PESHAWAR, Aug 14: Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti on Sunday called for emulating the matchless struggle and sacrifices, which led to the creation of Pakistan, to defeat scourge of militancy.

“It is high time to exhibit unity among our ranks to get rid of militancy and terrorism and make Pakistan a moderate, progressive and vibrant Muslim welfare state, stressed Mr Hoti, while addressing a national flag-hoisting ceremony held on the occasion of 64th Independence Day at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines on Sunday.

The chief minister said ‘the Independence Day reminded us of supreme sacrifices by leaders of the Pakistan Movement, who had created a separate Muslim land for people of the subcontinent through legal and constitutional means’.

Mr Hoti said the country was currently passing through a difficult time and was confronted with several challenges, including terrorism and militancy, which needed to be tackled.

He said people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rendered great sacrifices during creation of Pakistan and were now giving more sacrifices for country's protection from menace of terrorism and militancy.

Mr Hoti urged people to extend support to the government to eliminate the scourge of militancy.

Earlier, the chief minister hoisted the national flag at the ceremony, which also featured playing of national anthem. National songs were also sung on the occasion.

The function was organised by the Peshawar Development Authority and the district government Peshawar.

The chief minister also visited monument of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police martyrs and offered Dua for the departed souls.

Provincial ministers, senators, MNAs, MPAs, civil officers and elders of the city were also present.

Later, talking to reporters, Mr Hoti said a high-level probe committee had been formed to investigate Friday's militant attack in which three policemen had been killed.

The chief minister said the enquiry committee had been given two weeks to submit its report.

He said officials, who committed negligence in the incident would be brought to justice.—APP