Sunday May 29, 2005-- Rabi-us-Sani 20, 1426 A.H.

PM lauds Aga Khan contribution to Pak socio-economic uplift


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday lauded the contribution made by the spiritual leader of Ismaili community, Prince Karim Aga Khan, in the socio-economic development of Pakistan, describing him as a "great friend" of the country.

Speaking at a luncheon, he hosted in the honour of the distinguished guest at the PM House, the prime minister also acknowledged his services for the Ummah and the developing world.

Welcoming Prince Aga Khan, the prime minister said he had been a source of strength for Pakistan. He praised the contribution of Aga Khan Foundation in the development of social sector in the country, particularly in the areas of education and health.

The prime minister termed Aga Khan University an icon of excellence, saying it has raised the level of education and is contemplating new initiatives. He also praised the Aga Khan Hospital in providing quality health services and in helping the poor patients.

PM Shaukat specially mentioned the role of the Aga Khan Foundation in the development of the Northern Areas. "The work and development by the Aga Khan Foundation has changed the entire outlook of the Northern Areas and has raised the income level of poor people," he said.

Referring to the inauguration of Shigar Fort in Gilgit by Aga Khan, the prime minister said it was an example of how a dilapidated structure can be reconstructed for making it an attractive tourist destination.

Shaukat informed the visiting dignitary about the economic achievements made in the recent past and said 8.5 per cent growth this year has placed Pakistan among the top five growing economies in Asia. The consistency and continuity of policies, he added, has helped create the enabling environment for rapid growth.

However, the challenge now was the equitable distribution of resources, he said and added that the government was working to pass on fruits of economic development to the common man and people would soon feel the change.

"Our vision for Pakistan is to see a developed, progressive, modern, tolerant, enlightened, democratic Islamic state that provides peace, prosperity and security to its people and has a position of great respect and strength in the comity of nations." The prime minister asked Prince Aga Khan to continue making investment in Pakistan which provides the most liberal and investment-friendly climate in the region. Prince Karim Aga Khan congratulated Prime Minister Shaukat and the government for their economic achievements and creating an enabling environment so that institutions could grow and flourish.

Speaking about the further initiatives, particularly in the education sector, Prince Aga Khan said that they wanted to see the Aga Khan University not merely serving Pakistan but also the Ummah and the developing world. He said the foundation was aiming to make the Aga Khan University most outstanding institution in the world.

The foundation plans to have new campus in Kenya, East Africa and other countries, he said and added this would carry a good message about abroad about the Pakistani universities.

On Pakistan’s economy, Prince Aga Khan said, it has a tremendous potential to grow. "If Pakistan explores its full potential, growth rate of 8.35 per cent is only a reflection of what Pakistan can do," he added.

Prince Karim Aga Khan underlined the need for the Ummah to catch up with the scientific development and making efforts in the human resource development. He described the development of human resources and improving quality of life as their main goals.

Prince Aga Khan thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and assured more investment in the country.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shaukat and Prince Aga Khan, in their meeting, discussed the socio-economic development and prospects of future investment in Pakistan.

THE NEWS

Where does Kraim Aga Khan live?