Pakistan’s Democratic System Is Becoming Hollow; Charter of Democracy and Charter of Economy Indispensable to Save the Country: Hafiz Hamdullah

QUETTA (Daily Qudrat Quetta) – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam central leader Hafiz Hamdullah has said that a durable solution to all challenges is possible only through reconciliation and continuity of democracy. Revenge actions and contempt for parliament make the democratic system hollow. The gulf of mistrust between the basic pillars of the state is widening.

He said that the country is currently passing through an extremely delicate juncture; the imposed puppet government has severely damaged the democratic process and the rule of law in the country. Unconstitutional measures have created a situation of confrontation between the different pillars of the state, which is pushing the country toward a more serious constitutional and political crisis. Political revenge and confrontation between institutions are proving disastrous for the country and the nation in every respect.

He said that to bring the country out of the current crises, a comprehensive and serious negotiating process among all political streams has become indispensable. Setting aside personal and political egos, consensus should be built on a “Charter of Democracy” and a “Charter of Economy” so that continuity in policies can be maintained. The dignity of parliament and the strength of democracy lie in the supremacy of the constitution. The government and the opposition should not repeat the bitter experiences again and again.

He said that the global establishment does not want to see a strong constitution and democracy in the country; new dramas every other day have turned the country into a spectacle, and unconstitutional measures are weakening the country’s foundation, which is not in the interest of the nation and the country. Mutual discord and unconstitutional and undemocratic processes will push the country further into the mire. For forty years, instead of the supremacy of the constitution, the rule of global powers has prevailed over the country’s politics.

He said that democracy has been damaged more by authoritarianism, the politics of revenge and discord of political parties than by anything else, and these very political parties have each time provided a route for undemocratic and unconstitutional processes to interfere in politics. Undemocratic attitudes have torn the country apart. This system, which beats the drum of democracy, has in practice pushed the country into a constitutional crisis and severely damaged the dignity of democratic institutions, due to which the people’s trust in the democratic process and the system connected to it is diminishing. The fundamental reason for the serious economic, political and constitutional crises the country is currently under is the government’s undemocratic attitude.