Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said that the Constitution of Pakistan provides the legal framework governing the relationship between the State and its citizens. They said that the strength of democracy lies in the trust and participation of the people.

This was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the occasion of International Day of Democracy.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that on the International Day of Democracy, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance and Pakistan's constitutional order: the sovereignty and will of the people, equality, freedom, human dignity, justice, the rule of law, and respect for dissent and minority points of view.

He said that democracy gives citizens a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives and makes those who exercise public authority accountable to the people. Democracy does not mean the unchecked rule of the majority. A genuine democracy requires the majority to listen to, respect and accommodate the legitimate rights and voices of minorities.

He said that for Pakistan, democracy is indispensable to overcoming the longstanding challenges faced by our people. Representative institutions, accountable government and the rule of law enable public policy to respond more effectively to people's needs, improve access to essential services, reduce inequality and create opportunities for all. Strong democratic institutions are therefore essential to building a peaceful, inclusive, stable and prosperous Pakistan.

President Zardari said that Pakistan's democratic journey has been sustained by the courage, perseverance and sacrifices of political leaders, parties, workers, civil society and citizens. Under the historic leadership of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan achieved a defining democratic milestone through the unanimous adoption of the Constitution of 1973. It established our federal parliamentary order, guaranteed fundamental rights and provided the constitutional framework for provincial autonomy. It remains the foundation of our democratic system and the bond that holds the federation together.

He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat, carried forward this struggle with extraordinary courage and ultimately laid down her life for democracy. We also honour all political leaders, workers and citizens who endured persecution and made sacrifices in defence of the Constitution and the people's right to govern themselves.

President Zardari said 'On this day, let us renew our collective resolve to uphold the Constitution, protect fundamental rights, strengthen Parliament and other democratic institutions, promote tolerance and dialogue, and ensure the meaningful participation of women, young people and minorities in national life. The strength of democracy lies in the trust and participation of the people. What is a minority view today may become the majority view tomorrow. That is why every point of view must be heard and respected. Democracy may be noisy, but human history has produced no better system of government. Silence prevails only in graveyards; a living society must remain open to debate, dissent and peaceful disagreement. We must ensure that the will of the people remains the ultimate source of political authority and the guiding force of our system of government'.

Meanwhile PM Shehbaz Sharif in his message said that today, Pakistan joins the international community in observing the International Day of Democracy. The day provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the fundamental values of democracy, including equality, justice and freedom; to promote respect for the will of the people; to safeguard human dignity; and to uphold the rule of law.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said that in a democratic system of governance, authority is exercised through elected representatives of the people for the welfare and well-being of the public. Parliament, as the central democratic institution of the country, embodies the voice and aspirations of the people.

He said that the Constitution of Pakistan provides the legal framework governing the relationship between the State and its citizens. Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens and equality before the law. At the national level, the Constitution defines the respective roles of the federating units, safeguards the constitutional standing of national institutions, and lays down the framework for governance and administration.

He said that Pakistan's federal parliamentary democratic system entrusts Parliament with the responsibility to legislate in accordance with the public interest and the Islamic principles.

He said that in view of the evolving demands of the contemporary era, formulating laws in accordance with public aspirations and the needs of the people is among the fundamental responsibilities of Parliament.

He said that to effectively address the challenges of the present era and secure a prosperous future, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in upholding and strengthening the fundamental democratic values that serve as the foundation of public welfare.

He said that the Constitution of Pakistan clearly affirms the State's commitment to ensuring the full participation of women in all spheres of national life. Reserved seats for women in the federal and provincial legislatures have been provided to ensure their effective representation.

He said that the State is committed to safeguarding the rights, interests and legitimate concerns of minorities. Reserved seats for non-Muslim minorities have likewise been provided in the federal and provincial legislatures to ensure their representation.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said that at the international level, Pakistan remains cognizant of its international obligations and fully supports democratic principles. Pakistan is undertaking concerted efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, including the promotion of democracy, peace and justice, and the development of strong and effective institutions.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'on this day, let us reaffirm our resolve to continue our collective journey towards promoting democratic values in line with the finest parliamentary traditions, protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, and building a prosperous future for our country'.