Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf told the annual impressive armed forces parade that an era of real democracy has begun in Pakistan, expressing the hope that the new government will bring political stability and sustain economic development besides fighting extremism and terrorism. Addressing the parade on the occasion of the National Day at Jinnah Sports Stadium here Sunday, Musharraf extended his full support to the new government and hoped it would maintain the pace of socio-economic development in Pakistan. Meanwhile, in his first press conference next prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani vowed to protect the 1973 Constitution, strengthen institutions, ensure independent judiciary and media and a supreme Parliament. “I shall come up to the confidence reposed in me by my party and the coalition partners. We have to collectively forge ahead for steering Pakistan out of present challenges,” he told the crowded news conference after filing nomination papers for the office of prime minister. “We have joined each other for a greater cause to strengthen democracy, protect 1973 constitution, free media and strengthen institutions like judiciary and Election Commission,” he said. President Musharraf said Pakistan does not have any aggressive designs against anyone. “Our military strategy is of defensive deterrence, but it is our belief that defense and security can only be attained through strength and never through weakness. The nation should be proud of the fact that their army is among the best in the world. May Allah always guide them and protect the nation.” The president said the three-phase program initiated eight years back now neared culmination with new governments coming in place both at the center and the provinces. Musharraf expressed the hope that in the next few days all the governments will be in place and will work to put Pakistan on the road to progress and prosperity. Gilani hinted at strengthening the parliamentary committee system. When asked about his stance on relationship with President Musharraf, he said, “I shall follow the Constitution.” About measures to control price hike, he said, he would announce his agenda on floor of the National Assembly after taking the vote of confidence from it. “We would work for supremacy of the Parliament and our policies would reflect masses aspirations.” President Musharraf greeted the nation on Pakistan Day and said, “our thoughts go back to 1940 when, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Pakistan Resolution was passed at Minto Park [Lahore], and led to the independence of Pakistan seven years later.” He said Pakistan's independence has been vigorously guarded for the past 60 years and will be maintained through hard work, dedication and selfless work for ever. The president lauded the Pakistan Army and said it was not only a guardian of its geographical borders, but also protected its people whenever the need arose. He said, be it the devastation caused by the earthquake, ravaging floods or the gigantic task of reconstruction in the most difficult of terrain, or war against terrorism, the army always rose to the occasion. He said there was a need greater than ever before to demonstrate unity, faith and discipline; the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam. “We have the solution; we have the determination and we will not fail. I have complete confidence in the wisdom of our great people and faith in their will to work towards the objective.” The Pakistan was celebrated throughout Pakistan with traditional zeal and functions. It was a general public holiday. There was firing of 31-guns salute at sunrise at Rawalpindi and 21 guns salute at all the four provincial capitals of Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. Pakistan Flag was hoisted on all principal public and private buildings throughout Pakistan. rallies of Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and Students were traken. Exhibition of documentary films to school children and the public at large in all cinema houses was arranged. Special programmes were broadcast and telecast on radio and television stations. President Musharraf held an investure ceremony to award medals. __
