ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, the Constitution, the rule of law and respect for dissent and minority rights.
In their messages marking the International Day of Democracy on Sept 15, the president and premier said democracy gives citizens a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their lives and holds public authorities accountable.
"Democracy does not mean unchecked majority rule. A genuine democracy requires the majority to listen to, respect and accommodate the legitimate rights and voices of minorities," the President Secretariat quoted President Zardari as saying in a statement.
He said democracy's strength lies in people's trust and participation.
“What is a minority view today may become the majority view tomorrow,” he added, further saying that is why every point of view must be heard and respected.
President Zardari went on to say that democracy may be noisy, but human history has produced no better system of government.
"Silence prevails only in graveyards; a living society must remain open to debate, dissent and peaceful disagreement," the statement said.
The statement added, "We must ensure that the will of the people remains the ultimate source of political authority and the guiding force of our system of government."
PM Sharif's message
Separately, the prime minister said Pakistan remained firmly committed to upholding the fundamental values of democracy, including equality, justice and freedom, as the country joined the international community in observing the International Day of Democracy.
He said that the occasion provided an opportunity to reaffirm the nation's resolve to respect the will of the people, safeguard human dignity and uphold the rule of law.
"In a democratic system of governance, authority is exercised through elected representatives of the people for the welfare and well-being of the public. Parliament, as the central democratic institution of the country, embodies the voice and aspirations of the people," the statement said, further adding, "The Constitution of Pakistan provides the legal framework governing the relationship between the State and its citizens."
PM Sharif further said that the Constitution of Pakistan clearly affirms the state’s commitment to ensuring women's full participation in all spheres of national life.
"Reserved seats for women in the federal and provincial legislatures have been provided to ensure their effective representation."
Talking about the religious minorities, he said that the state is committed to safeguarding the rights, interests, and legitimate concerns of minorities.
"Reserved seats for non-Muslim minorities have likewise been provided in the federal and provincial legislatures to ensure their representation," he said.