Addressing a flag hoisting ceremony at the Convention Centre, the prime minister said, "The freedom movement is the best example of a democratic and constitutional struggle that proved to nations of the world that democracy is embedded in the blood of Muslims."
He added that all issues of Pakistan and the existence of the country are associated with democracy.
“On this day, Muslims of the sub-continent, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, succeeded in achieving freedom and Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as an independent and sovereign country,” said Ashraf while congratulating Pakistanis everywhere.
He said leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto undertook an exemplary struggle for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan to ensure rights of the people and “lit the beacon of democracy by laying down their lives”.
"We are proud that we have made prominent achievements in the last four years,” he said, adding that with Allah’s grace and benevolence, the roots of democracy were strong in Pakistan today.
The prime minister said that it would not be undue to give credit of the success to the visionary leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari.
“It is a matter of satisfaction that the present democratic government has achieved important milestones for political, social and economic progress of our dear country which have propped the national economy,” said Ashraf.
Extending an offer of dialogue to all political parties for reconciliation and to hold fair, free and impartial elections, the prime minister hoped that the political leaders, by realising national responsibility, would cooperate with the government.
He said that the opposition has an important role in any democratic system and the government has given importance to its positive role.
"We are taking the opposition into confidence (for the next general elections), and for this we have taken a start from the consensus appointment of Chief Election Commissioner,” said Ashraf.
"We want impartial and transparent elections so the transfer of power takes place in a democratic way, which would be a big success for the continuity of democracy in the country."
He expressed hope that all political parties would fully participate in the next general elections and would play their role for the continuation of democracy.
Ashraf also said that the government has accepted all criticism with patience because it does not believe in confrontation.
"We are following the policy of reconciliation according to the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and our objective is to promote an environment of understanding and harmony in the country," he said.
"We want the opposition to, instead of criticising the government, come up with positive suggestions through constructive approach, so that the process of development can continue in the country," said the prime minister.
He said that the government believes in purposeful dialogue with the opposition on all issues of national importance, including the formation of a caretaker government, so that issues are resolved through consensus, and democratic values and mutual understanding are promoted in the country and the supremacy of democracy is ensured.
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The opposition parties, especially the PMLN, are often engaged in a free-for-all effort to dislodge the federal government. As the PMLN cannot replace the PPP-led federal government in the National Assembly, it has attempted to resort to street agitation to achieve this objective. It also hopes that the Supreme Court or the military will remove this government. The Punjab Chief Minister (PMLN) has openly preached defiance of and street agitation against the federal government on electric power shortages. The open support to culture of violence is a dangerous development because, in the long run, street agitation and violence undermine democracy. Pakistan is currently facing deep-rooted structural problems that can cause a total collapse of the political system or it may function only at the minimum level. All political parties and state institutions need to work together within a democratic constitutional framework to address these problems. If the current power struggle continues unabated, neither the present democratic order nor an authoritarian or technocratic arrangement can salvage the situation.
@Naeem Khan Manhattan,Ks: @Shahbaz: My eyes have opened. I will no longer blindly support PPP, and blame the party's lack of everything on PCO judges, burecarcy, generals, Musharraf etc.... ;)
I am biggest supporter of democracy, But Pakistan is a country of illiterates and Wadaras,where no form of government can work. From last 4 years we have democratic system running, people gave a chance to democracy result is in front of you Even the dictatorship does not work, In 65 years of Independence ,We had 9 coup attempts some of successful. Look at first five years of Ayub Khan,great progress every department was running towards progress,Than Zia destroyed this country rapped the constitution than Mushraf is a recent one ,everyone knows about his dictatorship.Our Democracy and Dictatorship has worse records I start with ZA Bhutto, another Tamasha, he thought that he is a king.Changed the constitution as per his requirements, Nationalization destroyed the progress Pakistan had made so far. Than came the musical chair drama of Nawaz shrif and Banazir. We had corruption agenda.lastly we had Zardai ka zamana. Collect wealth as much you can. I am not a supporter of Imran . But do you have any other choice? Forget about Islamic parties biggest hypocrites will lead you back to 6th century. Leave your religion alone it is between you and your God. should not interfere in running of modern day government. Choice Is yours make this country to heaven for coming generations
caretaker government setup please??
@Shahbaz: This is not the same Mirza, he has gone to take a nap.
democracy where the will of the people entertain.so plz don,t folling us in the name of democracy..........
Mirza: I can't believe you can make such a comment. Anyways bravo, man. I thought you were lost in ignorance supporting the Jiyalas. They have ruined this country in the name of democracy.
Funny fellow .. always cracks me up sadly .. Can democracy get any worse?
Every time this man speaks, I just break out laughing. Rental Raja has options beyond politics... like in the comedy business.
Please punish the corrupt first and then talk about democracy Mr. President.
currently the president and prime minster both have come to office without a national vote. ummm i thought democratic countries vote for their head of states, and not accept a parliamentary vote ?
Democracy is a comparatively better form of government, right; but how can you say that it is the best one? Democracy should not be taken as an end in itself, rather it is a means to another end which is the betterment of masses. Any form of government which leads to that end is desireable. If dictatorship brings rule of law, justice and economic security, it is far more preferable to this morbid democracy. The ultimate end and acid test for the utility of any form of government is the social and economic welfare of common man. If democracy fails, as in Pakistan now, in achieving its goal, there is no need to fanatically adhere with it. Try any other option...
Your strong democracy brought out a maticulate to head OGDCL. Your strong democracy has made railways, PIA and steel mills bankrupt. Your strong democracy has taken the dollar to Rs. 95. Your strong democracy has brought about severe load shedding across the country. Your strong democracy could never catch the killers of your leader Benazir. Your strong democracy has not brought a single medal from either the Beijing or London Olympics. You look like fool, sound like a fool and you and leaders destiny Inshallah is Adiala Jail.
@Nasir Mahmood: I dont see how any of that makes you any less of a Pakistani? I am not aware of any checklist on patriotism.
He should have said that corrupt democracy is the worst type of system of running the state and corrupt democratic set up speeds up and confirm the destruction of the state and humiliation of its citizens.
PPP, please stop fooling us in the name of democracy... If a strong democracy can resolve all issues, which issues have been resolved in the last four years?
The people of Pakistan want to study in UK, want to work in UAE and USA, like to eat Chinese Food ---- Independence Day Mubarak.
Mr.Raja Rental you should first learn the meaning of Democracy ... Then use this world in your speech ...