Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Monday, said that democracy is not merely a system of governance but the true guarantor of human freedom, justice, partnership, and collective welfare.
\n\u201cThis day reminds the nation that public opinion and fundamental rights are the real sources of strength and existence of the state\u201d he said in his message on the occasion of \u201cDemocracy Day.\u201d
\nThe Acting President noted that Pakistan itself was founded on democratic struggle and the will of the people.
\nPaying homage to the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he said the great leader introduced democracy as the guiding principle for Pakistan.
\nHe further recalled the sacrifices of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who laid down their lives to uphold the people\u2019s right to rule and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
\nGilani also highlighted the role of President Asif Ali Zardari in consolidating democracy through the Charter of Democracy and the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Referring to Pakistan People\u2019s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said the young leader is actively working to bring youth and the broader public into the democratic process and to promote participatory governance.
\n\u201cDemocracy Day,\u201d the Acting President stressed, renews the pledge to place people\u2019s will above all, to strengthen state institutions, uphold the rule of law, and protect civil liberties. He said that only a stable democratic society can ensure sustainable peace, prosperity, and development in Pakistan.
\nUnderscoring that democracy is not confined to elections alone, Gilani remarked that it teaches tolerance, acceptance of dissent, safeguarding minority rights, empowering women, and involving youth in decision-making. He urged that democratic values must not remain restricted to slogans and ceremonies but must be practically embedded into governance, national life, and social behavior.
\nAddressing the challenges facing the country \u2014 including economic hardships, social issues, and security concerns \u2014 he asserted that the only durable solution lies in the continuity of democracy, supremacy of parliament, and adherence to the Constitution. \u201cThis is the path that can lead Pakistan toward becoming a peaceful, prosperous, and stable nation,\u201d he said.
\nGilani said \u201cDemocracy Day\u201d serves as a reminder of both collective and individual responsibilities. He called upon the nation to pledge to build a democratic state where public opinion is respected, justice is delivered, and human dignity is upheld. \u201cThis,\u201d he stressed, \u201cis the true spirit of democracy and the guarantee of Pakistan\u2019s bright future.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Monday, said that democracy is not merely a system of governance but the true guarantor of human freedom, justice, partnership, and collective welfare. \u201cThis day reminds the nation that public opinion and fundamental rights are the real sources of strength and existence of the state\u201d he […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":423630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-502944","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n