Durrani, Azeem given hearty send-off
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Politicians, bureaucrats, journalists and officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Sunday night got together to pay tributes to the outgoing Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani and Tariq Azeem Khan for their untiring efforts for better media-government relations.
Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood was the host while the incumbent Minister Information Nisar A. Memon was the guest of honor at the farewell dinner-cum-reception held at PTV Academy here.
Besides the media chiefs of the Ministry, eminent journalists including CPNE President Fasih Iqbal, Khushnood Ali Khan, Abdul Wadood Qureshi, and others also attended the function held to pay rich tributes to both the outgoing ministers.
On the occasion, renowned vocalists Humaira Channa, Saira Nasim and Raga Boys enthralled the audience and provided an opportunity of respite from the tiring political engagements.
“The political history of the country has seen its first smooth transition of power as an elected government completed its tenure and transferred its powers to an interim government so as the democratic process could further go ahead and a new government could takeover after fair and transparent elections,” said the interim Minister for Information Nisar Memon in his opening address.
“I have not come here to bid them farewell as I know both the ministers have yet to contribute a lot in the political arena. As three of us are from the Upper House of the Parliament, we have to go a long way for the progress and prosperity of the country,” said the Minister adding that both the Ministers worked hard for better government-media ties in a difficult phase of time. Appreciating the spirit for organizing the event, Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani said it is another golden chapter added to the political history.
Welcoming the incumbent minister, Senator Durrani expressed the hope that the interim government would take ahead the policies of President Musharraf and former premier Shaukat Aziz. “During the last five years, the nation saw an unprecedented government which welcomed all sorts of critique and took the criticism as a guideline. But when the term of the government reached near its maturity, such an environment was created that the authorities had to clamp emergency,” he said. However, the former minister expressed the hope that emergency imposition or PCO would not derail the democratic process and the elections would be held on time.
“Despite international pressure, I am confident that the people of Pakistanwould not compromise their right to franchise. The nation would elect a new government in January,” he said and added that conspiracies are being hatched by the elements having vested interests, but the nation would foil all such bids.
Senator Tariq Azeem Khan said that though traditionally farewells carry gloomy atmosphere but the function looked like a celebration. Hailing the positive tradition of bidding the outgoing ministers farewell reception, he hoped this positive tradition would get roots. The vocalists enthralled the audience till late night. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Anwar Mahmood expressed gratitude to the guests.