Democracy necessary to attain development goals: Sumsam Bukhari

ISLAMABAD, Feb 15 (APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari has said the restoration of democracy in the country was the result of sacrifices by PPP and other democratic forces as it was their endeavors which had strengthened the democratic institutions. “PPP is committed to maintaining democracy in the country and to provide any sacrifice required for the eradication of undemocratic forces,” he told APP in an interview here Sunday. Commenting on one year completion of democracy after election on February 18 last year, he said this day would be an opportunity for parliamentarians to emphasize its importance. He said the year 2008 saw the dawn of democracy in the country after October 1999 when a democratically‑elected government was toppled. The democratic process which started in February 2008 with the holding of general elections completed on September 6 when the parliament elected the new President. Replying to a question, he said the PPP and other democratic forces had rendered sacrifices to establish a democratic order in the country with the massive support of the masses. “For the cause of democracy our leaders and workers had been imprisoned, and our chairperson had been martyred,” he said. Celebrating democracy day is a positive sign, that the PPP would always work for the betterment through democratic values, he added. The Minister said, “I congratulate the nation on this important day as the democratic forces had ultimately ended nine‑year dictatorial regime. Replying to another question, he said the PPP coalition government inherited a number of challenges on political and economic fronts including intimidation. The government also faced major challenge in energy sector as not even a single unit was produced during last nine years which caused countrywide load‑shedding, Sumsam Bukhari said, adding that “we have the ability to address all issues amicably.” The other step the government took was to do away with black PEMRA laws hindering the freedom of media in the country. Now most of that have been repealed and “we are now working further to facilitate media by introducing necessary legislation and other steps”. “We would bring more legislation with the sole aim to facilitate media and provide them an environment where media could flourish,” he added. The Minister said the survival of the nation depended upon the survival of the democratic forces, adding that commemorating the February 18 as democracy day would help strengthen the country’s democratic forces. The government has launched a new process in many sectors that has never been done in the past, he added. He said the ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, to achieve social justice, foster the economic and social development of the community, strengthen the cohesion of society and build a propitious environment for peace. Meanwhile, citizens of all walks of life also expressed great joy over the celebration of this day, saying it was great to celebrate February 18 with an elected president, prime minister, national and provincial assemblies. People from different walks of life said the revival of civilian rule gave the nation a ray of hope, as it proved that dictatorship in the country had finally come to an end. A businessman said that political rallies and seminars should be organized in every town to inform the general public about the importance of democracy.