Pakistan needs politicians like Sartaj: Dr Ishrat

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister for Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain Monday said Pakistan needed politicians like Sartaj Aziz, a man of character who would never compromise on his principles.

He had the competency, compassion, commitment and character to turn around the things, he said while speaking at special event titled ‘A tribute to a living legend: celebrating life and work of Sartaj Aziz’ organized here by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Dr Ishrat said, "It is our usual attitude that we often admire our legends after their demise, but SDPI's effort to honor our living legends in their lives is commendable."

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Tariq Banuri said Sartaj Aziz was a repository of knowledge and talking to him was like talking to Google.

Sartaj had the ability to bring people together and build consensus, he said, adding that he was a role model for civil servants.

Banazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Dr Sania Nishter said Sartaj Aziz was a reformist, who had the ability to reform and build institutions. He had unique attributes of integrity, acumen, attitude, loyalty and vision, which distinguished him as a great human being.

Former finance minister Dr. Hafeez A Pasha said Sartaj Aziz as finance minister was a very capable captain and never lost his cool even in difficult situations. He had incredible capability and intellect as well as grip and authority on the subject of economy and foreign affairs, he added.

Former Punjab governor Punjab Dr Shahid Hamid said for more than six decades of dedicated services, no Pakistani could have served the country better than as Sartaj Aziz whose contributions to its development were matchless.

The economic reforms programmes, social action programme, National Rural Support Program (NRSP), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and National Finance Commission Award 1991 were few of his big achievements, he added.

Former ambassador Jallil Abbas Jilani said great men were known by their knowledge, integrity and dedication to the social services and Sartaj Aziz had all those qualities. He was recognized as consensus builder and builder of institutions.

Former Vice-president of World Bank, Shahid Javed Burki said Sartaj Aziz was a man of passion whose life long struggle revolved around improving the lives of vulnerable segments of the society.

Former commerce minister Khurram Dastgir said Sartaj Aziz was a model of integrity and meeting with him would make one a better person.

Pakistan People’s Party leader Farhatullah Babar said Sartaj Aziz was one of among few parliamentarians who demonstrated the respect for the institution of the parliament. He never told a lie or misled the parliament.

Speaking on the occasion, Sartaj Aziz expressed the hope for a bright future of Pakistan. “We have huge potential for leading economy of the world."

He said the ongoing merger of information technology and bio- technology would have far reaching consequences for the global economy, for the job market and for relations between nations and regions.

Earlier, SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said Pakistan should also celebrate its greats and consider it a source of optimism in society. Legends series was started to invite role models to hear them and to disseminate their experience to the youth, who had restricted themselves to tabs and mobiles, he added.

At the end, Ambassador (Retd) Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairperson, Board of Governors, SDPI gave vote of thanks.