President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday said democratic process would be strengthened by meeting the basic needs of the people and freeing them from the clutches of poverty and deprivation. In his message released on the eve of the International Democracy Day, being observed across the globe today (Thursday), the president said the devastation caused by incessant rains and floods in Sindh and other parts of the country had adversely impacted on the efforts aimed at poverty alleviation and meeting the needs of the people.
“The greatest threat to democracy emanated from a militant mindset. I call for defeating militancy and extremism and advance democratic values … I wish to congratulate the democratic forces in the world in general and in Pakistan in particular on the International Day of Democracy. It is a day to re-affirm our commitment for democracy and democratic ideals around the world and in Pakistan,” he said. “The people of Pakistan are resolute in safeguarding their democratic rights and moving forward on path of democracy against all odds. It is an attribute to the democratic genius of our people that despite setbacks to democracy our people have not allowed dictatorship to take roots in the country,” he added. The president said the ethos of the people of Pakistan was democratic. Last year, he added, their chosen representatives unanimously adopted changes in the Constitution to restore its pristine democratic credentials.
