It’s our duty to serve, protect Pakistan: Gillani

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani on Wednesday said Pakistan was liberated by “our elders after endless sacrifices and now it is the duty of all of us to serve and protect this country”.

He expressed these views while speaking as chief guest at an Independence Day ceremony held at the Pakistan Sweet Home. He contended that lakhs of people were martyred during the freedom movement of Pakistan; there was a need to remember and appreciate it. “We have done things that the world has not done. In the war against terrorism, we have sacrificed countless lives and money. The current wave of terrorism and extremism should end, which is dangerous not only for Pakistan but for the whole world.”

He said: “Afghanistan is our twin brother, their culture, civilization, traditions and borders are similar to ours. Afghanistan should be a free, independent and prosperous country as much as we have worked for them. We want to work for them more.

The plant of Pakistan Sweet Home which was placed 14 years ago has become a fruitful tree today. Establishing the Pakistan Sweet Home as per international standards is commendable and Zamurrad Khan must be appreciated.”

He said: “August 14 holds a special place in our hearts; 14 years ago as the prime minister of Pakistan, I handed over a few children to Zamurrad Khan, today there are thousands of children. Creating a safe, loving and wonderful environment for these children is commendable. It is also our religious duty to support and fulfill the needs of orphaned children. These children have become the most valuable asset of the country today. These children will serve the country as doctors, engineers and teachers.”

He said Benazir Bhutto had said terrorism and other crimes became common in areas where there were no opportunities for education and employment. He directed that arrangements be made for education and employment opportunities in such areas. He recalled that during the military operation in Swat, 25 lakh people were displaced. “We settled them back in their areas. Thirty-five lakh people came here in the war between Soviet Union and Afghanistan. We included them in every sphere of life. I spoke to the world to support Pakistan for the rehabilitation of these refugees. It is being worked on now,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Gillani said empowering women was not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative for achieving economic growth and environmental sustainability. He contended that empowering women to take leadership roles in climate-related action would lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions, driving progress in environmental conservation and sustainability.

He expressed these views at a reception hosted in honour of a delegation of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) here at the Parliament House. The delegation was led by Secretary General AFPPD Dr Jeth Sirathranout. Gillani said the impacts of rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns and natural disasters disproportionately affected women and marginalized communities and it was imperative that response to these challenges was inclusive, equitable and transformative. He felicitated Romina Khurshid Alam, coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the ministry, Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, and all stakeholders for organizing such an event on an issue that resonated deeply with Pakistan’s national and regional priorities.

He said the diverse gathering of parliamentarians from Cambodia, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao PDR, the Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam and Turkmenistan was a testament to “our shared commitment to addressing the critical issues of climate change, green economy, gender equality and sustainable development”. He also admired the dedication to integrating gender perspectives into environmental and economic policies, which would help build a sustainable and inclusive future for peoples. “Pakistan, like many of our neighbouring countries, faces significant vulnerabilities to climate change,” he said.