LAHORE - Stressing the need for following judicial verdicts for rule of law, the speakers at a seminar have said it must be ensured that the state organs function within their purview.
“Sanity should prevail and harmony be promoted among political forces to sustain the democratic process,” said the speakers at the seminar titled ‘Clash of National Institutions and Future of Democracy - Role of Media’ organised by the Hameed Nizami Press Institute of Pakistan (HNPIP).
Justice (r) Allah Nawaz presided over the sitting while speakers included TheNation Editor Salim Bokhari, Altaf Qureshi, Senior PTI leader Admiral (r) Javed Iqbal and Ashraf Sharif. HNPIP Director Absar Abdul Ali was the programme moderator.
The speakers rubbished the fears of disintegration of the country and derailing of the democratic process since the free judiciary and independent media have been working.
Nawaz said Pakistanis loved democracy and wanted the democratic system to stay. He said all people should respect the judiciary. He, however, said the parliamentary system did match with this multi-racial country
Salim Bokhari stressed the need for following the Supreme Court orders, saying that the government should defend the cases with reason instead of defying the apex court rulings.”
Talking about unanimous resolutions adopted by the parliament on the Kerry Lugar Bill, OBL raid and Nato supply, he stressed much needed to be done. He also criticised the conflicting verdicts passed in the past.
He said that the inability on the part of politicians invited the military dictators to rule the country in the past.
TheNation editor called for following the true spirit of the journalism while highlighting issues.
Admiral (r) Javed Iqbal talked of the rampant corruption and laid emphasis on stepping up efforts to uproot the menace.
Talking about the role of media, he said, the media should present the true picture. Altaf Qureshi and Ashraf Sharif highlighted the role of media in such a critical situation.
Eid arrangements: Lahore General Hospital administration has assigned special duties to doctors, nurses and allied staff for performing duties at Emergency and Indoors during Eid holidays. DMSs, AMSs, doctors, nurses and other staff will perform duties at emergency and wards from August 20 to 22 while OPD will remain closed during these days.
This was informed by Prof Anjam Habib Vohra, Principal PGMI and LGH while chairing a meeting held on Thursday to review preparations for Eid holidays. He said that the off days of sanitary workers and security guards in all three shifts have been cancelled while AMS Administration and Nursing Superintendent would not grant leave to subordinates during these days.
The principal directed the administrative doctors to remain vigilant and keep eye on the duties of the guards. They will also be responsible for the provision of medical facilities to patients in all wards in addition to monitor the staff carefully, he said. He stressed upon the Medical Social Officer to specially cater the needs of poor and needy patients during holidays and initiate prompt action in case of any complaint. He also emphasized the staff to take precautionary measures against dengue and high standard of cleanliness may be adopted.