PHOTO: NNI
He said this while talking to MNA Riaz Fatayana and MPA Hamid Yar Hiraj, who called on him at his office. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had proved that Pakistan was a peace-loving country by showing a goodwill gesture to India.
"The international community has also welcomed the release of Indian pilot," he added. The CM said the prime minister had given a positive message to the world by initiating courageous step for peace. He said Pakistan desired peace and wanted peace to prevail.
"Political parties are united and the whole nation is standing beside the armed forces for the defence of the country," he said. He reiterated that the national defence, solidarity, and sovereignty would be upheld at all costs.
Abhinandan walks home through Wagah
"The false Indian claims have been exposed before the world and the Indian leadership had been depressed due to their failed tirade," he said. The chief minister said that Pakistan Air Force Squadron Leader Hassan Siddiqui was the pride of the whole nation.
Similarly, Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ijaz Alam said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement regarding the release of Indian pilot was a goodwill gesture by Pakistan and its commitment to maintaining peace in the region.
In a statement, he said that only Imran Khan had the ability to take a decision on humanitarian grounds. He said that the voice of Imran Khan was the voice of 220 million Pakistanis and our brave army was always ready to tackle any situation.
Citizens take out rallies
In solidarity with Pakistan Army, citizens continued taking out rallies throughout the city for the third consecutive day. The participants of rallies were carrying national flags and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of Pakistan Army.
On Friday, a rally was taken out from Bismillah Chowk to Dubai Chowk in Iqbal Town. It was organised by local body representatives of two union councils of the area.
A Union's Chairperson Rana Akhtar while speaking on the occasion said that since 1947, including 1965 war, Pakistan Army has always defended the country and public also stood behind it.
He went on to say that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should learn the message that Pakistan Army can defend its motherland. He said that they saluted the army for their bravery and professionals.
A participant said that the releasing of the Indian pilot was a message of peace. Indian should not take it as a symbol of weakness.
On the same day, another rally was organised at Liberty Roundabout by Awami Rickshaw Union. Union Chairperson Majeed Ghauri said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and the releasing of an Indian pilot is its expression. "We are against war but if the war was imposed, they can defend their motherland and they have proved it time and again."
Treatment of captured Indian pilot gets cross-border praise
The All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) also organised a rally from the Punjab Assembly to the Governor House. Union's Punjab Chairperson Haji Irshad said that clerks from 110 districts holding rallies.
He said that Modi had put on the stake the peace of the world just to win elections. Irshad added that they wanted to give a message to the United Nations and the international community that why were they not questioning the India media for escalating tension.
Irshad said that the release of the Indian pilot was a goodwill gesture. "They will have to face the consequences if they did not learn to behave."
With additional input from APP
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2019.
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