ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday stressed the need for a conducive environment to better utilize the potential of country’s talented youth.The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Saeeda Mir,a student from Gilgit-Baltistan who won first position in the international book-writing competition held in the United States among 1,900 competitors from around the world.The Prime Minister awarded a cash prize of Rs 500,000 to Saeeda Mir on her outstanding performance.Gilani said he had full confidence in the capabilities of the country’s youth who had made their mark in all walks of life, both at national and international levels.The youth of Pakistan symbolise hope and bright future of the nation. They are immensely talented and what they need is the provision of a conducive environment and facilitation to demonstrate their talent,” he added.The Prime Minister said Saeeda Mir had made people of the country proud.She was an example of a beacon of light for the rest of youth especially girls.He said the government was committed to empowerment of women and had introduced various reforms at political, administrative, legislative and economic levels to enable them to play their role in the national development.
He also mentioned the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment & Self-Government Ordinance in accordance with the long-standing demands of the people of region.
Saeeda Mir said she was touched by the Prime Minister’s gesture of appreciation for her. She added that there was a need to encourage talent and give chances to the youth to demonstrate their abilities.She said the development of backward areas and provision of educational opportunities should be the prime focus of the government’s policies.The Prime Minister had taken notice of a news item published in a national English daily detailing the achievements of Saeeda Mir and invited her along with her father to the Prime Minister’s House to acknowledge her achievements. – APP
