Elite stalwarts of all political parties on Monday were urged to strengthen democratic system in the larger national interest by burying their political differences as its stability was a must for economic development and restoring confidence of foreign and local investors.
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President and veteran trade leader, Iftikhar Ali Malik while chairing a round table conference on “Political Stability Vs Sound Economy” here Monday said that political stability is a pre-requisite for economic growth and survival of the country and to offset the hovering threats and challenges. He said that the country was passing through a critical phase of its history in the wake of a worldwide recession which, he added, warranted stable democracy, economic growth for survival of our future generation.
He said that in the international scenario, only countries which had a strong economic base will survive in days to come. He said for a durable economy, political stability is mandatory. He said foreign investment from multinational companies and private sector will only pour in the country if democratic institutions were strengthened and a peaceful atmosphere prevailed all over.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said it was high time that mainstream political parties in the corridor of the power and opposition must demonstrate the highest degree of responsibility, tolerance and uphold the decent democratic values and norms in their ranks and avoid politics of confrontation and agitation. He said that Pakistan was carved in the world after tremendous sacrifices by our elders.
He said all national level political parties must play their role towards national development and strengthen the democratic system by refraining from politics of confrontation and agitation. He hoped that Pakistan’s economy would pick up which, he observed, is now in dire need of full support from stable democratic institutions. Other speakers Zahid Jawaid Ahmad, Sheryar, Taimur, Mian Waqar Ahmad fully endorsed his views and made an impassioned appeal to all political parties to end their political differences through negotiation in the larger national interest and save the country from bankruptcy and political and economic instability.
