Continuity of democratic process is pre-requisite for development: Rabbani

Continuity of democratic process is pre-requisite for development: Rabbani
APP81-26 LONDON: November 26 - Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani delivering a public talk at the Prestigious London School Of Economics (LSE). APP

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani said Thursday that the continuity of democratic process as a pre-requisite for development of the country as well as its institutions.
He was delivering a public talk at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). The topic of his talk was “Building a Strong, Democratic and Prosperous Pakistan”.
He also underlined the importance of resolving outstanding international issues.
A large number of academia, think tank notables and students attended
the talk, said a message received here. The Chairman spoke at length on how the region submerged into the menace of terrorism after the jehadis were left on their own in wake of Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan including Kashmir and Palestine, to bring about peace in the world.
Mian Raza Rabbani gave a detailed overview of the challenges faced by
Pakistan in areas of economy, trade & investment, security and energy.
He also highlighted the strengths of the country including building of democratic institutions, successful fight against terrorism and extremism, revival of the constitution, and devolution of power to the provinces.
The Chairman Senate highlighted that how restoration of the Constitution in Pakistan had not only reinforced democracy and supremacy of parliament, but also restored balance among institutions.
These seminal constitutional developments have very promisingly set the course for consolidation of democratic governance, strengthening of federation, greater provincial autonomy, independent judicial system, electoral process, and, most importantly, our decisive battle against terrorism and violent extremism, the Chairman added.
The Chairman Senate said the way forward for Pakistan lies
in: national consensus on issues; identifying priorities; all institutions to work within constitutional limits; elimination of radicalism and sectarianism and promoting tolerance; developing effective economic policies in the energy, manufacturing, agricultural and mineral sectors; free education, which does not create two classes of Pakistanis; and good governance and zero tolerance for corruption.
Earlier, the Chairman Senate attended a meeting with the officials of the International Growth Centre (IGC) at the LSE, and was briefed about Center’s work in Pakistan.
He exchanged views on possible collaboration between the Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad and the LSE.
Mian Raza Rabbani,met the members of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan, led by its Chair Rehman Chishti MP, at the British Parliament.
During the meeting Chairman Senate appreciated the good work being carried out by the APPG on Pakistan in promoting the cordial relations between Pakistan and the UK.
The discussion encompassed a wide range of issues pertaining to bilateral relations, work of DFID in Pakistan, regional situation and parliamentary exchanges.
The Chairman briefed the British Parliamentarians on the legislative
developments that took place in Pakistan in the recent past, especially the
legislation to protect the rights of women and human rights in general.
He emphasized on the need of stepping up Parliamentary diplomacy to bring the two countries even closer.
The Chairman also invited the Parliamentarian to visit Pakistan, which they accepted with thanks.
Besides Rehman Chishti MP, Chair APPG on Pakistan, those who attended the meeting included Sir Gerald Kauffman MP, Lord Qurban Hussain, Tasmina Sheikh MP, Jim Shannon MP, Lord Elton and Baroness Hodgson.
Later, the Chairman met Andrew Tuggey, Secretary and Chief Executive of CPA, UK in the British Parliament.
Enhancing the Parliamentary cooperation and exchanges also came under discussion.
In this regard, the Chairman proposed a regional conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians in Islamabad to learn more from each other’s experiences.
Mr Tuggey appreciated this idea and assured to work together with Pakistan on the proposal.
The world need to apply uniform standards on all terrorist incidents
without any discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity or race said Mian Raza Rabbani.

APP Services