Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Thursday that promotion of societal norms of tolerance and patience is the need of the hour as societies have been ruined due to intolerance. In his message, the Punjab chief minister said that a peaceful society can be formed by promoting passion of tolerance, patience and harmony at the grassroots. He said Islam is a religion of peace and justice and it has also stressed to promote such norms in the society. There is a need that inter-religious and inter-faith harmony should be promoted so as to encourage the sentiments of tolerance in the society. He said that educational institutions, universities and religious seminaries can play an important role in promoting the trends of tolerance and patience. The societal principles of moderation should be promoted to completely eradicate the menace of fanaticism from the society, he added. The purpose of observing this day is to highlight the importance of tolerance in the society and today, we should also reiterate the commitment that we will play our role for overcoming societal prejudices from the society along with promotion of tolerance, the chief minister concluded. Separately, CM Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the murder of Superintendent Police Tahir Khan Dawar and extended sympathies to the family of deceased police officer. CM Buzdar also imposed a ban on postings/transfers of assistant commissioners in Punjab. However, prior approval of the CM will be required for transfer of assistant commissioners on hardship or necessary administrative grounds. A notification has been issued in this regard. Separately, Buzdar congratulated Waleed Iqbal and Seemi Ezdi on becoming senators. In his message of congratulations, CM said that success of Iqbal and Ezdi has proved that Punjab has become a stronghold of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). He said that success of PTI candidates in the election is a proof of trust on the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan and it is hoped that both the senators will play their role in upper house of the parliament. Separately, Buzdar has expressed deep sense of sorrow over the death of journalist Zafar Aheer’s mother. He has extended sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed that may Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the heirs to bear the loss with equanimity. Published in Daily Times, November 16th 2018.