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| India-Pakistan |
| 'Rights not possible without real democracy' |
| 2007-01-23 |
| Equality and protection of rights are not possible in Pakistan without “real democracy”, National Assembly member Tehmina Doltana said at a ceremony to launch Emanuel Zafar’s book Concise History of Pakistani Christians at the Lahore Press Club on Monday. She said the world was a global village in which diverse people coexistence. “Why, then, is everyone not treated equally?” she asked. She said Muslims and minorities of Pakistan were a “bunch of flowers” and the bouquet would lose its beauty if any one of them was removed. All religions teach love, peace, harmony and friendship and to there was a dire need for democracy in Pakistan to promote these values. “Real democracy means everyone, regardless of religion, cast and creed, has the right to seek his rights.” Being citizens of Pakistan, everyone was responsible to implement the principles for which Pakistan was founded, she said. Educationist and human rights activist Dr Mehdi Hassan said there was no concept of ‘minorities’ in Pakistan until 1974. He said the founder of the country had said in his speeches that Pakistan was not founded only for Muslims, but was a country where everyone’s rights would be guaranteed without discrimination. People belonging to minorities felt the need to highlight their contribution in the Pakistan Movement because they do not feel secure and are denied their rights. The country, he said, had made them second-class citizens and it was obvious from the law that only a Muslim could be the head of the state. Democracy did not mean elections, he said, but required the rule of law, transparency and accountability. He said people belonging to religions other than Islam do not need to be defensive or highlight their contributions to Pakistan because they were the citizens of this country and had the right to full liberty. Emanuel Zafar said his book was about the Christian community’s contribution to the Pakistan Movement and their efforts for peace and religious harmony in the country. Former provincial law minister Syed Afzal Hayder said the book was the first of its kind and could be used as a reference book by historians and researchers. Arch Bishop Lawrence John Suldana was also present on the occasion. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 Can also add GOVERNMENT = SOCIALISM needs a dynamic PRIVATE SECTOR. Fixed/Static levels of Revenue = DOWNWARD-MOVING,Fixed/Static levels of DEVELOPMENT. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2007-01-23 00:45 |