BISP Chairperson calls for strengthening democratic institutions on World Democracy Day

ISLAMABAD, Sep 15 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, on Tuesday called for strengthening democratic institutions, empowering Parliament and ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution, saying continuity of democracy is essential for a stable, prosperous and welfare-oriented Pakistan.

In her message on the occasion of World Democracy Day, she extended greetings to democracy-loving people around the world.

Senator Rubina Khalid said the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was to build a democratic, parliamentary and people-oriented Pakistan.

She said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid a strong foundation for the democratic system in Pakistan by giving the country the Constitution of 1973, while Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto made a historic struggle for democracy, people’s rights and women’s empowerment.

She said both Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed their lives for the supremacy of democracy.

“The sacrifices and struggle of the Pakistan Peoples Party in Pakistan’s democratic journey are unforgettable,” she said.

The BISP chairperson said democracy was not merely the name of casting votes but a system aimed at empowering people, ensuring equal opportunities and guaranteeing fundamental rights.

She said BISP was a practical example of extending the benefits of democracy to deserving and vulnerable segments of society.

“Democracy is the system in which the welfare of the common man remains at the centre of state policies,” she said.

Senator Rubina Khalid said economically empowering deserving women meant giving them an effective voice in decision-making.

She said strong democracy was the guarantee of social justice, economic development and public prosperity in Pakistan.

She stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions, empower Parliament and ensure the supremacy of the Constitution.

She said under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Pakistan Peoples Party remained committed to protecting democratic values.

Senator Rubina Khalid said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had envisioned a Pakistan where women, youth and vulnerable segments enjoyed equal rights.

“Our struggle is for a Pakistan where every citizen has equal opportunities for equality, justice, dignity and development,” she said.

She said continuity of democracy would guarantee a bright, stable and prosperous future for Pakistan.