ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the supremacy of the constitution, promoting the parliamentary system, ensuring the rule of law, and enabling meaningful public participation in decision-making.
In his message on World Parliament Day, the prime minister said the constitution of Pakistan guarantees a democratic system and values for the government. He said that, in line with the true spirit of the constitution, sovereignty belongs to the people, while elected representatives exercise this authority as a sacred trust for public service and welfare.
He said parliament is a constitutional forum where laws are enacted while representing the people on national issues. He added that Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy has made significant progress in ensuring inclusive participation and effective representation of all segments of society.
The prime minister said the voices of women, minorities, smaller provinces and other underrepresented groups have been effectively included in parliament. He noted that reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the National Assembly and Senate reflect this constitutional commitment, while the Senate strengthens Pakistan’s federal structure by ensuring equal representation of federating units.
Shehbaz Sharif said democracy requires transparency, public access to information and meaningful public participation. He added that parliament has taken important steps by making legislation, parliamentary debates, committee reports and other documents publicly accessible.
He further said Pakistan’s parliament is also playing an active role in international parliamentary diplomacy through participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, parliamentary friendship groups and other international forums to promote global peace, dialogue, sustainable development, human rights, gender equality and international cooperation.