Gilani seeks literatis advice on extremism, intolerance

Pakistan

Gilani seeks literatis advice on extremism, intolerance

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PM Gilani Monday acknowledged positive contribution of literati towards a tolerant society.

25 July,2011 06:27 pm

The PM assured drawing up of national strategy, based on their suggestions, to cope with internal and external challenges.Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, writers and poets at the launch of his new initiative - “PM in dialogue with nation” at PM Secretariat in Islamabad, Gilani said there was an urgent need to develop and pursue a vision that addresses the needs of changing times. Under the dialogue, the Prime Minister will hold four interactive sessions with writers, artistes, vice chancellors of universities and media. The suggestions would be incorporated into the address of the prime minister to the nation on Pakistan Day.The participants urged the national leadership to stand up to the challenges facing the nation and take bold decisions. The writers and intellectuals from all over the country spoke on the necessity of developing a national curriculum that inculcates amongst the young minds a love for the country and a spirit of nationalism.The national writers spoke on role of media, and stressed that it needs to take up its responsible role of building a society and creating hope. They also called for formulating a foreign policy based on national aspirations, without accepting any foreign pressures.Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan desires good ties with all countries without accepting the hegemony of any, on basis of mutual respect and interests. He recalled his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and President Hamid Karzai and said these led to improvement of bilateral ties.Gilani said it owed to his interaction with the Indian Prime Minister, that following the recent bombings at Mumbai, there was no repeat of the blame-game of 2008 and the Indian government acted “maturely” and admitted its intelligence failure.