Bilawal capable of steering country clear of present crisis: Murad

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Saturday that the Supreme Court's verdicts in the cases of PTI and PML-N were positive but it the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) which always receives negative attention. This, he said, while talking to the media just after attending 'Kiran Sitara' a programme designed to fight against TB organised under the banner of 'She Leads" Conference organiszed Kiran Sitara Programme, IRD and Indus Health Network in collaboration with the Sindh Education Department at PAF Museum.
He said that the forthcoming general elections of 2018 would be the last election for Imran Khan because he is no more leader of the youth. "Oh yes, it is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who is a genuine leader of the youth of the country," he said and added "Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has the capability to steer the country out of present crisis," he said.
Talking about tragedy of Public School Peshawar, Murad Ali Shah said the smiles and fragrance of the children were still alive in his memories. "We can not forget them, they were our future and their sacrifice is the great one and it has united the nation against terrorists," he said.
Earlier, addressing the 'She Leads Conference' the chief minister said, "It is something to be pride of to be with 10,000 girl students. I truly feel the positive spirit of optimism at this forum and we will need your youthful energy, creativity and passion to lead our country to a healthier future," he said. Murad said today's generation of young people, particularly the female is the largest the world has ever known. He added that one in every three persons alive today is under the age of thirty, and around ninety per cent of young people are living in developing countries, such as Pakistan. "I believe in your power to shape our future, young people now and in the future would play a big role in how our world addresses challenges," he said and added only by ensuring opportunities that open the future to all young people do we create a better future.
He said the effort between the Indus Health Network, Interactive Research and Development, Department of Education Government of Sindh, and the Kiran Sitara programme, emphasises the importance of contributing to progress, particularly during times of change. "This approach is needed now more than ever," he said.
The chief minister said that the Kiran Sitara Adolescent Health and Leadership programme achieves, mobilizing young girls at secondary schools. By teaching adolescent girls the skills such as communication, negotiation, leadership, human rights and combining that with basic health care directives, the Kiran Sitara is creating a network of social impact leaders. He went on saying over the next decade and beyond, if we are to solve the most pressing issues of our time, we can tap into the dynamism of these generation of leaders, for they have the potential to be the most creative forces for social change in the country. "By empowering these girls, we can drive social progress in areas including access to education, immunization programmes geared towards polio eradication, child marriage and other critical health and development challenges," he said.
The chief minister said that he is convinced that investing in education for girls and women is the key to unlocking advances across society. He further said that a positive change is possible if we act together and act now. "The problems we face are global but they demand local solutions," he said and added "the initiatives you undertake in your own community, from your home to the classroom are indispensable." he said.
Qadeer Baig, Director of Youth Engagement Programme, IRD while addressing the conference said, "The Kiran Sitara programme is currently working with over 200 schools across Pakistan and over 30,000 girls who have successfully completed their healthcare and leadership training. The goal is to impact 200,000 households and 1.5 million difficult to access people in low income communities across Karachi, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Lahore."
Speaking on this occasion, Dr Abdul Bari Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Indus Health Network stated, "Approximately 50 per cent of Pakistan's total population comprises women but unfortunately, in many communities women are not given an equal access to quality education and opportunities. He further stated, "Building a network of trained and active adolescent schoolgoing girls through this initiative will enable us to access, women living in those communities and educate them to promote behavior change for healthier lifestyles."
The conference was also attended by Younis Khan, a former Pakistani Cricketer and a brand ambassador of 'Aao TB Mitao' initiative, who acknowledged the efforts of these young girls. Shehzad Roy, a musician, also performed at the event.