NEWYORK (The Thursday Times) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a United Nations debate, said that after 9/11, Pakistan faced terrorism, and 88,000 Pakistanis were martyred in the war against it. Though we defeated this menace, the cost was billions of dollars in losses. To break free from this vicious cycle, we had to rely on loans, which have become a death trap for us. Every time we try to escape, we pay a heavy price.
Prime Minister emphasized that the sacrifices Pakistan made in the fight against terrorism after 9/11 are unforgettable, but the financial toll has been immense. He called for global justice and balance to find effective solutions for challenges faced by developing nations like Pakistan.
He also pointed out that Pakistan, in 2022, suffered devastating floods and is among the countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions. The countries with the highest toxic gas emissions are responsible for this, and the current system of imbalance and injustice cannot solve this problem.
In his address, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that promoting quality education in the country remains a top priority, but the challenge of 25 million children being out of school is significant. Pakistan has faced not only human loss due to terrorism and climate change but also massive financial damage, leading to reliance on loans and aid, which has become a death trap for the nation.
The Prime Minister also discussed the reforms he implemented in the education sector during his 10-year tenure in Punjab, introducing schemes like the Punjab Endowment Fund and voucher schemes to empower underprivileged students. These initiatives provided scholarships to deserving students, allowing them to continue their education both domestically and internationally.
Shehbaz Sharif further mentioned the establishment of Daanish Schools in Punjab, where underprivileged and orphaned children receive modern education and vocational training. These students are excelling in various fields, including becoming doctors and engineers. He also acknowledged the collaboration with the UK on a skills development program that provides practical training to students.
