THE ROAD TO A STABLE DEMOCRACY

We realize that the transformation from absolute dictatorship to stable democracy cannot be overnight. The system shall continue to be threatened by vested interests, agents of foreign powers who will take the advantage of different prejudices present in the society and anomalies injected in the Constitution by the Dictator. It is unfortunate that four successive elected governments have faced dissolution.

The failure of political parties to reach consensus on vital issues has been one reason. This has also resulted in politicizing other institutions of the state, which do not have a political role. It would be wrong to blame any particular political party. The failure to reach a consensus among ourselves should better be called our joint failure. But it is also heartening that political consciousness about the need of protecting the will of the people against the whims of an individual is fast growing.

Our loyalty to the country and to the democratic cause precedes our loyalty to our respective political parties. Let us not think like mere politicians. Let us think of the collective interests of the people of Pakistan. Democracy provides us with a framework to settle our political differences in periodic elections. It basically works as a system which overcomes polarization and fragmentation of society and unites the people. Let us think as statesmen.

We have remained in the opposition long enough to realize that in Pakistan given situation the opposition needs genuine protections. we are most keen to start a political dialogue with other representative political parties to jointly frame measures which shall allow the democratic system to work without impediments. These measures include correcting the anomalies in the Constitution.

We reaffirm our deep commitment to our founding principles and the sacred purpose for which the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Chairman Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and other party cadre embraced Shahadat. In spite of the fact that we had to tread a very difficult path, our faith in the rights and the capabilities of our people remains unshaken and as always we offer ourselves as the political voice of the deprived, the disadvantaged and the discriminated.