ISLAMABAD, Nov. 4, 2010 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that promotion of literacy was the motto of the present elected government as no nation can make strides in the comity of nations without education.

He was speaking as the chief guest at an exhibition of logo designs for the National Literacy Year 2010-11, organized by National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). He said that it was unfortunate that literacy rate in our country was quite low and that Nafeesa Shah as chairperson of the NCHD was facing a difficult task.

The minister said that she is a very talented and hard working lady who had the potential to deliver.

He said that it was good sign that the NCHD has used art for promotion of literacy in the country. He said that there was no doubt that education was the top priority of the government, but due to scarcity of resources and some other urgent requirements, the hands of the present regime were tied.

Kaira told the audience that after the passage of National Finance Commission Award and 18th Constitutional Amendment, several sectors are being shifted to the provinces and education is one of them.

Chairperson NCHD Nafisa Shah, MNA said that the commission works with provincial and local governments in supporting education. “Along with providing additional teachers and transitory schools to fill the gaps present in the delivery system, the NCHD is promoting adult literacy by establishing adult literacy centers throughout Pakistan.”

Director General NCHD Zulfiqar Ahmad, during his welcome address, said that year 2010-11 were officially announced as the National Literacy Year by the Prime Minister.

The NCHD, acting as the secretariat to conduct various activities to celebrate National Literacy Year, launched a logo competition in June 2010 involving general public.

The main objective was to create awareness amongst the people developing a sense of ownership and involvement of the creative people of Pakistan for the cause of literacy in the country. A jury headed by Chairman Hunerkada Jamal Shah finalized the winners. During the exhibition, the winners were awarded with prizes.

Sajjad Hussain from Multan won the first prize while Muhammad Ali and Attiq-ur-Rehman both from Islamabad got the second and third prize respectively.

Later, talking to media persons at PNCA, he said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto adopted the path of reconciliation as the country was passing through a critical juncture and could not afford confrontation.

Kaira said that the PPP has clarified its stance several times on the issue, but those who want Musharraf’s trial under Article 6 can knock at the door of superior judiciary.

They should also file petition in Supreme Court for review of Zafar Ali Shah case verdict which validated to Musharraf’s take over of 1999 and allowed him to amend the Constitution, he added. About NRO, he said that it was used as a means for returning home.

To a question about alleged hiring of buildings for Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia on higher rates, he said that the Supreme Court has taken suo moto action and the matter was sub judice. He said that the court would give its verdict and if there was any irregularity, the culprits would be brought to book.

However, he said that members of National Assembly and Senate Standing Committees on Religious Affairs headed by Opposition members have visited Saudi Arabia recently,and if they had found any irregularity,they should have pointed it out. About mid-term elections he said that there was no such possibility as President Zardari was an elected democratic president and not a dictator like Musharraf.