By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday said the journey of democracy would continue with same zeal and zest which had passed on numerous dividends to the nation under the leadership of previous democratic leaders. The minister reiterated the Quaid-i-vision, Azam’s who correctly stated that the country’s future lay in democracy: “The nation reaped benefits and fruits anytime there was a democracy in the country during the last 75 years.”
Addressing the Flag Painting Ceremony here at D-Chowk, she said the country became nuclear power during the democratic rule of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif who connected all federating units by establishing network of the motorway across the country. She claimed that Nawaz Sharif finished the nuclear programme started in the 1970s by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Despite the pressure from outside forces, he (Nawaz Sharif) made the nation’s defence unbreakable.
Marriyum paid tribute to all scientists, engineers and others for their contribution in making the country an atomic power. She said Nawaz Sharif eliminated terrorism from the country, brought economic growth to 6 per cent and ensured zero load-shedding during tenure of his previous government (2013-18).“ She praised everyone who had given their lives in the fight for democracy and stated, “We gained all these fruits during democratic rules, whether it was nuclear deterrence, the constitution, youth programme, Benazir Income Support Programme, or 4G internet. She referred to the political system as the solution to all of the issues facing the nation and said that whenever democracy was assaulted, it came back in full force.
She said the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 was a remarkable achievement of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s ear as it was passed with complete consensus of all the political parties. The Constitution ordered all the state institutions to perform their duties within their domain. The minister remarked that during the administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had provided public transit systems to all significant cities, Punjab, the nation’s largest province, was connected to all other provinces. Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, would unveil the re-recorded national song on August 14 during the ceremony for hoisting the flag, she said. She also said that PM Shehbaz would be the first prime minister to introduce a re-recorded version of the national anthem since Liaquat Ali Khan.
Marriyum extended gratitude to all who contributed in the re-recording of national anthem. The Information Ministry, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) and Steering Committee Head Javed Jabbar played a major role in this regard. She also praised the contributions made by minorities to the socioeconomic advancement of the nation. She continued, “Their services will never be forgotten.” In addition, the minister praised the media for its thorough coverage of Pakistan’s Diamond Jubilee festivities. She praised the students who had congregated at the D-Chowk and had painted the national flag, saying they had come to show support for the nation in light of the Diamond Jubilee.
The D-Chowk was used for the protests always, but it was the first time that the children had gathered here to express solidarity with the country, she said, adding the spirit of school kids showed that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for the motherland. “Today, the spirit is not different from that of 1947 when Quaid-i-Azam established an independent and democratic country for the Muslims through votes,” she remarked.
The minister congratulated the Interior and Information Ministries, Law Enforcement Agencies and police from all the provinces for successfully holding the Diamond Jubilee festivities. She also praised the military forces for defending and guarding the nation. Marriyum advised the populace to exhibit togetherness and affection for the nation by hoisting the national flag atop the rooftops of their residences. “This will demonstrate to the world that we are a peaceful people who have come together to thwart the evil plans of our adversaries. She said that tonight’s D-chowk fireworks and laser spectacular had been planned and will be shown live on Pakistan Television. She added that the Parliament would present an united declaration to honour our warriors who gave their life in defence of the nation.
