Seminars Held Across the Country on PAT's 36th Foundation Day

On the 36th foundation day of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), seminars were held across the country at district levels under the theme “Power of People's Brotherhood,” along with cake-cutting ceremonies.

In Lahore, the seminar organized by PAT Lahore was addressed by Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur. He stated that the outdated 75-year-old political system and the elderly clinging to it are the main obstacles to progress. All political veterans aged 75 and above should voluntarily announce their retirement and allow the youth to come forward. Otherwise, retirement age should be declared effective until death at every level.

The PAT Secretary General emphasized that empowered local government institutions must be established for preparing new leadership. He stated that democracy is incomplete without local bodies; how can a democracy emerge after burying the very foundation of local governance? He further said that democracy means supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law. Selective merit, selective justice, and selective development are the negation of democracy. Pakistan Awami Tehreek, he said, continues its peaceful struggle for comprehensive reforms and public empowerment.

Other speakers at the seminar included Raja Zahid Mehmood, Sardar Umar Daraz Khan, Saqib Bhatti, Gulzar Hussain Shah, Arif Chaudhry, Shafqat Mughal, Amjad Chaudhry, and Sardar Arif Ali.

Addressing the seminar, Noorullah Siddiqi said that democracy is about respecting differing opinions and dissent, which sadly is no longer observed in Pakistan's political system.

Engineer Rafiq Najam expressed grief over the abusive environment on social media, saying it makes one weep tears of blood. He praised Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri as the only leader solely focused on the moral and character development of the youth. Virtuous and upright young people are the secure future of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.

The seminar emphasized that strong national defense is the result and reflection of unity and solidarity between the people and the armed forces. PAT’s Central President Qazi Zahid Hussain attended and addressed the seminar in Karachi, while Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur did so in Lahore, and Mian Rehan Maqbool in Faisalabad (Chak Jhumra). The events concluded with cake-cutting ceremonies and prayers for national security, unity, and harmony.