Meraj Muhammad Khan always supported the cause of democracy : Pervaiz Rashid

Lahore : Federal Minister for Information,Broadcasting and National Heritage, Pervaiz Rashid Wednesday paid tribute to veteran politician late Meraj Muhammad Khan.

Addressing a condolence reference, here at the Karachi Press Club organized by `Ahbab-i-Meraj Muhammad Khan,’ he said Meraj had always supported the cause of democracy and civilian rule. He said that Meraj had struggled against the dictatorship and wanted to foster awareness and eradication of
ignorance and illiteracy from the country.

Pervaiz Rashid said that Meraj Muhammad was no more but his thought and vision was very much there and the people could benefit from it. Meraj raised voice against atrocities and anti-democratic
approach, he added.

The Minister said that Meraj was put behind bars on a number of occasions for struggling against dictatorship.Meraj Muhammad wanted to remove ignorance and foster awareness and knowledge in society, he added. Appreciating his struggle, he said that Meraj Muhammad Khan was a great asset for the nation.

Pervaiz Rashid also praised his far-sightedness and pointed out that Meraj had mentioned in 1970s the challenges that were being faced by the country nowadays. If Meraj’s voice was heard seriously at that time,the situation would have been different today and state forces would not have been deployed for the elimination of violent elements and militant groups.

The minister said that during the dictatorship eras there was no freedom of expression.He said Meraj Muhammad Khan was a very refined person and a thorough gentleman and he himself was witness to the fact.

Former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik and others also spoke on the occasion.