Do not let undemocratic forces win: CM

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif On Thursday said that derailing of a stable democratic system on October 12, 1999 was a serious conspiracy to create hurdles in the process of national progress and prosperity, the consequences of which are still being faced by the nation. In his message on the occasion of October 12, the chief minister said that October 12, 1999 was the blackest day in Pakistan’s national history when a dictator toppled the democratic and elected government. He asked the political forces of Pakistan to renew their determination on this day so that they would not allow such undemocratic incident in the future.
He said had the democratic process not been sabotaged in various eras of the history of Pakistan, the people of Pakistan would not have been facing serious problems like terrorism, load shedding, price-hike and unemployment.
He stressed that it is a fact that the time serving elements under the patronage of former dictator ruined the country and the nation through corruption, loot and plunder, while the federal rulers instead of solving these problems have pushed the people into further crisis. He further said that the solution to all problems of the country lies in continuity of democratic process and its stability, free from corruption, nepotism and plundering. He said had the development projects started in the communication, health, education and other sectors during the previous era of Nawaz Sharif, not been disrupted by dictator general Musharraf, Pakistan would have been among the developed countries of the world.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the Pakistani people salute the sacrifices of those heroes of the country and the nation who bravely faced the state brutalities during dictatorship of Musharraf and saved the democratic system through their sacrifices. “Today, we would have to pledge that we would utilize all our energies for making Pakistan a country of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal in the real sense by upholding democratic principles”, he concluded.
Punjab government announces
Yaum-e-Dua for Malala today
The Punjab government on Thursday announced to observe Friday (today) as Yaum-e-Dua (Day of Prayer) for recovery of Malala Yousufzai who is in critical condition after being shot by Taliban militants in Swat’s Mingora town.
Chief Minister Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif appealed the nation to pray for Malala’s health in offices, education institutions and mosques on Friday to observed Yaum-e-Dua.
“Malala is daughter of Pakistan. The nation is proud of her advocacy for peace and education. God willing she will be among us very soon,” the CM and PML-N’s central leader said in a statement.