Fearing the democratic system may come under threat, the government on Friday tabled a resolution in the National Assembly that calls for adherence to the principle of trichotomy of powers and expects all state institutions to strictly function within the limits imposed on them by the constitution. The resolution was moved by Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan. The draft resolution was tabled despite strong reservations from the opposition benches, to get endorsed from the House the efforts made by the political leadership for strengthening democracy in the country. The draft resolution, which remained the topic of discussion in the House for a considerable time, created a clear division between the treasury and opposition, with one side seeing no harm in it and the other terming it absolutely unwarranted. The resolution was redrafted to the acceptability of the opposition as the two sides continued divergent arguments on the issue, but the draft could not convince the leader of the opposition to change his stance on the move. The resolution said: “This House believes that the present democratic dispensation, which is about to complete four years, came into being as a result of great sacrifices rendered by the people of Pakistan. This House reiterates the belief of the democratic forces that the future of Pakistan and well-being of its people lies in the continuation and strengthening of democratic institutions and constitutionalism for the resolution of national issues, strengthening of the federation and empowering the people of Pakistan.”
It further said: “This House believes that for the furtherance of democracy and democratic institutions the basic constitutional principle of trichotomy of powers must be fully respected and adhered to and all state institutions must strictly function within the limits imposed on them by the Constitution. The House reiterates that sovereignty lies with the people of Pakistan and the parliament is the repository of the collective wisdom of the people.”
“This House endorses and supports the efforts made by the political leadership for strengthening democracy and reposes full confidence and trust in them,” the resolution concluded. Before amendments, the draft resolution had sought the House to endorse the efforts made by the president and prime minister for strengthening democracy and repose full confidence and trust in them. Later, the speaker adjourned the house to meet again on Monday evening (January 16).
