International Democracy Day: Call to bolster democratic institutions

Speakers at seminar say system is being destabilised once again

HARIPUR: Representation is vital for protection of the rights of the people and this is the reason democratic institutions should be strengthened.

This was said at a seminar titled “Jamhooriat Mela” in Haripur on Tuesday. The event was put together by SAHARA Development Foundation to mark the International Day for Democracy.

A large number of rights activists, students, academics and lawyers were present on the occasion. Addressing the attendees, Democratic Reporting International’s Muhammad Rafiq said elected representatives were ousted from power over the last 60 years on the pretext of corruption but charges were not proved against a single leader which proves that it was all by design. “Corruption was introduced in politics during the 80s by undemocratic people who were facilitated to reach the helm of power.” Rafiq said new parties were formed in the name of democracy but they failed to deliver time and again.

Schoolchildren and theatre performers also presented skits on democracy while some of the students even delivered speeches.

SAHARA Development Foundation Executive Director Qamar Hayat said democratic institutions are once again being destablised which is alarming.

He said civil society organisations have been facing tough time at the hands of the government for over a year which is against the spirit of the system. “Women in several areas of the province are still deprived of their fundamental rights while reforms in tribal areas have yet to change lives.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2015.