Democracy and Constitutional Supremacy- Need of the hour

By: Hassan Sajid
Supremacy of the constitution and rule of law, respect for state institutions, continuity of democratic processes and unity play key role in the development and prosperity of a state. Any nation that chooses the path of democracy while abiding by the constitution and law of that country is destined for economic and political stability.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and other leaders of the Tehreek-e-Azadi also fought for a common homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent where we could live like a nation, a free life in accordance with the constitution and law. The dream of getting Pakistan came true as a result of the political and democratic struggle of our dignitaries. The purpose of having a separate homeland was in fact the establishment of an Islamic welfare and democratic state where the constitution & rule of law prevails and all institutions work for public welfare within their constitutional limits.
Pakistan is an Islamic democratic country having an organized constitution. The Constitution of Pakistan clearly states the responsibilities of the people, important government officials and all state institutions, which must be performed honestly by every person and institution. As patriotic Pakistanis, we must govern our country in a democratic manner, in accordance with the constitution and law, as advised by our forefathers, so that Pakistan may enjoy progress and prosperity in the world.
Voting, defending one’s vote on the basis of political affiliation, and positive criticism of one’s political opponents is a democratic right of every citizen but at the same time respecting the political affiliation of other citizens of their country, is the responsibility of every Pakistani for the sake of upholding democratic values. In March 2022, a no-confidence motion was tabled in Parliament against the PTI government and the Prime Minister in accordance with the constitution of the country. Resultantly; the government was handed over to a coalition of opposition parties.
But unfortunately, the political leaders of outgoing parties have made this democratic process controversial and pushed the country towards a massive political and constitutional crisis apparently for the sake of their personal and political interests. After de-seating from power, the former ruling parties termed the change of power as an external conspiracy and also slammed the state institutions which led to the polarization and bifurcation in the society and incited negative sentiments against the state institutions. Pakistan’s reputation has been badly affected, even at the international level.
The constant targeting of institutions by the former Prime Minister and key officials of his party and incitement of the youth against the institutions of the country has translated into chaos and political unrest across the country. A Culture of intolerance and abusive language spreading cancerously among the youth is drastically affecting the morality and political upbringing of young generation. The current chaotic political situation causing severe damages to Pakistan’s economy and country’s prestige globally. Pakistan’s reputation in the international community is being badly affected by the un-diplomatic attitude and ill-constitutional activities of the political leaders. Our country is desperately in need to get out of this chaotic situation. In all these circumstances, I urge the people to remain peaceful and abide by the Constitution, as political stability in Pakistan is entirely linked to the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, economic prosperity and state’s prestige in the international community.