LAHORE: Unlike past, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) could not observed the 28th death anniversary of General Ziaul Haq in a substantial way The day that was once observed with pledges to continue mission of late military dictator could not get much attention. Ironically, the Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z) that was formed to carry on legacy of former military rulers did not arrange any function or ceremony to mark the death anniversary of former military ruler Moreover, participants were seen reluctant to mention his (Zia) name in a function organised at the Lahore Press Club to pay homage to the services rendered by him the nation. A seminar was also organised to pay tribute to former ruler under the title “17th August: Pasban-e-Watan (Defenders of the homeland)” here at the Lahore Press Club’s Nisar Usmani Auditorium. The function was not directly attached to General Zia ul Haq’s name, perhaps for the reason of the continuity of democratic system and majority of people’s strong support to the democracy in Pakistan. The seminar was organised under the aegis of the National Peace Committee for Interfaith Harmony, Ulema-o-Mashaikh Pakistan (UMP) and Shah Waliullah Foundation (SWF). Steering Committee for Defence Chairman Khuram Rohail Asghar Sheikh chaired the seminar. He is son of PML-N sitting MNA Sheikh Rohail Asgher who became member of Ziaul Haq’s generated National Assembly for the first time that emerged as a result of non-political party basis general elections in the country during Zia’s military rule. Some of the old guards of Zia’s regime including Allama Syed Waqqarul Hasnain Naqvi who was appointed as in charge of Darur Rehman of Data Darbar at that time was also among the organisers of the function. Allama Azhar Hussain Naqvi and Mushtaq Hussain Hashmi also appeared on the stage and spoke to a gathering of religious-cum-political leaders and activists. Interestingly, though all speakers in the seminar fully backed the Pak Army and its commanders since foundation day of Pakistan but no one took the name of General Zia directly. During the seminar, the speakers condemned the Quetta blast and paid tribute to the army for holding successful operation against the current wave of terrorism.