Addressing a seminar titled ‘Changing Landscape of Pakistani Electorate and Role of Political Parties in Fair Representation’, organized by the Press Information Department (PID), participants emphasized the constitutional role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in conducting free and fair elections in the country.
Senator Syed Ali Zafar of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) acknowledged the enhanced authority of the ECP through the Elections Act 2017, stating that the Constitution empowers political parties to participate in elections and form a government.
Muhammad Asghar, the deputy secretary general of the Jamat-e-Islami (JI), expressed concern about a significant number of people abstaining from voting, leading to governments that fail to truly represent the majority. He highlighted the JI’s commitment to fostering genuine change and suggested disqualifying individuals who do not share women’s property. Advocating for proportional representation, Asghar emphasized the need for democracy to flourish through intra-party elections and the elimination of money’s influence in politics.
Dr Asad Muneer of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) commended the allocation of reserved seats in parliament as a positive gesture, expressing optimism for gradual improvement. Dr Mujeeb from Quaid-e-Azam University identified weaknesses in Pakistan’s electoral process, emphasizing its catering to the elite and the absence of significant movements initiated by political parties.
Hafiz Tahir Khalil, a journalist, stressed the role of media in strengthening democracy and expressed confidence in the potential of the country’s institutions. He urged political parties to address internal issues, implement manifestos, and find consensus on basic national issues. Khalil highlighted the importance of the young generation in leading the country out of crisis.
This seminar was part of PID’s efforts to encourage civic engagement and participation in the upcoming elections on February 8. Stakeholders from major political parties, the ECP, media, academia, civil society, and the general public attended the event. The PID has scheduled two more seminars in the federal capital, focusing on the ‘Electoral Code of Conduct: Ethical Practices of Stakeholders Including Media’ on January 25 and ‘Political Participation and Empowerment of Youth, Women, Transgender, and Cultural Minorities’ on February 1.