Condolences: Pervaiz Rashid pays tribute to Meraj Muhammad Khan

He always supported the cause of democracy: Info minister

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Pervaiz Rashid on Wednesday paid tribute to veteran politician, the late Meraj Muhammad Khan.

Addressing a condolence reference at the Karachi Press Club organized by `Ahbab-i-Meraj Muhammad Khan,' he said, Meraj had always supported the cause of democracy and civilian rule and had struggled against dictatorship. Meraj raised voice against atrocities and anti-democratic approach, he added.

The minister said that Meraj was put behind bars on a number of occasions for struggling against dictatorship. Meraj Muhammad wanted to remove ignorance and foster awareness and knowledge in society, he added.

Appreciating his struggle, he said that Meraj Muhammad Khan was a great asset for the nation. Pervaiz Rashid also praised his far-sightedness and pointed out that Meraj had mentioned in 1970s the challenges that Pakistan faces today. If Meraj's voice was heard seriously at that time, the situation would have been different today and state forces would not have been deployed for the elimination of violent elements and militant groups.

The minister said that during the dictatorship eras there was no freedom of expression. He said Meraj Muhammad Khan was a very refined person and a thorough gentleman and he himself was witness to the fact.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2016.