Democracy is the best system to steer the country out prevailing crisis-like situation. All state organs, including judiciary, military and civil administration should work for strengthening democracy in the country. The confrontation policy will be harmful for state, and all political parties should unite against any unconstitutional move to save democracy in the country.
These views were expressed by members of civil society organisations at the launching ceremony of the 'Save Democracy Campaign' and CSO role in promotion of democracy under the auspices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa civil society organisations network here at Peshawar Press Club on Friday.
Keynote speakers were Dr Said Alam from Aman Tehreek, Maryam Bibi of Khendo Kor, Arshad Hussain from CSO, Daniyal Talib, Allah Noor from Save Pakistan, Sheireen Javed of Aurat Foundation, Idrees Kamal, Citizen Rights Sustainable Development (CRSD), and other social workers, and rights activists and representatives of youth organisations. The speakers in discussion supported the democracy for institutional development and coping with growing internal and external challenges confronting the country.
Dr Said Alam said that conspiracy had been hatched against democracy and urged the political parties to play their role for survival of democracy in the country. He said that the military dictators had pivotal role in ousting of democratic set-up. The anti-democratic forces want to derail democracy through various silly acts, but the political parties' unity must foil any such unconstitutional attempt, he added.
Idrees Kamal from CRSD said that confrontation policy was harmful for democracy and institutional development, and added that all political parties need to rise against any unconstitutional move, which could derail democracy in the country. He stressed the need for political solution of all issues instead of engaging third group in the process.
Dr Mushtaq Ahmad from CSO, supported the democratically elected government, and stressed the need for completion of its constitutional five years period. He said that people are the better decision-makers to reject those parities having anti-masses agenda in next general elections. He highlighted the CSO' role for creation of awareness among masses in order to ensure political maturity and fostering democracy in the country. He said rule of law, superiority of judiciary, strengthening institutions was only possible in a democratic system. He added that any unconstitutional move would be harmful for the state.