Addressing a conference organised jointly by Pakistan and Unesco here Monday on "Stand up for Malala, Girls Education is a Right", he said the Pakistan had taken a giant leap forward in the quest for education and knowledge and ensured that all girls and boys should be given equal right for education.
He said all political parties and provinces came together to make fundamental changes in the Constitution regarding education for all children and it had been declared a fundamental right for every one and state's responsibility. The President said this change in the Constitution would have transformational effect in defeating the forces of extremist mindset that are against the education for girls.
President Zardari told the international community that the present government was committed to address the issue of education for all. He said the government had the vision of making the country democratic, progressive, peaceful and educated. The President while referring to the attack on Malala said two months ago on October 9, a young and determined daughter of Pakistan Malala Yousufzai was attacked by the forces of darkness. He said Malala stood for her right to education, not only for herself but for a bright and progressive future of her country.
The President who visited Birmingham before coming to Paris, where he met with Malala, said it was deeply moving for him to meet this young ray of hope at the hospital two days ago. He said he was happy to share with the participants of the conference that Malala was making satisfactory progress. He said her recovery is a symbol of resilience of his great nation and it is also a symbol of the battle between two mindsets, one that Malala represents a bright, progressive future for Pakistan which is the agenda of democratic political forces of Pakistan. The second mindset, he said, was a fringe minority of darkness, violence, hatred and conflict.
"Malala's survival teaches us that extremism can only be fought through our collective commitment," the President said. He said he had no doubt that the resolve to provide education to all in particular to the millions of out of school girls was the best strategy to defeat the forces of violence. The President said extremists were not only seeking to hamper the progress but they were also abusing the name of Islam, a religion of peace, which puts education and learning before every thing else.
He said even the first word of the Holy Quran is 'Iqra,' which means read. He said long term democratic political commitments is a key to reforms in education adding that over the past three decades, unfortunately the democratic process has repeatedly been derailed.
President Zardari said under the dictators, priorities shifted away from social and human development, but the present government recently launched a major national initiative for the promotion of education under Waseela-e-Taleem Programme. It is a part of Benazir Income Support Programme, that was also working for poverty alleviation and women empowerment, he said. This programme would ensure that three million additional girls were sent to schools, he added. "I am convinced that we can achieve this through putting our combined strength to meet the challenge."
The President said Pakistan needed support of government, donors, politicians and educationists and from the private and public sectors. He said such an alliance for education would ensure that every Malala received quality education and contributed toward a progressive Pakistan. President Zardari said just like friend's support for a democratic Pakistan, "We also need global support for education in Pakistan".
He said, "We are a resilient and a determined nation and need support for helping every Malala go to school." The President appreciated the efforts of Unesco for its call for education for all and joining Pakistan for holding this important conference on education.
He said the United Nations system had a crucial, even central role to play in overcoming the educational challenges. The President said guided by its principles and high ideals of its charter, the UN was destined to succeed. He said Pakistan would continue to uphold the ideals and values of the UN.
Referring to statement of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto "time and justice is on our side" the President said her strong belief in democracy laid firm foundation for universal education especially for girls. The President, while appreciating the efforts of Unesco for holding this conference, said he was grateful to the eminent and distinguished personalities from all over the world for joining on this occasion. He especially appreciated the presence of Prime Minister of France Jean Marc Ayrault and other important leaders.
He said progress made by those nations that had ensured maximum rights to their citizens had taught an important lesson that democracy and progress took time and needed consistent political commitment and it required sacrifices. He said, "In Pakistan we have given many sacrifices for democracy and ultimate sacrifice was given by my wife the first elected woman Prime Minister of the Islamic world, who lost her life to the very mindset which wanted to impose its will on others through violence. The President said this mindset was a legacy of the past three decades of conflict in the region.
He said for the first time in Pakistan in 60 years the government was about to complete its full term in office. He said this landmark constitutional changes would ensure free and fair elections and peaceful transition to the next elected government, and added the elections are due next year. The President said as the government was completing its term therefore its confidence had increased that the democracy was the only vehicle which delivered peace and prosperity to the people and to the region.