No one should interpret Islam of one`s own will: Musharraf
24 October, 2007
SKARDU: President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday said that no one should make interpretation of Islam according to one’s own will.
“No one should interpret Islam according to one’s own will. I am opposed to terrorism, therefore people consider me a weak Muslim despite the fact that door to Holy Kaaba was opened for seven times for me”, he said this while addressing inauguration ceremony of first hydro power project and later replying to questions from members of legislative council here Wednesday.
He held the past government could not carry out development work in backward areas as per their plan owing to resources constraints. The present government was not facing any resources crunch but the major problem of today is proper utilization of funds. “ I am happy that first power house of Satpara dam is being inaugurated. Three more power houses will be built alongside this dam in coming year and overall 17 megawatt electricity will be produced”, he added.
He pointed out gas was being imported from Iran to overcome shortage of gas. Arrangements have been made to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). But the water is the cheapest mode for generating electricity. Nature has bestowed Baltistan with water resources. Therefore, we are focusing to generate maximum electricity from here, he told.
“I am transferring financial and administrative powers from Islamabad to your elected representatives to ensure devolution of powers at grass root level”, he announced adding Deputy Chief Executive of Northern areas will be chief executive from now onward and all the powers will rest with him. Northern areas council is being given the status of legislative assembly.
He indicated all the 52 demands of Northern areas had been accepted.
Acquiring powers is easy but its use is very difficult, he said adding “ I hope members of legislative council will use their powers in the interest of people”.
Tourism sector will be developed in the areas of Shaggar and Shangrila, he maintained. He urged the people to maintain law and order situation.
Replying to a question from Wazir Walayat, member of legislative council, president Musharraf said Shatoong Nullah project will be included in Satpara dam project in line with people aspirations. Korakorum university campus will be set up in Skardu.
Earlier minister for Kashmir affairs and chief executive Northern Areas said president general Pervez Musharraf had evolved power vision adding 16000 megawatt electricity will be generated by 2016.
Speaking on the occasion chairman Wapda, Shakeel Durrani said completion of Satpara dam will help develop agriculture sector in this area.
Meanwhile President Musharraf has said due to operational readiness, high standard of training and morale of our troops, the defence of our country has become impregnable. Our strong Armed Forces equipped with latest conventional and non-conventional weapons are a guarantee for peace.
President General Pervez Musharraf stated this on Wednesday while addressing to the troops at Skardu.
In his address, the President stressed upon officers and men for carrying out intensive peace time training so that operational preparedness can be enhanced. He said that Pakistan Army has an international reputation, being one of the most professional, dedicated and top quality Army of the world and it is our duty to not only maintain this reputation but also to further enhance it. The President also spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of officers and men of Armed Forces.
The President further said that although peace and stability of our country is ensured through our Armed Forces, but economic stability also plays a pivotal role for progress and prosperity of the nation. By the grace of Allah Almighty, now we are a nation with strong economy and we are moving ahead. While emphasizing on the need of a strong economy, the President said that the present Government is taking bold initiatives for the development of masses and only because of these initiatives, the foreign exchange reserves have touched an unprecedented high. The President said that benefits of economic prosperity are reaching the common man and because of this the level of unemployment has been brought down by 10- percent. Due to this economic improvement, life of the under privileged has become far better and they have access to all basic amenities.
While talking about internal security the President said that the real threat to stability of Pakistan is internal and a handful of extremists are out to disrupt the law and order. The President said the only solution to this problem was to reject forces that fanned hatred, led to sectarian strife and involved extremist forces. The President said that in an Islamic society there is no place for obscurantist elements that are trying to polarize the society by creating divisions or imposing their own will. The President said that our security forces along with the entire nation are fighting out this menace. The President expressed that the nation will rise to the occasion and urged it to consolidate itself internally and follow the slogan, "Pakistan First".
The President while appreciating the role of Armed Forces during October 8 earthquake said that we have received appreciation from all over the world for bravely fighting this calamity. "The way Pakistan fought against this natural calamity is being quoted as a role model in the entire world".
Lieutenant General Mohsin Kamal, Corps Commander and Major General Muzammil Hussain, Commander FCNA were also present at this occasion.
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