Islamabad, September 14, 2026: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said promoting democratic values and strengthening democratic institutions are essential for putting Pakistan on the path to sustainable development, stressing that a strong democratic system is the guarantee of a prosperous and stable future.
In a message marking the International Day of Democracy, observed annually on September 15 under the auspices of the United Nations, the Speaker said democracy was fundamentally about ensuring people’s participation in governance and was based on freedom, equality and collective decision-making.
He said the strength of democracy depended on respect for the public mandate, transparency in national affairs, accountability and the rule of law.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq paid tribute to political leaders and workers who had made sacrifices for the restoration of democracy and strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan. He said the country’s history was marked by a sustained struggle for democratic governance, constitutional supremacy and popular representation.
He described Parliament as a cornerstone of the democratic system and an institution representing the aspirations of the people. He said elected representatives had a responsibility to legislate for public welfare and address issues confronting citizens.
“Differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy,” he said, adding that disagreements should be resolved through tolerance, dialogue and consultation rather than confrontation.
The Speaker stressed that elections alone could not ensure an effective democratic system. Meaningful and continuous public participation, along with respect for the views of all segments of society in decision-making, was equally important.
He said the effective participation of women, youth, minorities and other sections of society in political and parliamentary processes strengthened democracy and made democratic institutions more representative.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Parliament served as an important bridge between the people and state institutions, while the National Assembly was playing an active role in addressing public concerns through legislation and parliamentary oversight.
He said parliamentary committees, caucuses and consultative forums provided lawmakers with opportunities to deliberate on important national and public issues and work towards consensus.
Highlighting the role of young people, the Speaker said youth were the key to Pakistan’s bright future. He stressed the need to familiarise them with the parliamentary system, constitutional principles and democratic practices and provide them with meaningful opportunities to participate in national decision-making.
The Speaker said International Day of Democracy was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the constitutional order and promoting political dialogue.
He urged all political forces to rise above their differences and work together to address issues of national importance and resolve problems faced by the people.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message, said democracy guaranteed the people’s right to govern themselves and protected their political freedoms.
He said a strong Parliament, supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law were fundamental requirements of a democratic society. Strengthening democratic institutions, he added, was indispensable for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and stability.
The Deputy Speaker paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing their struggles and sacrifices for the restoration and consolidation of democracy in Pakistan as unforgettable.
He stressed that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, consultation and parliamentary mechanisms rather than confrontation.
He also called for continued efforts to promote democratic values, address public grievances and advance the country’s development.
