QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri on Monday expressed his resolve to strengthen democratic practices in the province.

While speaking at a flag-hoisting ceremony on the lawns of the Balochistan Assembly, he said the only way to solve the country`s problems was to embrace democracy.

Balochistan Assembly Speaker Raheela Hameed Khan and Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Aamir Riaz as well as fed-eral and provincial ministers, senators and military and civil officers attended the Independence Day ceremony.

`Only elected governments can keep the country on the path of development,` Nawab Zehri said, adding that the country could not afford political turmoil and confrontation as it was already facing several internal and external challenges, including terrorism.

The chief minister contended that despite differences all political and religious parties were on the same page as they believed in the supremacy of parliament and favoured democracy.Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Quetta, he said that once again the enemies of the country tried to stop the nation from celebrating Independence Day.

Terrorists wanted to destabilise Balochistan and disrupt the country`s peace through `conspiracies` he maintained.

The government, with the help of the military and people, would thwart their [enemies`] intentions and not let them succeed at any cost, he vowed.

`No compromise would be made on national security,` Nawab Zehri said.

Even 70 years on, he said, thecountry could not utilise Balochistan`s resources well.

Emphasising the province`s significance, he said Balochistan`s development was the country`s development as it would bring prosperity through ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor and therefore nothing would be allowed to impede the development process.

Independence Day parade Amid tight security an impressive Independence Day parade was held at Bugti Stadium here on Monday.

The ceremony began with reci-tation from the Holy Quran and prayers for the martyrs of Saturday`s suicide attack in Quetta. One-minute silence was observed to pay homage to the victims of the attack.

Later, Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Aamir Riaz jointly hoisted the national flag.

A special cultural delegation from China participated in the ceremony.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held on the premises of the Balochistan High Court.