Quetta: Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has described the decision to name ‘The Real Democrat International Civil Award’ after Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as a commendable initiative, saying the honour not only recognises the political services of a prominent leader but also highlights the values of democratic struggle, political tolerance and public service.
Speaking at a ceremony for the ‘The Real Democrat Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif International Civil Award’ at Governor House in Quetta, Mandokhail said such initiatives were important for promoting democratic values and reminding younger generations of the sacrifices made for strengthening democratic institutions.
The event was organised by the Balochistan International Think Tank, Friends of Universe and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Balochistan.
The governor noted that Nawaz Sharif had served as Pakistan’s prime minister three times and credited him with playing a significant role in the country’s political development. He also referred to Pakistan’s transformation into a nuclear power and said Nawaz Sharif had made sacrifices in the course of his political struggle for democracy and continuity of the democratic process.
Mandokhail said the former prime minister’s contributions to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions were highly commendable. He added that, following Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Nawaz Sharif was among the major political figures who had played a prominent role in Pakistan’s political history.
Reflecting on his own political approach, the governor said he believed in principled politics and had consistently advocated cordial and respectful relations with political leaders, including Pashtun and Baloch nationalist leaders.
He recalled that during the formation of the Balochistan government, Nawaz Sharif had given clear directions to move forward by taking all political forces along. Mandokhail said the philosophy of maintaining respectful relations with political stakeholders and according dignity to everyone represented a positive political tradition.
He stressed that recognising the contributions of political leaders in a democratic society could help educate younger generations about the importance of political struggle, democratic values and public service. Such recognition, he added, could also contribute to preserving the political history of the country and encouraging future generations to engage constructively in democratic processes.
Mandokhail expressed hope that initiatives aimed at recognising democratic and public service would continue in the future. He said he held the award in high regard and believed the tradition of paying tribute to political services would continue.
The ceremony was attended by National Assembly members Jamal Shah Kakar and Akhtar Bibi, Provincial Ministers Mir Asim Kurd Gello and Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Senator Saeed-ul-Hassan Mandokhail and MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail.
Advisers to the Chief Minister of Balochistan Naseem-ur-Rehman Malakhail, Khalil George and Haji Younus Baloch, along with PML-N leaders, party workers and people from various walks of life, also participated in the event.
Other speakers at the ceremony described the ‘The Real Democrat Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif International Civil Award’ as a positive initiative for recognising democratic contributions and acknowledging political struggle and public service.