"PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the unanimous constitution of 1973 while Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto made the country's defence invincible through the missile technology",he said while addressing the Lahore Bar Association during a ceremony at Al-Hamra here on Saturday. The Premier said that PPP was a federal party has its roots in all provinces of the country, including FATA and AJK, adding that its popularity was clearly manifested during the by-elections held in the recent past as well as the General elections in AJK. "I congratulate President Asif Ali Zardari as his prime minister has been invited to address the largest bar association of Asia", he added. Referring to the politically enlivened atmosphere at the Al-Hmara in connection with the Lahore Bar elections on January 14, he said all political activity in the country today was owing to the democracy and supremacy of the Constitution. The Prime Minister said there is supremacy of constitution, an independent judiciary, free media and a vibrant society in the country, adding that "Had there been no constitution, it would have been difficult to keep the federation intact", The Prime Minister said the PPP was the custodian of the constitution and it restored the 1973 Constitution to its true spirit. Lauding the role of lawyers community in various eras of the country's history, the Prime Minister said that lawyers were in the vanguard of Pakistan movement under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, adding that PPP's founder Shaheed Zulfikar ali Bhutto had the unconditional support of lawyers in his movement for the empowerment of the masses. Reiterating the commitment of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to continue to work for the solidarity of the country, he dared detractors, he could not be cowed down by the prevailing political scene in the country. "The PPP rendered great sacrifices for the freedom of judiciary as well as the media". Regarding the negative propaganda of the opponents, Gilani said the PPP respected democratic institutions and democratic traditions in letter and spirit. In response to the demands made by the Lahore Bar President Shehzad Hassan Sheikh, the prime minister announced various welfare projects for the lawyers community in the provincial metropolis. The Premier received roaring standing ovation when he announced a housing scheme for the LBA on the land occupied by NAB, 10 percent quota for the lawyers in admission to schools and colleges under Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) as well as free medical treatment for lawyers at the Janki Devi Hospital. He said that PPP-led government would also complete Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Lawyers Hospital in Lahore during the current year. The Al-Hmara hall 1 witnessed thunderous applause from the present LBA members as the Prime Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2.5 million for the treatment of Ijaz Ahmed advocate who is suffering from cancer. Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khosa eulogised the role of lawyers in all movements including for the rights of the masses, independent judiciary, freedom of media as well as struggle against martial law and dictators. He said the Lahore Bar Association had always played a pivotal role in defending democracy and democratic institutions. Prime Minister also gave away excellence awards to the office bearers of the out-going LBA. Chairman EPTB Syed Asif Hashmi, Peoples Lawyers Forum (PLF) office-bearers and a large number of lawyers were present on the occasion.