PESHAWAR, Dec 29: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minster Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on Wednesday that the landmark 18th amendment was a gift of the present government as it purged constitution of all lacunas and dictatorial laws.

“The amendment would strengthen democratic institutions in the country,” he told a delegation of trainee officers of Information Group here. He said that parliament, judiciary and media were strengthened through the said amendment.

“The government believes in strengthening of democratic institutions in the country to address peoples' problems on modern and scientific lines,” he added.

He said that the 18th amendment was a great achievement of the present government that would change destiny of people. It would bring revolutionary changes in the lives of common people.

The minister said that departments under that landmark amendment would soon be shifted to the provinces that would be a momentous step towards provincial autonomy.

Underling the need for a cohesive approach by Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States-led Nato forces to get rid of militancy and terrorism, the minister said that it was unfortunate that the world had not extended full support to Pakistan which it deserved owing to its matchless contribution and sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

Mr Hussain said that security forces and people of Pakistan had sacrificed their lives in fight against terror. “Our contributions in this long war are much greater than any other country of the world,” he added.

He suggested starting of political activities in Fata. He said that political process was must to bring positive changes in the lives of tribesmen. The minister said that future of the country lied in democracy and reiterated that the government would complete its tenure.“When Awami National Party formed government in the province, it faced mounting challenges, including militancy in Swat, IDPs and later floods. The government faced all these challenges with support of people,” he said.

The minister urged international donors to fulfil their aid pledges regarding floods and asked the federal government to raise voices by using diplomatic channels at international forum to sensitise the world community to honour their pledges for reconstruction phase in flood-hit areas. “The government has allocated Rs70 billion from its development fund for assistance of floods victims,” he added. He appreciated the efforts of army, civil society and NOGs during natural catastrophe.

He said that Malakand division was again made a cradle of peace after successful military operation and bold strategy of the government.

He rejected the impression that Nizam-i-Adl Regulations were contrary to the constitution.

Earlier, Information Secretary Azmat Hanif Orakzai briefed the trainee officers about achievements of Provincial Information Department during the past two years. —APP