Democracy is binding force, provides solution: Ashraf

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said only democracy and no other system provides solution to problems faced by Pakistan and its people. Addressing seminar on “Pakistan: My Identity” in connection with Independence Day celebrations on Monday, he said democracy is the only binding force and the country cannot be governed through dictatorship. Future of the country lies in strong democracy and it is moral obligation of everyone to work with dedication to achieve this goal. Democracy is only time tested system that keeps aspirations of people supreme, he observed. Pakistan movement was vividly a democratic force and provided guidance which was unique example to follow, he stressed. All major targets in the world were achieved through democratic forces. There is no role of dictatorship anywhere in the world in development of any country, he added. Ashraf said so-called systems introduced by dictators could not run as these were not public oriented nor participatory in their chemistry. “As Pakistanis we should join hands to make the country progressive, developed welfare state. Pakistan is our identity and we have an unshakeable relationship with it,” said the premier. He urged media to act as neutral institution and avoid spreading despondency among masses. Media has right to criticise government policies but within certain parameters and portray good things about Pakistan to improve its image in comity of nations, he emphasised. He said Pakistan is blessed with talent like Shafah Khubani who is youngest Microsoft certified IT expert. Media should promote such people. He announced Rs 1 million for Shafah Khubani. Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira spoke of challenges facing the country said government taken several steps – 18th amendment, NFC award to strengthen participatory Federation, identity to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and greater share to provinces through NFC. He regretted democratic governments were never allowed to complete their mandated term that plunged the country into many crises. “By following vision of founding leaders we can put Pakistan on right course,” said the information minister.