CII to be made more vibrant, says Qibla Ayaz

Dr Qibla Ayaz terms democracy best way for development

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) chairman has said that democracy is the best way for development and political stability in the country, insisting that “it is the only option available to us”.

The chairman, Dr Qibla Ayaz, was speaking at a seminar titled "A Review of Legal History of Electoral Laws in Pakistan and Amendments till date” which was attended by Ulema, teachers, intellectuals and social activists.

“Democracy is still the best option for the country despite its shortcomings, as the system, having checks and balances, immediately rectifies its anomalies,” he said. “Unconstitutional and undemocratic practices invite public nuisance and political and economic stability, chaos,” he added.



Dr Ayaz said the CII would be made more vibrant and active by enhancing interactions with scholars, intellectuals and other segments of society.

He said the CII would enhance lobbying by holding meetings with the parliamentary caucus and various parliamentary groups. He urged Ulema to guide the CII in performing its duties.

Lauding the “thought-provoking” seminar, he said the CII would continue holding such seminars.

Prof Muhammad Ahmed of the Department of Law and Shariah, International Islamic University (IIU), Islamabad opined that the issue of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, or the Finality of Prophethood, had been settled by parliamentarians through a consensus, and “it should not be further discussed”.

“For any future process, the CII ought to be taken on board to avoid any embarrassment and public protest,” he suggested.

Associate Professor IIU Professor Dr Muhammad Mushtaq delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the occasion.

Dr Mushtaq called for making vote-casting compulsory. He urged people to cast their votes so that the best among the available could be elected. Parliament should hold debate on suggestions forwarded by the CII, he added.

With additional input from APP