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PM says Pakistan is passage to progress
* Nawaz says Pakistan wants cordial and cooperative ties with India and Afghanistan * Woos investors to focus on energy, infrastructure and industries in PakistanMINSK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan is a gateway for trade and energy between its northern, eastern and western neighbours, connecting the regions through trade routes, oil and gas pipelines, and power transmission lines.
He was addressing an event where he was conferred the title of Honourable Professor at the prestigious Belarusian State University.
The event was attended by a large number of members of the faculty, academicians and students.
Nawaz said Pakistan wanted good relations with its neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality. “We want cordial and cooperative ties with India and Afghanistan. Our relations with Russia are on an upward trend.”
“We have the necessary infrastructure in place, as well as the manpower. The need of the hour is to improve connectivity and efficiency by spreading a network of roads, railways and telecommunications.”
In his talk delivered to the students after Rector Sergey V Ablameyko donned him with a gown and conferred on him the title of honourary professor, the PM said Pakistan was a country of nearly 200 million people with a rich pool of young talented human resource, vast, but relatively untapped natural endowments.
He said Pakistan was situated at the confluence of the ancient silk routes - the cusp of Central, South and West Asia which makes it a potential major hub of regional economic activity.
He is in Belarus on a three-day official visit to meet the top Belarusian leadership and ink a number of important agreements laying the foundation for a strong bilateral relationship, said he felt “truly honoured” to be invited to the most prestigious University in Belarus.
He said Pakistan considers peace and enhancement of regional trade essential for regional prosperity, and mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which, he said would change the dynamics of the region, especially with its connectivity projects.
“Our region also has ample opportunities of cooperation in the field of energy. We can all reap harvest from various energy projects in the region such as CASA-1000 and the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.”
He stressed the need to work towards a successful implementation of these projects. He thanked the Belarusian State University for the honour conferred and expressed the hope that ties between the two countries would further strengthen in the days ahead.
Nawaz said the august seat of learning has greatly contributed to the intellectual and academic prowess of the people of Belarus, ever since its establishment in 1921.
He described the conferment of the degree as a “ unique honour” bestowed upon him by such a renowned institution. The PM said he regarded this distinct honour as a reflection of the warmth of the people of Belarus towards Pakistan and him.
“With profound gratitude and deep appreciation, I accept the Professor Honoris Causa, conferred on me by the Belarus State University, in my capacity as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.” He spoke high of the University and described it as a beacon of enlightenment.
“It has illuminated the minds of many generations. Its contribution towards education and intellectual advancement in this beautiful country is unparalleled.” he said.
He said the university was creating inter-linkages with several institutions of learning in Pakistan and expressed confidence that these ties will not only bring the youth of the two countries closer, but would also positively contribute towards enhancing education.
The PM said his government was focusing on development of country’s educational institutions. “Our Vision 2025 emphasizes a knowledge based economy,” and shared with the students that his government was doubling its budgetary allocation for education.
“We remain committed to increase it further to reach 4% of GDP. To my mind, there could be no better investment in a nation’s future,” he said.
He said in a complex world, multi-dimensional developments were taking place at a rapid pace affecting the very fabric of lives and thoughts. “We are passing through defining moments of history.” Nawaz said besides the traditional challenges of security and development, unanticipated developments relating to environment, climate change and depleting water resources call for closer collaboration, both regionally and globally.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk
