PESHAWAR, Feb 18 (APP): Speaker NWFP Assembly, Karamatullah Khan Chagharmati said on Wednesday that democracy was restored on Febraruy 18 2008 after long nine years historic struggle waged by PPP leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who shed her blood to nurture democratic Pakistan.

Talking to APP on the eve of democracy day here at his Assembly chamber, the Speaker held the sacrifices of PPP leaders as unprecedented in the history of the country and the Bhutto family has a distinction of achieving laurels in the establishment of real democracy. No other political party could match its democratic struggle that has spread over 40 years.

Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushar Haji Zarshed Khan while talking to APP on the day of democracy said that it was the result of struggle made by various democratic parties that today we have democratic governments in the provinces and the federation.

He said that the ruling coalition partners ANP and PPP have rendered great sacrifices against the dictatorial regimes adding that the government was trying to come up to the masses’ expectations, who reposed great confidence in the democratic forces in the February 18, 2008 elections.

Moreover, he added that his department was working for the benefits and welfare of poor people with specific focus on health and education sectors Provincial Minister NWFP for Revenue Habib Ur Rehman Tanoli while talking to APP paid glorious tributes to the Bhutto family on the day of democracy said that the blood of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto nurtured the plant of democracy in the country today.

He said that she struggled and started movement for a democratic system in the country adding that today right from President of Pakistan to a Member of Provincial Assembly were the products of democracy.  He explained that every time when PPP came into rule, it faced a tough time and always fought for the rights of poor people.

He while paying tribute to Z.A.Bhutto said that he was the first ever in the history of Pakistan who stood and raised voice for the Pakistanis and gave them slogan of Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan, which they had never heard before.  Z. A Bhutto provided relief to poor and Benazir Bhutto while following her father’s footsteps worked a lot for the rule of democracy in Pakistan, he added.  President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharafat Ali Mubarak was not happy with the way the political parties were delivering for the cause of democracy and called for more concerted efforts to strengthen the roots of democracy in Pakistan.

He said that democracy was the essential element for a civilized society. He was sharing his views about democracy day which is being observed today 18^th February.

SCCI President said that the government should work hard to meet the expectations of the masses and assured all out support to the government on behalf of the business community.

He said that the installation of this government was a good sign for democracy in the country and demanded of the present government to take into confidence all stake holders on issues of national significance.