He said Pakistan has consolidated its economy, laid foundation for sustained development through a network of infrastructure, mega projects and is shaping up to become a centre of regional commerce.
At the same time, he added, human resource development has been accorded a top priority as it lies at the core of long-term development. "Pakistan is no longer a weak country and that is why we project our country and its position strongly," he stated. He also recounted a string of successes in the fields of economy, counter-terrorism and a consistent emphasis on improvement in education and health areas.
The President also made it clear the writ of the government would be established in all parts of the country. Nobody would be allowed to retard the process of economic development, he said. "Our growth rate is very good, exports have registered 120 percent increase, remittances have risen to $4 billion per annum, tax collection has almost doubled to over Rs 700 billion and all factories are working to their fullest capacity, creating more and more employment opportunities."
However, he also pointed out the need to address the challenge of extremism and said it could be addressed through concerted efforts of the government and the people alike. "The biggest obstacle in the way of development is extremism, the moderate forces must stand up against the menace and be counted," he emphasised.
He informed the Pakistani diaspora about the short- and long-term steps the government has taken to address the malaise of extremism in a holistic manner.
In this context, he mentioned a strict check on misuse of mosque loudspeakers, ban on printing and distribution of hate material and streamlining of education in madrassas. The Pakistani leader renewed a firm commitment to stamp out terrorism.
"We hunted down terror operatives in our cities and destroyed their sanctuaries in the mountains, we have to eliminate terrorism," he said amid thunderous applause. On education, he said, Pakistan has increased the budget for higher education from a mere Rs 600 million to Rs 20 billion. Nine science and technology universities are being established with the help of advanced countries and the number of people doing PhD would touch 1500 annually in a few years.
"We have now 900 people doing PhD in the current year, far higher than what we had only a few years back," he stated, while also pointing out that a reverse of brain drain is taking place with the return of several highly qualified Pakistanis, who are being paid handsomely in the field of higher education.
He asked the Pakistani Americans to strive for projecting Pakistan's image in good light and counter any malicious propaganda against the country. "You should have pride in your country and counter any propaganda against Pakistan."
He said the sale of automobiles, TV sets, refrigerators and other necessities are reflective of economic development in Pakistan and added poverty has been brought down from 33 to 24 percent.
President Musharraf said the government is committed to empowerment of women. Ambassador of Pakistan Mahmud Ali Durrani, earlier, praised the contribution of Pakistani Americans to economic development of Pakistan and described them as real ambassadors of the country.