WASHINGTON, Oct 4: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has stressed on the need to adhere to the rule of law and the constitution, saying that the constitution is meant to be observed and those, who violated it in the past have suffered.

The prime minister made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Pakistan Embassy on Friday night.

“When you take the oath of allegiance under a constitution, you must respect and follow it. (You) do not violate your oath,” said Mr Jamali.

“In the past, whenever a ruler violated the constitution, he had to suffer,” he added.

When a journalist asked him if he were aware of the political implications of these remarks, Mr Jamali said: “You heard what I said and the context in which I said it.” And then he hurriedly added: “I also know that journalists make their own interpretations, sometimes out of context.”

Earlier, he advised journalists not to ignore national interests while expressing their opinion.

The prime minister also urged Pakistani journalists in America not to project individual or group interests and “never forget that Pakistan should be your first consideration when you write.”

The prime minister made his remarks about the need to adhere to the Constitution while congratulating the Pakistani community on the new chancery building.

“... A nation is built on the strength of character, self- discipline, sacrifice, tolerance, devotion and a sense of balance. Shun double standards, and emulate traits of truthfulness and dedication,” said Mr Jamali.

The rule of law and adherence to the constitution played a key role in building a nation and the constitution should never be violated, said the prime minister before telling his audience how those rulers, who violated the constitution have always suffered Un Hukumranon Nay Hamesha Chot Khai Hai.

Besides praising young Pakistani and Pakistani American interns, the prime minister also lauded the services of a former Pakistani ambassador to Washington, Jamshed Marker, for promoting the country’s interests in North America, saying the government had recommended the highest civil award for him, which he will receive on March 23 next year.