ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday called on all political forces to set aside mutual differences and resolve issues through dialogue and constitutional means, saying democratic continuity was essential for Pakistan’s progress and stability.
In separate messages on the eve of the International Day of Democracy, observed globally on Sept 15 under the auspices of the United Nations, the two top parliamentary leaders stressedtheneedtostrengthen democratic values and institutions.
Mr Sadiq said promotingdemocratic values and strengthening democratic institutions was essential to put the country on the path of development, calling a strong democratic system the ‘guarantee of Pakistan’s bright future’.
‘Democracy means public participation in the system of governance and is based on freedom, equality and collective decision-making,’ he said.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the strength of the democratic system depends on respect for public opinion, transparency in national affairs, accountability and ensuring the rule of law. He paid tribute to leaders and political workers who made sacrifices for the restoration of democracy.
‘Pakistan’s history is full of democratic struggle, constitutional supremacy and sacri-fices rendered for public representation,’ the speaker said, adding that the parliament was the ‘basic pillar of the democratic system and a representative institution of public aspirations’.
He noted that ‘difference of opinion is the beauty of democracy’, but resolving differences through tolerance, dialogue and consultation was necessary. For an effective democratic system, he said, the electoral process alone was not enough.
The NA speaker said contin-uous and meaningful participation of the people and respect for the opinion of all segments of society, includ-ing women, youth and minorities, in decision-making is essential.
Highlighting parliament’s role, Mr Sadiq said the National Assembly was actively addressing public issues through legislation and oversight.
He announced that the National Assembly had launched a ‘Youth Internship Programme’ to familiarise university students with legislation and parliamentary affairs, calling youth the ‘guarantee of Pakistan’s bright future’.
Senate Chairman SyedYousuf Raza Gilani said democracy was not merely about elections, but also about safeguarding citizens’ rights, upholding the Constitution and ensuring meaningful political participation.
He said strong democratic institutions were essential for Pakistan’s sustainable development and stability. Political differences, he added, should be addressed through dialogue, consultation and constitutional means.
‘The Senate, as the representative chamber of the fed-eration, continues to play an important role in promoting national unity, consensus and harmony among the federating units,’ he said.
The Senate chairman also paid tributes to all political leaders and workers who rendered sacrifices for democracy and reaffirmed parliament’s commitment to protecting democratic values.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said democracy guaranteed people’s right to rule and protection of political freedoms.