Islamabad, February 17, 09: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman has said that February 18 being marked as the Day of Democracy has a historical significance for Pakistan as well as for the rest of the world.

"The February 18 elections were seen as landmark for Pakistan as the nation committed itself to a civilian democracy, shutting the door on authoritarian forces once and for all," said Ms Sherry Rehman in her message on the Day of Democracy. She said that despite all international assertions about the viability of democracy for Pakistan, our nation's consistent struggle for the restoration and sustenance for a democratic order is a lesson for the world community.

"Our citizens have made numerous sacrifices for democracy in the sixty years of the country's history. Following the tumultuous events of 2007 when we lost our national leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Pakistani nation defied all security threats and came out to vote for a representative government. More importantly, it supported the government in the year that followed, which carried some difficult political, economic and security challenges. The Pakistani nation showed amazing resolve in the face of these difficulties, and patiently backed the government as we took measures to put institutions in order."

Ms Sherry Rehman said that on the Day of Democracy, the Pakistan Peoples Party Government reiterates its resolve for peace, reconciliation, political stability, economic prosperity and welfare for the nation. "We remain committed to implementing the mandate of our people for a representative governmental order where parliament remains the supreme legislative authority and all important national decisions are taken with complete consensus from public representatives."

The Federal Information Minister said that challenges are an integral part of national life, and they can only be responded to through creating an environment for inclusive decision-making and space for participation of diverse range of ideologies. "The public's vote on Feb 18 was an endorsement for a strong democratic order that allows them the opportunity to have a say in the direction of national policy through their representatives. Our government's stress on reconciliation is a step in the same direction. It is important that all political forces be allowed the space to work with each other to strengthen a civilian political order and a democratic structure in the country."

The Federal Information Minister pointed out that the post Feb 18, 08 order in Pakistan represents a sea change in the political, economic, developmental and social fundamentals. "The authoritarian structure that preceded the Feb 18 elections not only denied political space to legitimate public representatives, it built a civil, economic and social structure that patronised a select few at the cost of the majority. The last regime's narrow-minded and non-representative policy approach resulted in weakening state and public institutions and stripped the parliament off its powers as a representative law-making authority. These policies caused discord and created an environment for confrontation between the political forces and the state. The worsening economic conditions following the policy of feeding the rich and compromising state's welfare for personal gains of the ruling regime, created conditions for extreme poverty. All these factors fuelled extremism that has emerged as the biggest threat to our national security and stability."

Ms Sherry Rehman said that the PPP's decision to opt for consensus-based coalition government in March 2008, heralded a new chapter in the political history of Pakistan. "Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's policy of reconciliation, followed by the PPP has yielded rich dividends saving the federation and shunning the doors on politics of confrontation. All political forces are free to participate in national politics. The Province of Balochistan is back in the fold of development following extensive efforts by the President and the PM. Pakistan's economy faces challenges from global shocks but is now on the road to stabilisation. Programmes such as the BISP, the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme and others ensure safety nets for the vulnerable. A policy of inclusive economic order is being facilitated as the government aims to ensure that our economic projects benefits reach a wider section of the population. Infrastructural capacity is being built to support the economy. Legislation on women, media, labour and health is being pursued following a consultative procedure. Above all, the institution of parliament has been strengthened in the last 11 months. The PM regularly attends the session and answers all queries, the President addressed the Parliament less than two weeks after he was elected and for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the Public Accounts Committee is headed by the Leader of the Opposition."

Ms Sherry Rehman said that government's foreign policy that puts premium on regional peace, cooperation and world security is also a reflection of public's aspirations for a stronger and progressive Pakistan. "Our public has supported friendly ties with all countries in the interest of peace and prosperity and the post Feb 18 foreign policy direction is premised on the same ideology."

Ms Sherry Rehman said that the Feb 18 vote, being a mandate for change also stood for the rejection of regressive forces that sought to implement their violent policies through the use of force and terror. "This was the most important element of the Feb 18 elections, and we remain committed to addressing all national security issues. Terrorism is the most important challenge facing the country, and we have public's mandate to restore peace in the region. Our policy of 3Ds (Dialogue, Deterrence and Development) is a step in the same direction."