GUJJAR KHAN. Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf declared on Thursday that “no one can blackmail, threaten or coerce us to abandon democracy,” any longer.

Speaking at his constituency, Gujjar Khan, at the inauguration of Virtual University, Premier Ashraf said that the entire nation, along with all political forces, were willing to “give their lives for democracy”.

“We will render all sacrifices and protect democracy at all costs,” the prime minister said, adding that the military leadership, judiciary and the media would also stand with political forces to thwart any attempt to sabotage democracy.

He added that all ‘backdoor’ channels leading to power have now been blocked, and that the only way anyone could come to power was through the mandate of the people.

Praising the incumbent military leadership, the prime minister said it had abided by the principles of democracy.

Premier Ashraf also declared that the elections would not only be held on time, but would also be free, fair and transparent.

He added that this was the first time in Pakistan’s history that the National Assembly completed its term, and that all political parties deserved praise for this.

The prime minister lamented the comments of what he referred to as 'pseudo- intellectuals' on television talk shows, saying that they must get rid of the notion that democracy in Pakistan will be derailed.

Premier Ashraf added that political parties and the people of Pakistan must realise that what is important is not who is in power, but whether the government has been elected in accordance with the will of the people.