Apna Tv

“Political forces should join hands together so that the doors for the return of dictatorship get closed, provinces get full autonomy and people be made the real source of power,” the Prime Minister said at the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony held at Convention Centre here.

Addressing a large gathering of people from different walks of life, the Prime Minister emphasized for rebuilding the democratic institutions for a stronger and prosperous Pakistan.

“The period of oppression is over. Dictatorship has become a story of the past,” adding the democratic coalition government had adopted a policy of reconciliation for national progress.

“We will have to move forward where there is no dictatorship but democracy,..no terrorism but peace and tranquillity..no cruelty but justice..no extremism but moderation,” the Prime Minister told the audience as they waved small national flags as an expression of their patriotic feelings for the country.

With the portrait of founding father Quaid-e-Azam and emblems of provincial unity in the backdrop, Prime Minister Gilani said history of Pakistan was written with the struggle to ensure supremacy of people through political process and for the establishment of a democratic and welfare society.

He said to consolidate democracy, Pakistan Peoples Party had vowed to go along with the democratic forces, as earlier the confrontation had resulted in great loss to democracy.

Clad in traditional off-white sherwani, Prime Minister Gilani stressed for cleansing Pakistan of all prejudices, terrorism and hatred in light of the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Thinker of Pakistan Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was passing through a difficult period with major problems including terrorism and extremism, inflation, unemployment and energy shortage.

“The war against terrorism and extremism is for our own survival. We will fight it with the help of people and will ensure the supremacy of the state at any cost,” the Prime Minister said.

He said Pakistanis were peace-loving people and should not be held responsible for the misdeeds of a few individuals.

He mentioned that during his visit to United States, he made it clear to the American leadership that “in order to succeed in war on terror, others would also have to think for their responsibilities.”

“We cannot, and will never allow any unilateral action on the soil of Pakistan,” the Prime Minister categorically said amid loud applause from the audience, bringing an air of national fervour to the ceremony.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the armed forces that were fully capable of defending the country’s frontiers.

He said with the government’s efforts, the supply of long-awaited eight F-16s was made possible with more aircraft incoming, to boost the defence capability.

On Kashmir issue, the Prime Minister said besides holding negotiations with India to improve relations, the government was making efforts for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiris.

He said during his meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on the sidelines of SAARC summit, Pakistan made it clear to its neighbour that a strong and stable Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan, while the two countries also agreed to institute a mini jirga.

He mentioned various steps taken by the government for the benefit of people including Benazir Income Support Fund starting next month, adding workers would be given shares while privatizing all national institutions. He said the government was considering to give right of vote to the expatriates.

He also announced three-months remission for the prisoners on Independence Day.

Earlier, the Prime Minister hoisted national flag and stood silent in the honour of national anthem as sung by a group of school children wearing national colours - green and white.

Another group of children clad in traditional dresses depicting all four provinces sang national songs, while veteran singers Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and Zil-e-Huma spellbound the audience with their patriotic songs.

The Prime Minister conferred an award to late Master Afzaal Hussain, the designer of national flag, which was received by his daughter.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman Senate, National Assembly Speaker, federal ministers, MNAs, three services chiefs and ambassadors.