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Pak-PAC convention held

National asked to continue

on democratic path

WASHINGTON: Senate Chairman Wasim Sajjad and Speaker National Assembly Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani have called for strengthening democratic institutions in Pakistan and emphasised that the nation must continue on democratic path without interruption.

"In its checkered history of political development, Pakistan is currently passing through its longest period of civilian dispensation that began more than 11 years ago in 1985. Wasim Sajjad observed adding that democracy is working even though in turbulent and not ideal conditions. "No doubt there are formidable problems and challenges but these could only be overcome by institutionalised methods, "he remarked while addressing the annual convention of the Pakistan-American public affairs committee (Pak-PAC) in Detroit (Michigan).

Speaker Yousaf Raza Gillani said while some parties were demanding mid-term elections in Pakistan, there was a broad consensus among the people of the country that the elected parliament and the government must complete its full five-year term. "Parliamentary institutions will gain respect and credibility only if they are allowed to complete their mandated tenure and then go to the people for a verdict on their performance, " he added.

Asma Jehangir, Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said any disruption of democratic process was unacceptable as only democracy could ensure the survival and strength of the nation. "Any civilian, be it Benazir Bhutto or Mian Nawaz Sharif, is far more welcome than any dictator," she added.

Pak-PAC is the largest and politically most active organization of the Pakistani-American community which is vigorously engaged in U.S. domestic politics. It has effectively used its growing influence to project and support causes which are of vital importance to Pakistan. The three leading public figures from Pakistan were specially invited to attend the convention attending several hundred delegates from all over the United States many of whom asked some pointed questions on future of democratic institutions in the country, corruption, law and order and economic management.

Dr. Ikram U.Khan, president of PAK-PAC said as an emerging, moderate democracy, Pakistan had its share of problems and the democratic process is beset with doubts, uncertainties and turbulence. "But the country now appears headed towards democracy," he remarked adding that all Pakistani-Americans feel concerned about its internal and external difficulties.

He said the people of Pakistan through their sacrifices had sown the seeds of democracy and it was the sacred task of their leadership to protect and nurture it.

The Senate Chairman appreciated the concern shown by Pakistani-Americans over the state of affairs in Pakistan which, he said, reflected their deep commitment and patriotic devotion to the country of their origin. Wasim Sajjad said institutionalised system of checks and balances as also accountability was the best way of combating the problems being faced by the country. All segments of the society including overseas Pakistanis, a vigilant press, and the judiciary could make significant contribution in the evolution of healthy parliamentary institutions.

Referring to Pak-US relations, Sajjad said the end of Cold War also signaled the end of special relationship between the two countries. Both countries are now developing more mature ties devoid of emotionalism but based on respect for sovereignty and mutuality of interests. The Brown Amendment is a very important step towards removal of strains but the United States has still to address the security concerns of Pakistan.

He said the Pressler law being discriminatory and country- specific represents double standards and use of different yardsticks on non-proliferation as it totally ignores India's advanced and weapon-oriented nuclear and missile programmes. Its abolition was essential to ensure equity and fairness and remove constraints in the development of friendly relations between the two countries.

Speaker Gillani also appreciated the passage of Brown Amendment and paid tributes to Pakistani-American community and the hard work put in by Pakistani diplomats under leadership of ambassador Maleeha Lodhi to achieve this landmark. He expressed hope bilateral relations would now get a boost and open new avenues of cooperation in various fields.

Emphasising the need for frequent contacts between elected representatives of the two countries, Gillani recalled how his visit last year at the head of a parliamentary delegation initiated dialogue between U.S. Congress and Pakistan's parliament. He said more delegations would visit United States to continue this dialogue.

Responding to question on law and order situation in Pakistan, Gillani said the situation in Karachi which looked grim till recently, has considerably improved. The need now was to follow it up with a political dialogue, he added.

Dr. Ikram U.Khan said about 7,000 Pakistani-American physicians and hundreds of thousands of other members of Pakistani community were making significant contribution to socio- economic and political life of the United States and in improving Pak-US relations.

He urged the Americans to raise their voice against violation of Kashmiri people's right of self-determination and abuse of human rights, they must also speak out for a "nuclear-free South Asia and the world, not just nuclear free Pakistan, 'he said. The geo-political, strategic, military and nuclear realities around Pakistan borders are more threatening and intimidating to its national security than the threats to the American ally and friend in Middle East (Israel)", he added.

Pakistan, he said, could not be expected to commit political or military suicide by accepting unilateral constraints on its nuclear programme, because of these conditions.-APP