ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the greatest
threat to democracy emanated from a militant mindset and called for
defeating militancy and extremism and advance democratic values.
In
a message on eve of the International Democracy Day being held Thursday
(today), he congratulated the democratic forces in the world in general
and in Pakistan in particular on the International Day of Democracy,
being observed throughout the world on September 15 under the auspices
of the United Nations, saying that It was a day to re-affirm commitment
for democracy and democratic ideals around the world and in Pakistan.
On
the occasion he complimented all democracies of the world and also
reiterated his reaffirm resolve to further strengthen democracy in
Pakistan. "The people of Pakistan are resolute in safeguarding their
democratic rights and moving forward on path of democracy against all
odds and what the machinations against it. It is a attribute to the
democratic genius of our people that despite setbacks to democracy our
people have not allowed dictatorship to take roots in the Country." he
declared. "The ethos of the people of Pakistan is democratic. Last
year, their chosen representatives unanimously adopted changes in the
Constitution to restore its pristine democratic credentials. I am
confident the elected Parliament in keeping with democratic traditions
ensure that the democratic Constitution is not subverted by any one,"
he said.
"Our march on the road to democracy continues. During
the year 2011 democracy took yet another stride forward in Pakistan
when the people of tribal areas were given their democratic rights with
consensus. The Amendments in the FCR and Extension of the Political
Parties Order 2002 has been designed to release the people of tribal
areas in accordance with their wishes from the over a century old
system of bondage and undemocratic dispensation" , he stated.
"Democracy
will be strengthened by meeting the basic needs of the people and
freeing them from the clutches of poverty and deprivation. The
devastation caused by incessant rains and floods in Sindh and other
parts of the country has adversely impacted on the efforts aimed at
poverty alleviation and meeting the needs of the people, he said,
urging on this occasion that the people of Pakistan and the
international community should step forward and help rehabilitate the
lives that have been devastated by floods.
"The greatest threat
to democracy is from the extremists and militants who want to foist
their political agenda on the people by bullet rather than ballot and
also from intolerance to dissent and disagreement. Let us on this day
pledge to fight the dark forces of militancy and extremism and allow
the blossoming of democratic culture in the Country," he stated. He
also hoped that the observance of the International Democracy Day will
lend strength to the pro-democracy forces throughout the world and
discourage potential dictators from curbing the aspirations of the
people through political adventurism. Online
