Peaceful political activities prove democratic process taking roots: Firdous

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Sunday said that peaceful conduct of rallies and political activities in the country was reflective of the fact that democratic process was taking roots.
The measures taken by the government against terrorism and extremism have ensured protection of lives and property of the masses and now every political party is holding peaceful gatherings without any fear, she said in a statement issued here.
All the credit goes to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who are committed to promoting democratic norms in the country, she added.
The Information Minister said it was beauty of democracy that there was no bar on freedom of expression and there was free media in the country.
She said that the democratic government was taking even undue and baseless criticism in a positive manner, setting an example of promoting culture of tolerance and listening to each other's point of view. "There is no such precedent of this in the history of country," she added.
Dr Firdous urged the media to play the role of a bridge between the government and the masses by highlighting real problems being faced by the public so that effective strategy could be evolved for their solution.
She said the Prime Minister was following the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by finding solutions of problems through dialogue, reconciliation and consultation with all stakeholders.