Seminar: Dialogue termed crucial for promoting liberalism
Speakers stress discourse between rival schools of thought.
Senior journalist Talat Hussain. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Speakers at a seminar on Saturday agreed that a firm foundation for liberalism can only be laid through dialogue and development.
At the seminar, “Democracy, Dialogue and Development,”organised by the Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP), senior journalist Talat Hussain, also the chief guest, said while it is true that liberalism’s basis is dialogue, there is a need to look beyond intangibles like tolerance and intellectualism.
“Liberalism needs to be judged by whether it ensures development, provision of basic services, benefits of democracy and speedy justice,” he said. “If you do not focus on development, you cannot lay the foundation of liberalism in the country.” Liberalism is a political philosophy that supports equality, freedom of expression and human rights, he added.
Even though most speakers focused on the need for dialogue to end the growing polarisation in the country, Hussain said the country’s condition has been overanalysed, adding, that instead of adopting a Westernised form of liberalism, Pakistanis should develop a native liberal tradition that resonates with ground realities. He dismissed the perception of Pakistanis about Western societies and said they as egalitarian as people here consider them to be.
He gave the example of the west’s funding and support for extremism and dictatorial rule In Pakistan from the recent past. Hussain denounced Western armed aggression in the Middle East and North Africa.
The veteran journalist said problems of sectarianism and militancy exist in Pakistan but there was also a long history of peaceful co-existence which should be emphasised.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Dr Israr Shah said despite the politicians’ and journalists’ struggle for democracy, the country had become a stage for dynastic politics with most parties defying democratic norms.
The LFP, supported by German political foundation, Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, was formed in August 2000, regularly holds seminars on liberalism and governance.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2013.
Speakers at a seminar on Saturday agreed that a firm foundation for liberalism can only be laid through dialogue and development.
At the seminar, “Democracy, Dialogue and Development,”organised by the Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP), senior journalist Talat Hussain, also the chief guest, said while it is true that liberalism’s basis is dialogue, there is a need to look beyond intangibles like tolerance and intellectualism.
“Liberalism needs to be judged by whether it ensures development, provision of basic services, benefits of democracy and speedy justice,” he said. “If you do not focus on development, you cannot lay the foundation of liberalism in the country.” Liberalism is a political philosophy that supports equality, freedom of expression and human rights, he added.
Even though most speakers focused on the need for dialogue to end the growing polarisation in the country, Hussain said the country’s condition has been overanalysed, adding, that instead of adopting a Westernised form of liberalism, Pakistanis should develop a native liberal tradition that resonates with ground realities. He dismissed the perception of Pakistanis about Western societies and said they as egalitarian as people here consider them to be.
He gave the example of the west’s funding and support for extremism and dictatorial rule In Pakistan from the recent past. Hussain denounced Western armed aggression in the Middle East and North Africa.
The veteran journalist said problems of sectarianism and militancy exist in Pakistan but there was also a long history of peaceful co-existence which should be emphasised.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Dr Israr Shah said despite the politicians’ and journalists’ struggle for democracy, the country had become a stage for dynastic politics with most parties defying democratic norms.
The LFP, supported by German political foundation, Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, was formed in August 2000, regularly holds seminars on liberalism and governance.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2013.