Staff Reporter
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has said that even the leaders of Opposition’s alliance; PDM including Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani are now admitting that the Establishment is neutral.
The Pakistan Army is the army of 220 million Pakistanis, not of a single party or ideology. No one should drag the Pakistan Army into politics for political interest. There is no threat to the government even after the senate elections.
Unfortunately, the political parties in Pakistan accept only the decision that is in their favor. He was addressing a condolence reference at Governor’s House Lahore on Saturday in memory of former Prime Minister Malik Meraj Khalid and eminent businessman and social activist Seth Abid to pay them tributes on their social services.
Renowned journalist Mujeeb-ul-Rehman Shami, Chairman of Akhuwat Foundation, Dr. Amjad Saqib, renowned journalist Taufiq Butt and Mian Muhammad Mansha of Anjuman Khawan Islam and Farah Begum, daughter of Seth Abid were present on the occasion.
Later, talking to the media, Governor Punjab said that if all political parties recognize one another’s mandate and rights, then there will be no fight. We have ensured transparency regarding Senate elections in Punjab.
He said that a coalition party fielded a candidate, five candidates came forward from our party and five from PML-N. After which all the PTI candidates were elected unopposed as senators.
Had we fielded seven candidates, then there would have been talk of horse trading, but we did not do that, adding he said that other provinces should also adopt this practice.
Replying to a question, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that political activity is the right of political parties.
The political parties can be in government or in the opposition but political parties should not drag the Pakistan Army into politics for political interests.
Quoting an example, he said, that countries have been devastated, their defense establishments were first targeted, but Pakistan has the best Armed forces in the world that is capable of giving a befitting response to the enemy.
He maintained that all should stand united with the Armed forces of Pakistan because the strengthening of institutions will make the country strong. Governor Punjab said that the government has never advocated the politics of confrontation. If some people in the opposition are talking about patch up today, then we also welcome it.
Pakistan cannot tolerate any kind of confrontational politics, adding, “I also give credit to Yousuf Raza Gilani who said that the Establishment is neutral.” Now, the rest of the PDM leaders are also acknowledging the neutrality of the Establishment, he said.
Governor Punjab said that unfortunately there are many politicians who accumulated wealth after coming to power, but Malik Meraj Khalid set an example by serving the nation with honesty and helping the poor. This is why his name still lives and his services will always be cherished and remembered.
Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that Seth Abid was an affluent person, he had a passion to serve humanity and he had been working closely with Malik Meraj Khalid.
