In a powerful address, Acting President and Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, issued a stark warning that Pakistan cannot afford to repeat historical errors, stating that momentary mistakes have led to centuries of suffering for the nation. He emphasized that the country must now build a future founded on peace, stability, and progress, having learned from its past experiences.
Speaking at the Pakistan Business Summit on Thursday, Mr. Gilani reflected on the nation’s arduous struggle against terrorism and extremism. He recalled that when dialogue proved fruitless, the government was compelled to take decisive action, a move that garnered global support. He stressed that the immense sacrifices made by the Pakistani people, armed forces, police, Levies, and Frontier Corps must never be forgotten or allowed to be in vain.
The Acting President shared his personal ordeal, including the abduction of his son by terrorists, explaining that despite such hardship, he chose a path of peace and international cooperation. He also highlighted a notable humanitarian achievement: the successful rehabilitation of over 2.5 million internally displaced persons within 90 days, an effort accomplished with the help of the international community that received worldwide recognition.
On the economic front, Gilani expressed optimism, noting that the nation’s economy is progressing towards stability. He stated that new avenues for trade and investment are emerging, with both domestic and international investors showing renewed confidence in Pakistan’s business environment. He credited the government’s efforts in ensuring a secure and supportive climate for commercial activities.
The Acting President identified Pakistan’s youth, who constitute approximately 60 percent of the population, as its most significant asset. He underscored that empowering this young demographic and helping them achieve their full potential is crucial for a prosperous future. He also touched upon the importance of tourism, remembering his role in establishing the Malam Jabba chairlift during his tenure as Minister for Tourism to boost the sector in the region.
Discussing foreign relations, Gilani described Pakistan and Afghanistan as ‘twin brothers,’ bound by geography, faith, culture, and history. He asserted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is fundamentally in Pakistan’s interest and expressed his hope that Afghan territory would not be used against his country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive ties with all its neighbors, including China, Russia, and Iran.
Recalling the period after the Mumbai attacks, he stated that Pakistan had consistently sought peace and dialogue, offering full cooperation and proposing renewed talks to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir and Siachen.
In his concluding remarks, the Acting President called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors. He expressed confidence that this partnership, combined with enduring regional peace, would fortify Pakistan’s economy and create a more prosperous future for its citizens. The event was also attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, senior PPP leaders, and members of the business community.