Social contract: Gap between parliament, people must be reduced

Speakers highlight the need for public to know about their basic rights as per law

Lack of awareness among the public at large on the importance and functions of parliament is creating a gap between parliament and society. To bridge this widening gap, the public must study and learn the constitution, which is a social contract between a state and a citizen. This, in turn, will help citizens know about their basic rights and revive their confidence in the parliament which is the custodian of their basic human rights.

Speakers highlighted these points while addressing a seminar titled ‘Parliament Society Nexus’ organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad on Monday.

A senior leader of Awami National Party (ANP) and a former senator, Afrasiab Khattak said that Pakistan’s parliament is the case of hindered and slow development, as there have been continuous incidences of disruption in democracy in the past. He said that today’s parliament is much weaker than ever before mainly because of growing disconnect between parliament and civil society. He added that there is a need to develop a democratic culture of tolerance, where everyone can openly debate on issues of public concerns. He urged the public to study the constitution to bridge the gap between state and society. SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said that polarisation has increased in our society over time; and building consensus among all segments of society has become a major challenge.

He said that the parliament should uphold human values and build consensus on issues of societal conflicts. He said that there are renewed expectations among the general public and the incumbent government led by PTI must engage with all stakeholders. He urged the government to revive student unions, which would help further strengthen the parliament society relationship.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Romina Khurshid Alam said there is a need to strengthen the relationship between civil society and parliament, as civil society can be instrumental for pro-people legislations. She said that parliament is the only supreme institution which could resolve our societal issues.

Renowned poet and civil society leader, Harris Khalique said that currently the parliament is very weak and it is very challenging to meet the expectations of society. He said that it is unfortunate that the perception of civil society is generally confined to a few non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at a national and international level, which is not true. Civil society includes people from all walks of life. He said that the parliament and society cannot be separated. However, first the parliament needs to strengthen itself through legislations and functioning of parliamentary committees which will help restore confidence among the general public. Then strive collectively to end differences in our society, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2018.