REPRESENTATIVES from various political parties at a discussion organized by Pakistan Institute of Development Economist (PIDE) advocated for substantial changes, emphasizing the paramount importance of strengthening the institution of parliament and its alignment with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Indeed, a strong and robust parliament serves as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, playing a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the fundamental rights of the citizens. A strong parliament acts as a bulwark against authoritarian tendencies, fostering a culture of transparency and responsible governance that is vital for the sustainable development and progress of any nation. It stands as a symbol of the people’s will, reflecting their collective vision and serving as a catalyst for positive societal change and progress. In this backdrop, the discussion organized by PIDE was a welcome initiative and this process must continue in order to take the things towards improvement. One of the pivotal voices in this dialogue, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, proposed a groundbreaking initiative for the recall of representatives, allowing constituents to exercise their right to demonstrate a vote of no confidence in the elected official in the case of scandal or other pressing issues. This move would enable the electorate to actively participate in upholding the integrity of their democratic representation. The sentiments echoed by the esteemed PPP leader Farhatullah Babar further highlighted the need for a rejuvenated and relevant parliament that actively addresses the concerns of the populace. Babar emphasized that the parliament’s role should transcend narrow partisan interests and focus on safeguarding the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, a critical duty that is central to upholding the principles of democracy and justice. The pressing issue of transparency was raised by PILDAT’s Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, emphasizing that the parliament must be open and accountable to the public. His call for transparency resonates deeply with the growing need for restoring the people’s confidence in the democratic process and ensuring that their elected representatives prioritize the welfare of the masses above personal or vested interests.
