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Forum urges elite to define democracy

ISLAMABAD: A lively discussion organised by the Pakistan Forum of Dialogue and Development agreed here on Monday that the elite of the country should sit together and spell out a clear definition of democracy for the nation.

"The elite including bureaucracy, politicians and intellectuals should clarify the concept of demoracy to enable the nation embrace it and agree on a roadmap for development," Chairman of the Pakistan Forum B. A. Malik said.

The former diplomat also suggested an across the board dialogue between political forces during his presentation on consensus and national reconciliation.

"All political forces should come forward and clear the fog of despondency by holding a dialogue and offering the people a clear cut definition as to how a democratic system will work for them."

This dialogue between the political forces, Malik underlined, is very vital at this point in time.

The responsibility for materialisation of such a talk devolves on the bureaucrats, politicians and intellectuals alike, he said.

"If we are ready to hold a dialogue with India ÑÊan enemy country Ñ why not amongst ourselves," he stressed.

He appreciated the government for initiating a dialogue on the issue of signing the Comprehensive Test Bank Treaty.

"An atmosphere of reconciliation is very important for charting out a roadmap for future."

The Chairman PFDD agreed that a discussion amongst the elite on chief executive's seven-point agenda can be a good basis for a nation-wide dialogue.

De-politicisation of masses, he maintained, has pushed the nation decades back. APP