “If we all work hard for the uplift of our country, Pakistan will be among the developed countries in five to ten years”, he predicted. Air Commodore Khalid Chishti (R) said war is always fought with a purpose. Our army has made all kinds of sacrifices for the motherland, he said. “Even today when we celebrate festivals with our loved ones, our soldiers protect us by doing their duty at the borders”, he told audience.
Dr Farhat Yasmeen said officers and jawans of Pakistan Army are fulfilling their responsibilities in every way. “The biggest problem in Pakistan is lack of education. We need to prepare such a curriculum from the primary level through which we can make our children realize dangers, difficulties and problems facing the country, and what difficulties our forefathers had to face in achieving their goal”, she said. Major Khanzada Muhammad Ali said the highest level of sacrifice is to give one’s life for the cause of his country. Professor Kalyan Singh Kalyan said the youth using social media are not able to distinguish between right and wrong.
We need to correct our thinking and should understand that strength of Pakistan Army is the strength of our country, he said.Saima Butt said when there is a war, it will have negative effects. “There is a need to create awareness among the people, as education is the biggest weapon to protect the people”, she stressed.
Hoor-ul-Ain said freedom is a great blessing for which Pakistan Army and the civilians have sacrificed a lot. We have to protect this country founded by our leaders, she further said.Speaking on the occasion, Wasif Nagi highlighted the sacrifices made by the military personnel for the defence of the country.