A delegation of journalists from Pakistan at the invitation of the European Union has expressed fear that elections may not be held this year due to the weakness of the parliament in Pakistan and the interference of non-political forces.
These views were expressed by members of the delegation during a panel discussion at a seminar titled “Pakistan at a Crossroads: Challenges in an Unstable Region and the Potential of EU-Pakistan Relations” at the European Institute for Asian Studies in Brussels.
In this panel discussion, well-known journalist and senior anchor person Hamid Mir from Pakistan, anchor person Maria Memon, journalist and political activist Mehmal Sarfaraz, economic and foreign affairs analyst Shehbaz Anwar Rana and Head of Division for Pakistan and Afghanistan in European External Action Service Darren Deria. were included. While the audience included a large number of people from various European institutions, academicians, intellectuals, diplomats, social and political circles.
Speaking on this occasion, renowned journalist Hamid Mir emphasized on the supremacy of constitution and law in Pakistan. He alleged that the current parliament is not playing its role in this regard.
He said that doubts are being expressed here in Europe, including in Pakistan, whether the upcoming elections will be held on time or not. He said that in principle it is the responsibility of this Parliament to ensure a new election. He also blamed the judiciary for creating political instability in Pakistan.
He said that the judges are divided and the Chief Justice seems unable to promote unity and solidarity among the fellow judges. Talking about the freedom of media and the situation of journalists in Pakistan, Jio’s senior anchor person Hamid Mir said that Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is called the most dangerous place for journalists in Pakistan.
While the pressure on the media is to such an extent that it cannot mention the names of many people including the former prime minister without any legal and constitutional restrictions. And there’s a beep. He also appreciated the passage of many good and necessary bills in the Parliament but also called their implementation as an important question.
In response to a question, he said that the 1973 constitution is a ray of hope for me. While democracy is the guarantee of its survival. He emphasized that those who are thinking of moving the election date to 2024 will play with the future of Pakistan.
Anchorperson Maria Memon lamented that the country has been going through a ‘critical period’ for a long time. He said that in a country which has 70% young population and is constantly going through a critical period, this is heartbreaking. He pointed out that now environmental problems have also arisen in these problems and the world is not ready to understand Pakistan’s environmental problems.
Mehmal Sarfaraz shed light on the topic of digital media in Pakistan while Shehbaz Rana expressed his opinion on the economic situation of Pakistan.
The Head of Division for Pakistan and Afghanistan in the European External Action Service, Darren Deria, while describing the relationship between Pakistan and the European Union as important, said that Pakistan, with a large and young population, is of great importance to Europe in the region. Understands the importance. He said that we have celebrated the 60th anniversary of Pak-Europe relations last year.
He said that after the arrival of Taliban in Afghanistan, the security situation in Pakistan has deteriorated. We are in touch with Pakistan in this regard. He assured the journalists who spoke with courage as the future of Pakistan that the opportunity to hear and express the expression of free opinion will continue to be provided here in Europe.
In his conversation, he also mentioned the economic relations between the two sides and the GSP plus scheme for Pakistan and indicated that this scheme of trade on preferential basis will continue along with the discussion on the issues. The panel discussion was hosted by Len Goethals, Director of the European Institute for Asian Studies.
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