Timergara, May 14, 2018: You cannot strengthen democracy in the country unless you promote democratic practices within families as well as political parties. Democracy means tolerance and a positive attitude. It also means indiscriminate accountability; an accountable, transparent and responsible government including accountability of the elected representatives to the public. The self-accountability is also important to strengthen the democratic practices.
The notions were expressed by Mr. Muzafar Said, Former Finance Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the sixth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at Abdul Wali Khan University, Timergara Campus from May 11-12, 2018. Mr. Wahid, District Police Officer (DPO), Swat also spoke during the workshop.
“If the politicians consider national interest paramount than their personal interests, it will the single most rewarding act of strengthening the democracy in Pakistan”, the JI leader noted while adding that the democratic values and ideals – fundamental to social peace and development – are clearly enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. The real democracy lies in inclusion; consult public on the decisions that concern them and formulate policies in consideration of the issues that the concern citizens the most. He urged the future leaders for participating in the democratic processes actively. The workshops like Ulasi Taroon can help youth prepare for the future challenges and educate them in the issues critical to peacebuilding to lead conflict resolution in their respective social and professional spheres.
The DPO Swat, Mr. Wahid said that rule of law means to act in accordance with law. Educating the society is the most significant milestone to achieve in ensuring rule of law and upholding sanctity of constitution. Rule of law is a doctrine of political morality that aims at ensuring the correct balance of rights and powers between individuals and the state.
“Only in a country where the rule of law means more than formal, legal validity will subjects enjoy real protection from official tyranny and abuse”, He quoted Mathews.
Rule of law expresses fundamental principle that government must act according to law and in the cases before the court what the law requires must be enshrined in judicial decision. It should be applied according to the procedures lied down for its execution. The government must act according to law; and a remedy should be available in ordinary courts for unlawful acts of government.
He added that the cooperation between the members of society is absolutely critical for its cohesion and prosperity. Social cohesion contributes to a wide variety of social outcomes such as health, economic prosperity etc.
The DPO stressed that the youth, in order to achieve success, need to nourish their minds with positivity as a prerequisite for positive thoughts, words, actions, habits and characters; as the quality of character makes the quality of success in life. He said that the peace lies within patience and tolerance. The highest form of the strength is forgiveness and highest form of the weakness is revengefulness. The real benchmark of success is our ability to respect people regardless of their backgrounds. This will not only ensure inner peace but will also contribute to social peace and harmony. The youth should always be willing to go an extra mile as it is one of the fundamental qualities of leaders.
The workshop was participated by the students of Abdul Wali Khan University, Timergara Campus; University of Swat; University of Malakand; Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal; and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Wari Campus.
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of CRSS that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the youth – in the universities across KP and FATA – in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.
