True freedom requires rule of law: minister

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan on Friday congratulated the nation on Pakistan's 79th Independence Day while addressing a celebration event in Kohat, stressing that freedom is far more than a geographical reality.

True freedom, he said, rests on the rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights. "Our ancestors made countless sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan. People travelled miles, offered their lives and struggled for a free homeland. We must now ask ourselves whether we have achieved the genuine freedom our elders dreamed of."

Shafi Jan noted that human beings are naturally inclined towards freedom. Allah has granted them the consciousness to distinguish right from wrong. Throughout history, people have fought for liberty, and societies advance only when genuine freedom, the rule of law and justice prevail. Unfortunately, he observed, the consistent establishment of the rule of law has eluded Pakistan since its inception. True freedom becomes possible only when the weak and the powerful stand equal before the law and every citizen enjoys justice and basic rights.

Referring to the recent general elections, the minister said the treatment of the public mandate had raised serious questions about the rule of law. Imran Khan's position remains clear: a system of governance can function, but a system of oppression cannot. Despite harsh measures taken against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Imran Khan over the years, the party has only grown stronger. The people of Kohat and K-P, he added, have stood by Imran Khan and PTI through every difficult period.