RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: President, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Nawaz Sharif called upon the stakeholder to fast realise that democracy was critically required for maintenance of balance among different pillars of the state, adding stakeholders must realise its importance for the country at large.

He was taking exception to the series of threats posed to democracy, while recalling the challenges faced by democratic setups in the country since 1951.

Addressing a seminar on “Future of democracy in Pakistan,” organised by the members of civil society at a local hotel on Friday, the former Prime Minister regretted that fate of democracy remained questionable in the country that gained independence 70 years ago through democratic means and in accordance to a legal as well as an acceptable process.

Calling upon the people of the country, pertaining to different sections of the society, to rise above their respective interests and differences, for the larger cause of democracy, Nawaz Sharif said it was high time that masses come together and defend their constitutional rights.

The PML-N chief on the occasion discussed in detail the political history of the country and roles played by different institutions mentioned that country established in the name of democracy experienced autocratic rule for no less than 30 years.

This was said to be in a scenario when most of the development was registered across the country during democratic regime.

“This is no exaggeration to claim that people of the country benefitted most under elected governments,” he said.

Identifying PCO along with other controversial amendments in the constitution, the former prime minister said parliament needed to take tough decisions for the sake of the country and its people.

Nawaz Sharif on the occasion was also critical about the role of certain political parties and their leadership for their alleged compromises to gain numerical strength in the forthcoming senate polls.