LONDON, July 20 (APP): Chairperson, Pakistan People’s Party, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto said on Friday that democracy was the key to the progress and development of her country.
Delivering a talk on “The future of Democracy in Pakistan” at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Central London, she said Pakistan was passing through a critical period of time and under attack by the religious militants.
She said these elements could only be check-mated by the establishment of genuine democracy and the rule of law. She mentioned the loss of nine party workers in Islamabad blast earlier in the week and said time has come for the moderate forces to be supported.
The PPP Chairperson expressed fear that Talibanization was on the rise in Pakistan and if this trend was not arrested, the consequences for the country would be very dangerous.
She said a strong and secure Pakistan was essential for the stability of the whole of South Asia and this could only be possible when the political parties were allowed a level playing field.
Speaking on the Red Mosque episode, she said the issue was unnecessarily allowed to linger on far too long which in turn emboldened the religious fanatics. She said she intends to return to Pakistan to participate in the national elections.
Regarding reports of dialogue with the Government, she said the discussion had been taking place on ensuring free and fair elections and the balance of power between the Parliament and President.
She said in all the past national elections, the people of Pakistan had never voted for the religious parties.B enazir said her party has not joined All Parties Movement for Democratic because of the reservation over the past role of religious parties.
Benazir said during election campaign, her party will focus on education, energy, improving social environment and employment. She stressed the need for bringing reforms in the Tribal areas. She said her party has supported the present government on the Women Protection bill and on improving relations with India.
Former British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Sir Hilary Synott chaired the proceedings.
