ISLAMABAD, Dec 5 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need for recognizing and utilizing the power of volunteerism to promote peace, harmony and development around the world.“We need to recognize and utilize the power of volunteerism to promote peace, harmony and development not only in Pakistan but around the world”, the President said in his message on the occasion of International Volunteer’s Day observed every year on December 5.He said, the day is being observed “to show common concern for welfare of whole community and re-dedicate ourselves for this noble cause selflessly and dedicatedly”.The President said, “it is reassuring that the government has encouraged volunteerism by developing infrastructure and volunteers are now participating in service delivery in all walks of life”.
He, however, added that as volunteerism and social work can not be accomplished anywhere without the active participation of the people, “it is therefore important that philanthropists, civil society organizations and NGOs come forward and supplement provision of various types of services for the welfare of the people”. The President said global trends towards greater self-help, decentralization, participatory democracy and networking all have contributed to encouraging citizen participation and volunteerism.
“The government has also adopted a strategic approach to develop and sustain an environment that promotes volunteerism and social work. That is one reason that there are more that 70,000 NGOs in the country providing various types of services for the welfare of the people”, he added.
The President on this occasion complimented the millions of social workers all over the world who work voluntarily in different areas to help build a peaceful and better world.
“I also call upon every citizen to contribute voluntarily towards the development and well being of the society as a whole. May Allah bless us in this noble cause – Ameen”, he added – APP
