Daily Times

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the PML-N had opposed an amendment in cluases-62(1)(f) of the constitution when 18th Amendment was being passed and now it is being proposed.

He said this while talking to media just after performing flag hoisting ceremony and laying floral wreath on the Mazar-e-Quaid on August 14. He was accompanied by Sindh Governor Zubair Ahmed.

When the constitution of 1973 was being restored in its original shape by making 18th Amendment the PML-N opposed amending in clauses 62(1)(f) strongly. Therefore, both the clauses were left in the constitution unabated. “Now they have shown their inclination and intention to repeal both the clauses, 62(1)(f), let us see what political leadership of PPP decides would be followed accordingly. Had it been amended or repealed in those days things would have been different,” he said.

Talking about Independence Day celebrations, he said, “The independence was achieved with great sacrifices of our elders and now it becomes our responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the country.”

The terrorists were trying to undermine the country but “our people are united against them and they would never succeed in their nefarious designs”. He strongly condemned Quetta blast and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

He said it was Sindh Assembly which had passed first ever resolution for a separate homeland. “Today, we should remember all those who lost their lives in the struggle for separate homeland and fighting against terrorists,” he said.

Earlier, the chief minister, the Sindh governor and cabinet members performed flag hoisting ceremony and laid floral wreath on the grave of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. They recited fateha for him and paid him rich tribute for his able leadership.

Separately, the CM attended an air show organised by Pakistan Air Force at Sahil. He said it was 14th of August when Muslims of subcontinent were able to get a land of their own, where they could live a life according to their religion.

“On 14th of August 1974, we gained independence after remarkable efforts made by our father of nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who was a man of great calibre and had the conviction that Muslims of this land could live happily when they would own a country led by their own people and a country where they could shape up their life in accordance with Islam,” he said.

The dream of Pakistan was conceived by our beloved poet Allama Iqbal but realisation was achieved under the visionary guidance of Quaid-e-Azam.

“The able leadership was even acknowledged by his worst enemies,” he said and added “it was Jinnah who fought the case of Muslim nationhood. This was his charismatic personality which attracted the Muslims of India and forged them into a nation,” he said.

Shah said, “This day demands from us to make a pledge today that we will make all efforts to build Pakistan into a more prosper and strong country even if we may have to sacrifices our lives.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Mashori called on Shah at CM’s House to thank him for sending him abroad for the treatment of his fractured throat.

Mashori who seemed to be quite healthy and confident thanked the the chief minister for his treatment abroad. He requested the chief minister that he wanted to continue his education in Karachi. On this the chief minister issued directives to the Education Department to make necessary arrangements for Ahmed Education.

Published in Daily Times, August 15^th 2017.