ISLAMABAD: The journalists’ community and civil society organisations on Friday maintained that Pakistan couldn’t face more political crisis so the ‘Dharna’ forces should not destabilise the democratic process and instead adopt constitutional ways and means to resolve the political issues to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders.
Addressing on the fourth day of “Pro-Democracy” camp set up by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in front of the National Press Club (NPC), representatives of journalists associations and civil society organisations urged the politicians to think about democracy and Pakistan and set aside their personal political agendas.
The participants of the camp strongly condemned the attack and harassment of woman reporter of leading Geo News Farhat Javed by PTI workers and manhandling of correspondent of ARY Television Babar Malik in Rawalpindi and urged the political parties to direct their workers to let the media persons work freely. PFUJ President Afzal Butt said the political parties should realise the intensity of the situation and play their role in resolving the political crisis that is dangerously threatening the democratic process in the country. “It is also not a right step to gather a few thousand people and start threatening the incumbent government because there are various options to resolve the issues in line with the law and Constitution,” he said.
Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Ali Raza Alvi said the ‘Dharna’ politics had made Pakistan a laughing stock in the comity of nations, so the political parties should think about it and pursue constitutional means to settle their issues.
RIUJ Secretary General Bilal Dar said Pakistan was passing through a critical phase and it is highly insensible to offer threats to the democratic process at this moment because it would serve no purpose except to create more problems for the country.
JI MNA Ayesha Syed said the political crisis is increasing day by day, so there is a need to resolve it at the earliest for the sake of democracy that is currently facing serious threats. Social activist Rabia Hadi said the protest sit-ins in front of the Parliament House were setting a bad trend in politics because if the politicians would lose patience, then no government would be able to complete its constitutional term. The participants also passed a resolution stating they rejected the ‘Dharna’ and ‘container’ politicians and are ready to render sacrifices for the sake of democracy. It said small segments of the society cannot be allowed to pose threats to the democratic process because it is the will of the large majority of the people to stand firm and united and work diligently for a progressive, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.
“No bargaining will be tolerated or compromised for the Constitution of Pakistan. The existing Constitution is the best document and must be protected by all means although, new amendments can be introduced to bring good governance in the country,” it said. It said, “Both PTI and PAT should join dialogue with the government to resolve the present crisis. We are agree for electoral reforms and combating corruption within the framework of the Constitution.” It appreciated the suggestion and role of Pakistan Army to resolve the political crisis peacefully through dialogue. Moreover, it lauded the Pakistan military forces for operation against terrorists in the NWA.