Pakistan ready to take-off: CJP

Says every individual has a role to play for country’s prosperity and development

LAHORE:  

 

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has said the country was ready to take-off and moving forward in the right direction for progress and prosperity.

The Chief Justice made these remarks after inaugurating the 975thannual Urs celebrations of renowned Sufi saint Ali Bin Usman Al Hajveri, commonly known as Data Gunj Bakhsh on Sunday.

“It feels that for the first time Pakistan is ready to take-off. If everyone continues to positively play their role, the country will soon progress and achieve the goal of development,” he said.

Justice Nisar highlighted that a large number of people sacrificed their lives for Pakistan. “Now it is our responsibility to work hard for the development, peace and prosperity in the country. We need to love this country,” he underscored.

Highlighting the preaching of Islam and Data Gunj Bakhsh, the top judge said it was the blessing of Allah Almighty that such Sufi saints were in Lahore and spread the message of Islam among masses. “The biggest teaching of Islam is to serve humanity and love others. We need to develop Pakistan and create facilities for our new generations,” he said while praying for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Speaking about the construction of dams, Justice Nisar appealed to the masses to contribute maximum for the construction of water reservoirs in the country. “The construction of dams is our lifeline and we will have to build dams on an immediate basis.”

He prayed to Allah Almighty to help Pakistan for the construction of dams in the country. The CJP highlighted that a business group has given him a donation of Rs1 billion for construction of the dam. Several other groups, including Hamdard Laboratories, have given huge contributions to the dam fund, but all these well-wishers of Pakistan do not want any publicity. “I am disclosing these names just to motivate others that they should also contribute for this noble cause,” he maintained.

Responding to a media query, the CJP indicated that the construction of dams was expected to start by January next year. Answering another question, the top judge said he felt that the country was moving in the right direction.

During his visit to Data Darbar, the CJP was presented donation cheques for the dam fund by several devotees.

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister of Auqaf Syed Saeedul Hassan inaugurated a free milk sabeel. He said it was the tradition of Data Sahib’s Urs that milkmen provide huge a quantity of milk for devotees during the celebrations.

The annual Urs celebrations will continue till Tuesday. A large number of devotees from different parts of the country have already reached Lahore to attend spiritual gatherings, recitation of Holy Quran, naat and qawali competitions. Previous years estimates indicated that around 150,000 to 200,000 devotees will attend annual celebrations this year.

The city police, district administration and other departments concerned have made stringent security arrangements by closing roads leading to Data Darbar and adjoining areas. Police had also placed walkthrough gates to scan people at entry points of the shrine, while police officials were seen hand frisking people for fool proof security arrangements.