Govt to mark Day of Democracy reiterating resolve for peace, reconciliation, political and economic

ISLAMABAD, Feb 18 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman said on Tuesday that February 18 being marked as the Day of Democracy has a historical significance for Pakistan as well as for the rest of the world. “The February 18 elections were seen as landmark for Pakistan as the nation committed itself to a civilian democracy, shutting the door on authoritarian forces once and for all,” said Sherry Rehman in her message on the Day of Democracy. She said that despite all international assertions about the viability of democracy for Pakistan, our nation’s consistent struggle for the restoration and sustenance for a democratic order is a lesson for the world community. “Our citizens have made numerous sacrifices for democracy in the sixty years of the country’s history. Following the tumultuous events of 2007 when we lost our national leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Pakistani nation defied all security threats and came out to vote for a representative government. More importantly, it supported the government in the year that followed, which carried some difficult political, economic and security challenges. The Pakistani nation showed amazing resolve in the face of these difficulties, and patiently backed the government as we took measures to put institutions in order.” Sherry Rehman said that on the Day of Democracy, the Pakistan People’s Party Government reiterates its resolve for peace, reconciliation, political stability, economic prosperity and welfare for the nation. “We remain committed to implementing the mandate of our people for a representative governmental order where parliament remains the supreme legislative authority and till national decisions are taken with complete consensus from public representatives.” The Minister pointed out that the post Feb 18, 2008 order in Pakistan represents a sea change in the political, economic, developmental and social fundamentals. “The PPP’s decision to opt for consensus‑based coalition government in March last year, heralded a new chapter in the political history of Pakistan. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s policy of reconciliation, followed by the PPP has yielded rich dividends saving the federation and shunning the doors on politics of confrontation. All political forces are free to participate in national politics. The Province of Balochistan is back in the fold of development following extensive efforts by the President and the PM.” Sherry Rehman pointed out that Pakistan’s economy faces challenges from global shocks last year, but is now on the road to stabilization. “Programmes such as the BISP, the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme and others ensure safety nets for the vulnerable. A policy of inclusive economic order is being facilitated as the government aims to ensure that our economic projects benefits reach a wider section of the population. Infrastructural capacity is being built to support the economy.” Pointing to legislation on women, media, labour and health, Ms Sherry Rehman said that these are being pursued following a consultative procedure. “The institution of parliament has been strengthened in the last 11 months. The PM regularly attends the session and answers all queries, the President addressed the Parliament less than two weeks after he was elected and for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the Public Accounts Committee is headed by the Leader of the Opposition.” She said that government’s foreign policy that puts premium on regional peace, cooperation and world security is also a reflection of public’s aspirations for a stronger and progressive Pakistan. “Our public has supported friendly ties with all countries in the interest of peace and prosperity and the post Feb 18 foreign policy direction is premised on the same ideology.” Sherry Rehman said that the Feb 18 vote, being a mandate for change also stood for the rejection of regressive forces that sought to implement their violent policies through the use offeree and terror. “This was the most important element of the Feb 18 elections, and we remain committed to addressing all national security issues. Terrorism is the most important challenge facing the country, and we have public’s mandate to restore peace in the region. Our policy of 3Ds (Dialogue, Deterrence and Development) is a step in the same direction.”