ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to safeguard and promote democratic values and norms in Pakistan.
In their separate messages marking the International Day of Democracy, they stressed the importance of joint efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
President Zardari said that democracy ensures socio-economic justice, freedom of expression, and rule of law. He noted that Pakistan’s political journey has been shaped by visionary leaders like Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for stronger democratic institutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the day provides an opportunity to reflect on the effectiveness of democracy as a global system of governance. He emphasized that Pakistan has worked not only to uphold democratic values at home but also to promote them internationally.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her message, paid tribute to the torchbearers of democracy, stressing that democracy should be made resilient enough to withstand future challenges. She said Pakistan needs to nourish democracy to present a strong example before the world.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also marked the occasion, calling democracy the voice of the people and stressing that its protection is the responsibility of all. He said the strength of democratic institutions guarantees national stability, reaffirming his government’s commitment to promote democratic governance.
