LAHORE: More than 25 parliamentarians including those of the PPP and the PML-N called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Friday.

They expressed their trust on PM Imran Khan and CM Usman Buzdar and condemned horse-trading efforts by the opposition.

The chief minister said the opposition was playing with fire. Unfortunately, he said, Pakistan’s interest had been put at stake. He said the PTI government would thwart any conspiracy against the government and the notorious politics of “Chhanga Manga” and “Murree” would not work.

He said the nation was standing with its “captain” and defeat was the destiny of the opponents. He said the opposition had ruined its standing by honouring money instead of respecting the sanctity of the vote.

Mr Buzdar said the nation had unanimously rejected the undemocratic and immoral acts of the opposition. He said every tactic of the opposition would be fully countered and added that any attempt to create political unrest would be detrimental to the opposition.

Provincial ministers Murad Raas, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Hamid Yar Hiraj, MNA Riaz Fatyana, PPP MPA Raees Nabil Ahmed, PML-N MPA Mian Jalil Sharaqpuri, MPAs Rai Zahoor, Faisal Farooq Cheema, Chaudhry Masood Ahmed, Musarat Jamshed Cheema, Sumaira Ahmed, Latasib Satti, Pir Mukhtar, Mohiuddin Khosa, Samiullah Chaudhry, Syed Raza Bukhari and others called on the chief minister. PTI leader Owais Dareshak also called on Mr Buzdar.

Raees Nabil Ahmed and Mian Jalil Sharaqpuri thanked the chief minister for his personal interest in resolving the issues of their constituencies. They reiterated their full confidence in CM’s leadership.

HOLI: Buzdar attended a special function to celebrate Hindu festival of Holi which was also attended by representatives of religious minorities from different parts of the province.

He cut a cake to express solidarity with the Hindu community on their festival of colours and was donned traditional Cholistani headgear by MPA Youdester Chohan.

The CM said the provincial government had provided substantial funds for the welfare of minority communities, including the Hindu community.

MPA Youdester Chohan said all minority communities were enjoying religious freedom in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, PPP MPA Rais Nabeel Ahmad called on Punjab Assembly Speaker Parvez Elahi at his residence.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2022