From Abid Usman
LAHORE: President Dr. Arif Alvi said on Monday that Pakistanis through their continuous efforts had not only strengthened and stabilized Pakistan on various fronts but were also advancing in this direction.
Addressing the inaugural session of three-day 12th Nazria-e-Pakistan Conference organized by Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust (NPT) here at Aiwan-e-Karkunan Tehreek-e-Pakistan, he added that while passing through thick and thin, Pakistani nation managed to control “fissiparous and centrifugal tendencies” in the country and achieved a niche in the comity of the nations.
Dr. Arif Alvi said that Pakistanis had become a unique nation in the world by proving their worth in every field, adding that in accordance with global norms for humanity, Pakistan welcomed and hosted 5.1 million refugees from Afghanistan on humanitarian grounds for decades which was unprecedented in the world. He said, “I told the UN Secretary General during his recent visit to Pakistan that I am proud of my nation that there had been no political or general resistance for Afghan refugees’ influx to Pakistan,” and added, “Even today 2.7 million Afghans refugees are living here”. He said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal brought about awakening in the Muslims of sub-continent through his inspiring poetry and thought-provoking philosophy, which led them to strive for an independent homeland by enthusiastically launching Pakistan Movement. And Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah through his political sagacity succeeded to carve out a separate homeland for the Muslims of sub-continent.
“We have been facing Kashmir issue since inception of Pakistan,” he said ,and mentioned that when Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru had approached UN Security Council,a budding organization then, for a ceasefire appeal.
He said Pakistan was optimistic about UN, that it would settle Kashmir issue on merit and as per justice,saying”We had done the right thing and since then we have not left any logical option in this regard.”
President said that despite India’s war hysteria Pakistani nation, the leadership, media and all segments of society always advocated peace, which was evident from the fact the Pakistan had set a good example by returning the Indian pilot last year.
Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi and his wife Samina Alvi on Monday visited the National History Museum at Greater Iqbal Park here. Museum Director Hiba Ali, Manager Awais Malik, and Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP) Board Member Ahsan Najmi gave detailed briefing about various sections of the Museum. Provincial Tourism Minister Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti was also present on the occasion.
Dr Arif Alvi and his wife Samina Alvi visited different sections of the Museum such as Citizens Archive of Pakistan (Preserving history), Pakistan timeline from 1940 to 1960, 1947 ‘Fasadaat’, virtual reality track, heroes gallery, Gandhi- Jinnah Talks/Letters, Lahore Resolution, popular film producers, Quaid’s Hologram, where a short speech of Qauid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was being played, sports, presidential awards and Armed forces section etc.
