Seminar held on code of conduct for political parties

ISLAMABAD: The Jinnah Institute, with the support of the Asia Foundation on Friday organized a seminar regarding the recently promulgated code of conduct for political parties.

The participants on this occasion gave their opinion and declared it a significant achievement for Pakistan's democracy that political parties have agreed on a code of conduct for the upcoming elections, and it is crucial that they adhere to it to ensure free and fair polls.

Raza Rumi, Director Jinnah Institute, highlighted the importance of
political parties acknowledging the importance of a code of conduct and agreeing on its provisions.

"It is a significant achievement that the political parties themselves have agreed on a code of conduct, but the security climate prevailing in the country can threaten the prospects of holding free and fair elections," he said.

Gareth Aicken, the Asia Foundation's country representative in Pakistan, said that it is a major achievement in the context of Pakistan's history that the recent National Assembly has completed its full term.

He added that the political parties now have a responsibility to adhere to the rules they have agreed on.

"A successful transition now may build up trust in the democratic system of governance for generations to come," he said.

Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) spoke about the importance of ensuring an even playing field for all political parties and stressed the need for institutions to forbid the marginalisation of any party.

He also mentioned that Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan (TTP) threatened the public gatherings of three major political paries including PPP,MQM and ANP, and these anti-state elements endangered the holding of free and fair polls.

Colonel Younus from Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) said that the process of scrutiny of candidates' papers needs to be improved, with greater emphasis on financial assets.

Siddique ul Farooq of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that the political process shows that nation is moving forward, despite problems, and highlighted the role of media in restoration of democracy.

Regarding the code of conduct, he said that it is a very positive sign that all political parties supported the code.

Afzal Khan, Additional Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan, also participated in the discussion, and highlighted the role of his organisation in ensuring free and fair elections.