Sahiwal: Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced that this year, Youm-e-Takbeer (May 28) will be observed as Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Day to honour the architect of Pakistan's nuclear programme.
Addressing a 'Bano Qabil' event in Sahiwal, Rehman said that attempts had been made in the past to malign Dr. AQ Khan name, but those behind such efforts have faded into obscurity while the nuclear scientist's legacy lives on.
'Jamaat-e-Islami remembers and honours the nation's heroes. After our victory in the war with India, Pakistan emerged stronger and more dignified. There is no doubt that Dr. Qadeer played a pivotal role in making our national defence impregnable,' he stated.
Emphasising the need for national stability, Rehman said a stronger Pakistan can better support the Muslim Ummah and oppressed people worldwide. 'Israel and India should never dare to oppress the people of Gaza and Kashmir again. This is only possible if Pakistan grows stronger,' he added.
He urged the youth and the nation at large to support Jamaat-e-Islami in its struggle to build a greater Pakistan.
The event was held under the banner of Alkhidmat Foundation's 'Bano Qabil' programme, where thousands of boys and girls appeared for tests to qualify for free IT and computer courses. Successful candidates will be offered short IT training courses. Millions of students across the country have already joined the Bano Qabil initiative. Alkhidmat Foundation's Secretary-General, Waqas Anjum Jafri, also addressed the event.
Rehman praised the efforts of Alkhidmat and congratulated the students participating in the exams. He encouraged them to spread the knowledge they gain and help expand access to education.
'Pakistan faces numerous challenges, and one of the gravest is the lack of access to quality education, especially for the poor and middle classes. Two and half million children are out of school, and there is no uniform education system in the country,' he noted.
Rehman said Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to the struggle for affordable, quality, and uniform education, ensuring that no child in Pakistan is left behind.
He added that Pakistani youth are exceptionally talented but need direction. 'Their energy must be channelled positively to help them move from despair to hope. The core of our struggle is the youth of this nation.'
The JI chief called on young people to move forward with confidence, live according to Islamic teachings, and take pride in their faith. 'Only the Islamic system can guarantee the country's progress and stability. Pakistan was created on the basis of ideology, and our people can unite through faith,' he said.