‘Hashmi is an asset for democracy’

MULTAN:

Amir Dogar, who won the NA-149 election, called on veteran politician Javed Hashmi at his residence on Monday.

Dogar, who enjoyed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) support in the recent by-elections in Multan, is expected to join the PTI soon.

Dogar told newsmen that he had visited Hashmi to honour his services on behalf of the PTI. He said Hashmi was an asset for democracy.

Dogar said he also had a personal relationship with Hashmi.

“During the rule of General (r) Pervez Musharraf, my father, late Salahuddin Dogar, and Hashmi were together in prison,” he said.

He said the people of Multan would never forget Hashmi’s role and he would remain a respected leader of the people.

“I have learnt political work from people like Javed Hashmi,” he said.

Dogar said Hashmi would forever be remembered for his defiance to oppressive regimes.

“Political workers should seek Hashmi’s guidance because his experience is invaluable,” he said.

He said the PTI leadership respected Hashmi and wished him well.

Hashmi welcomed Dogar’s visit and said he was confident that Dogar would work for strengthening democratic norms.

Hashmi was defeated by almost 14,000 votes in the recent by elections in NA-149.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2014.