President Mamnoon Hussain has expressed confidence that completion of projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would turn Pakistan into the most important country of the region.
He was speaking at the 50th National Speech Contest held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The President said Gwadar Sea port, Gwadar International Airport, a number of motorways, energy projects, other infrastructure and industrial ventures are components of the Corridor. Their completion would open up new avenues of economic development and employment opportunities for far flung areas of the country.
He emphasized that the CPEC is not meant for any group, part or a particular segment of the society; rather it would benefit the entire country.
Mamnoon said Pakistan is destined to progress and prosper because of the policies of the present government and hardworking people. He said there was no instance of mega corruption in the country during the past two and a half years of the present government.
Referring to the speech contest that was dedicated to martyrs and Ghazis of September 1965 war; the president said no nation can progress without appropriately remembering its heroes. He said the best tribute for those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of Pakistan would be to equip ourselves with knowledge and take Pakistan to new heights of development.
He urged participating students to focus on their education so that they are able to shoulder their future responsibilities effectively. He particularly exhorted girls not to care about any hurdles in the way of their education. Hussain said we must not follow the West blindly and make efforts to preserve and promote our national identity.