ISLAMABAD: The speakers on Wednesday underlined the importance of ensuring rule of law, protection of basic human rights and introducing democratic culture in political parties to improve the standards of democracy in Pakistan.
Addressing a seminar on the International Day of Democracy organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that Pakistan was one of the few countries in the world which were created through democratic process and it had a functioning democratic system.
He said that in Pakistan, the debate was about improving the quality of democracy. There was also a need to introduce democratic culture in political parties, ensure rule of law and protect fundamental rights of all irrespective of caste, creed or political affiliation.
He said that Imran Khan was striving for transformation of the society but all institutions would have to transform themselves.
The minister said that Pakistan had one of the most independent and vibrant media in the world, adding, however there was need for its regulation, but a section of media owners wanted that they should be allowed self-regulation.
Addressing the seminar, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaisar said that incumbent government was committed to strengthen democracy as well as democratic institutions in the country.
The speaker said that protecting citizens’ rights and strengthening rule of law was our prime focus. “Today, I urge all democratic leaders to recommit to consolidate democracy by making it more inclusive and responsive to emerging challenges, ” he added.
The speaker said that no country could progress without having democratic values. He said that democracy gave the right to people to choose their elected representatives which were responsible for making laws and govern the country. He also highlighted the contribution of the National Assembly in austerity campaign of the government and said that expenses were reduced during his tenure.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative, Asad Umer said that democracy was the best system and solution to all problems lied in democratic system.
The minister said currently, democratic institutions, government, judiciary and media were doing their job and there was always room for improvement in these institutions.
He said that parliament was the supreme institution in democratic system and all other institutions should work according to the constitution.
The minister said that the government should invest in the capacity of Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees for promoting research oriented work to enhance the working capacity of these bodies.
Addressing on the occasion Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari said the government was making first ever law on ‘Enforced Disappearance’ that would enable state’s accountability before the nation.
Mazari termed it a great success of the incumbent government and a remarkable success of democracy prevailing in the country.
She said it was also a success of democracy in this pandemic situation where the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) were established without marking complete lockdown in the country.
She added that senior citizens law had also been made by the government whereas journalist protection bill was also being passed to safeguard journalists’ rights.
Director General SASSI Dr. Maria Sultan said democracy and freedom were seen as synonymous term but in reality each had a specific role to play for the country to develop. Because it is ultimately the interplay between various parts of the society, leadership, judiciary, institutions and information that allowed for dissent in opinion to be factored in decision making. Security had expanded as term but its true representation was through proper utilization of public office, she concluded.