Musharraf urges Youth to attain Academic, Moral Growth for Progress
By Aziz Malik 'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf has urged the country’s youth to reform their personalities by attaining intellectual, moral and social development in order to steer the country towards further glory.

In his message on International Youth Day falling tomorrow, President Musharraf said the country’s future rests in the hands of youth.

“To the Pakistani youth, I would like to say that I believe in you and your abilities. The future of Pakistan rests in your hands. You have it in you to be remarkable human beings and inspiring citizens of the country,” the President said.

President Musharraf said life is simple, and the youth should not let anyone dissuade them from this fact. He quoted an ever-inspiring massage of Allama Iqbal in this regard as;

“Amal say zindagi bunti hai, junnat bhi jahannum bhi Yeh khaki apni fitrat main, na noori hai, na naari hai”.

President Musharraf asked the youth to become a source of strength and support for their families, friends and fellow citizens.

He said they should have balanced and well-rounded personalities. For this, the President mentioned intellectual development by acquiring a broad-based knowledge and going beyond academic excellence.

Musharraf termed honesty, truthfulness, humility and contentment as the pillars of moral development. He also mentioned importance of physical development for the youth, as a healthy mind and body are vital for an overall balance in one’s personality.

The President asked the youth to develop their personalities so that they could enjoy respect of their superiors, peers and subordinates.

Musharraf mentioned a Chinese proverb which provides the secret of life as how the honest intentions and hard work can lead to fulfillment of dreams.

“Sow a thought, reap an action, Sow an action, reap a habit, Sow a habit, reap a character, Sow a character, reap a destiny”.

The President said,” I represent the going generation while you (youth) belong to the coming generation. You are the future of Pakistan. My strongest wish and desire is to hand over the baton to you while Pakistan is on the ascendant and rising.”●