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CE vows to carry forward Akhtar Hameed's work

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf has assured the nation that his government would work hand in hand with the common man for the socio-economic development and progress of the country, and emancipation of the poor.

He was delivering his presidential address at the inaugural session of the two-day symposium held here on Saturday with the theme "life and times of Akhtar Hameed Khan", who performed miracles in ushering in development of rural areas during his 50 years work to change the flight of the four on self-help basis.

The chief executive said he is greatly inspired by the thought and practical work done by the late Akhtar Hameed Khan for the uplift of the poor people in Comilla in former East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh) as well as in Northern Areas and Orangi Pilot Project in Karachi.

He pointed out that his concept of devolution of power to the grass-root level was in line with the thinking of Akhtar Hameed Khan, who worked at grass-root level to bring about social development and awareness among the down-trodden.

He said that his government believes in the potential of the common man, who can make great contribution not only for their own uplift but ultimately the entire country.

The chief executive said that the government would draw guidance from the example set by Akhtar Hameed Khan in its programme of poverty alleviation and empowerment of the common man.

He stressed the need to follow his example of intellectual honesty, devotion to the cause of common man and selfless hardwork in the service of the mankind.

He pointed out that Akhtar Hameed Khan proved by his deeds that socio-economic development can be achieved in both public and private sectors provided, the principles of trusting the people, mobilisation of local resources and self-reliance are put into practice.

He announced that he had recommended to President Rafiq Tarar to award posthumous 'Nishan-e-Imtiaz' to Akhtar Hameed Khan to acknowledge his great contribution in the development of rural areas. He also announced to name the national centre for rural development after Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan.

Other speakers delivered lectures about different and varied aspects of the life and work of Akhtar Hameed Khan.

The speakers included a group of Comilla Development Project, who spoke on local government in Bangladesh, Comilla Development Model, Rural Development training, women in development, agricultural development, co-operatives at grass-roots levels.