Governor appeals to all political quarters to forge unity for country’s progress

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has appealed to all the concerned quarters in Pakistani politics to forge unity after leaving aside their political differences for the progress and prosperity of the country.

He stated this on Saturday while talking to media persons after he visited the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage to the founder of the nation on Pakistan Day.

He was received by Sindh Senior Minister for Transport and Excise & Taxation Sharjeel Memon, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and other senior officials.

The governor laid a floral wreath at the Mazar and prayed for the progress and development of Pakistan.

He said that 23rd March Pakistan Day would always be remembered in history because on this day the idea was formally presented to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

He appealed to the countrymen to work with the fullest dedication, honesty, and devotion for the progress and development of Pakistan.

Tessori paid tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the personnel of the armed forces to protect and safeguard Pakistan’s frontiers and eliminate terrorism in the country.

He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council would guarantee the economic progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Tessori told media persons that Pakistan had been facing several internal and external challenges and conspiracies. He lamented that India had been bent upon conspiring against the existence of Pakistan. He said the personnel of the armed forces had been sacrificing their lives to foil vicious designs of the enemy against the integrity and survival of the country.

He appealed to all the concerned stakeholders to come on one page for the longevity and progress of Pakistan. He mentioned that Pakistan had enough natural resources whose proper exploitation would ensure the resolution of the economic challenges. He predicted the phenomenon of brain drain would soon be reversed as young Pakistanis who had gone abroad would return to their native land.

He further predicted that the present political leadership would steer the country out of crisis.

Earlier, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on the occasion of Pakistan Day on Saturday.

The ceremony was organised by the Board of Management of the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, also known as the Flagstaff House, to mark Pakistan Day. Students of schools attended the ceremony, besides other guests.

The national anthem was played before the hoisting of the national flag. Students also marched past on the occasion, keeping with the beat of the drums.

Civil, military awards

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori conferred civil and military awards on 76 persons for their achievements in various fields.

The awards were given at a ceremony at the Governor’s House. A total of 18 persons were awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz and eight received Pride of Performance. Seven persons were given Tamgha-e-Shujaat and 43 others received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.

The recipients of Sitara-e-Imtiaz included Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, Prof Dr Muhammad Farooq Hassan, Malaika Junaid, Satish Anand, Abdul Aziz Memon, Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Muhammad Arif Habib, Duraid Qureshi, Mufti Muneebur Rehman, Dr Naeemuz Zafar and others.

Mai Dhai, Adnan Siddiqui, Mashkoor Raza Khan, Sheema Kermani and Afzal Ahmed Syed were among those who received Pride of Performance.

Those who received Tamgha-e-Shujaat included martyr Abdul Malik Bhutto, martyr Din Muhammad Leghari, martyr Jatoi Pitafi, Muhammad Saleem Chachar, martyr Arshad Khan Jadoon and Abdul Nasir.

The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz was conferred on the late Dr Zubeida Sattar, late Muhammad Usman, late Abdul Khaliq, late Qurban Ali Soomro, late Vilayat Ali Gopang, Dr Nadeem Qamar, Zubair Imam Malik, Naqi Hyder Naqvi, Anwar Amjad, Mushtaq Ali Lashari, Banda Ali and others.

Federal minister’s visit

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, while paying tributes to the Father of the Nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day, said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has accepted the challenge, and it would give results based on good performance.

During his visit to the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, along with PML-N Sindh President Bashir Memon and party workers, Sheikh said that today is a day of determination.

“We reiterate our commitment this year too,” he said. He added that the country’s leaders conveyed the message to create a new country named Pakistan on this day.

He also said that Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir have made decisions about austerity measures. For the first time in the country’s history, he added, all ministers have willingly decided not to draw their salaries.

The federal minister said Pakistan has tremendous potential, adding that Pakistan would be made part of G20 soon. He said: “We are aware of the problems of the people.” He also said the PML-N is a sincere party, adding that the party performed well in the past. Speaking about the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) support, Sheikh said he respects the party for giving them a free hand. The PML-N has accepted the challenge, and it will give results, he stressed.

‘Freedom is a blessing’

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that March 23 is the most important day in Pakistan’s history. “The Resolution of Pakistan became the foundation for our beloved homeland. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a great leader

of Muslims. Freedom is a blessing. Ask Palestinians and Kashmiris about its value.”

Wahab expressed these views while talking to media representatives after laying a floral wreath at the Mazar-e-Quaid and reciting Fateha, along with Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Municipal Commissioner SM Afzal Zaidi, PPP Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Dil Muhammad and Mayor’s Spokesman for Political Affairs Karamullah Waqasi.

Juman Durwan, Media Management Senior Director Ali Hassan Sajid, Culture & Sports Senior Director Raza Abbas Rizvi, and other leaders and officers were also present on the occasion.

The mayor recorded his comments in the guestbook and paid tributes to the struggle and sacrifices made for an independent state under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

“A historic resolution was passed on March 23, and it became the basis for the establishment of Pakistan, then we got an independent state due to their efforts and hard work. We got the independent country of Pakistan,” he said.

“Insha-Allah, we will fulfil the dream that the workers of Tehreek-e-Pakistan had seen. It is a pity and a shame that we mock those and conspire against them who give sacrifices for our security. It is wrong to let down our generation,” he added.

“The life of outsiders in Pakistan looks very good. Freedom is in fact a great blessing. The PPP also gave sacrifices for the sake of the country. The martyr’s death is the life of the nation. Recently a son of Karachi also sacrificed his life for the country,” he pointed out.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP have excellent relations with Pakistan’s great friend and neighbour China, adding that under the leadership of Zardari, relations between the two countries would grow stronger.