In an effort to drive
maximum focus from the seven points, a four point strategy was
later developed. The idea was to concentrate, prioritize and accomplish
tangibles. The key goals were:
- Economic revival
- Poverty alleviation
- Political restructuring
- Devolution of power to grass root
On each one of there we have seen tremendous forward movement.
The President strongly feels that in order to attain the objective
of becoming a mature, moderate and tolerant society, Pakistan
has to rid itself from the elements spreading religious extremism
and ethnic hatred. The President is firmly committed to root
out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations from Pakistan.
While evolution of a moral and ethical society, strong in religious
and cultural values shall remain the nation's cherished goal,
he believes that extremism and sectarian violence by a fringe
have to be rooted out from our society. The minority cannot be
allowed to hold the majority hostage.
The President considers that a progressive
and prosperous society is directly linked with a dynamic, robust
and resilient economy. He, therefore, sees Pakistan as
a strong, vibrant economy, growing at an average rate of 7 to
8% over the next decade. In order to meet this target, he initially,
through singular focus and by following a definite strategy, concentrated
on removing the weaknesses of Pakistan's economy. The problems
of growing debt, rising corruption, sliding confidence of the
business community and prospective investors and eroding credibility
of vital State institutions have now been addressed with encouraging
results. With economic stability and wide ranging reforms, Pakistan
now looks ahead towards self-reliant growth, which directly impacts
poverty reduction. The President has identified agriculture, small
and medium enterprises, housing and construction, oil and gas,
information technology, tourism and telecommunications to play
a pivotal role in the envisaged growth.
Around 70% of Pakistan's population lives in rural areas with
their livelihood dependent on agriculture. Irrigated
agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's economy but water
is becoming a limiting factor on cropping area. Pakistan also
has the additional potential of bringing about 22.5 million acres
of virgin land under cultivation if irrigation water is made available.
The President has, therefore, designated construction of medium
and large reservoirs, canals and brick-lining of watercourses,
for maximum water conservation, a foremost National priority.
The President envisions the distinct roles and realms of government
and the private sector. He strongly believes that the private
sector is not only the main engine of growth but also the primary
source of employment generation. To him, the private sector
can produce, distribute and trade goods and services more efficiently
and at a lower cost than the government. The government's role
should only be in facilitating and creating an environment conducive
for the private sector to flourish. The President is, therefore,
committed to the vigorous pursuit of the privatization policy.
The President views Human Resource Development
as an imperative for socio-economic development. According
to him, no nation can effectively progress without a strong human
capital base and education is central to overall Human Resource
Development. His holistic approach aims at enhancing literacy
levels, improving quality of primary and secondary education and
also giving a major boost to the quality of higher education.
He targets 60 % literacy level by 2005 and over 90% by 2015 and
producing 1,500 Ph.Ds each year, mainly in science subjects by
2009. The present percentage of students entering higher education
is to be enhanced from 2.6% to 5 % by 2009.
The cause of gender equity is very close to the President's heart.
He firmly believes that the route to women's
emancipation is through political empowerment. Therefore,
a series of concrete measures were taken to ensure adequate and
effective representation of women in the National decision-making
institutions. Their representation in local government bodies
has been increased to a minimum of 33% of the total seats. It
is minimum, because women are at liberty to contest elections
for general seats as well. In the Senate, the National Assembly
and Provincial Assemblies, women have been guaranteed strong representation
by reserving 17% of the total seats for them. This, of course,
is a quantum leap from the zero level of the past. With this initiative,
over 40,000 women have been politically empowered through the
electoral process.
Being a person who loves peace, the President has shown his predisposition
to dialogue over confrontation and finding
just solutions to international disputes in accordance
with UN resolutions. His landmark strategy of Enlightened Moderation
is reflective of his efforts to promote global peace and stability.
The two-pronged strategy on the one hand induces Ummah to introspect
and address their deficits in social and economic standards and
on the other solicits from international community rejection of
misperceptions about Islam and the thesis of clash of civilizations.
He feels that the developed world should not only support Muslims
in their efforts for socio-economic uplift but also help resolve
international political disputes in a fair and equitable manner.
Under President General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan
has emerged as a responsible and dignified member in the comity
of nations. Pakistan has shown unflinching commitment in
discharging its international responsibilities. The foreign policy
has been based on well-established and recognized principles of
international relations, reflecting the country's Islamic character.
The President strongly desires Pakistan to have friendly relations
with all countries, especially, its neighbors.
Pakistan always had the human and natural resources but its leadership
lacked the will and sincerity of purpose. Under the leadership of
the President, the country has found the will, the good intentions,
and the resolve. By the grace of Allah, Pakistan now stands well
positioned to take giant strides towards social and economic development.
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