ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani on Monday demanded the government organise flag-hoisting ceremonies on Independence Day (August 14th) and Pakistan Day (March 23rd) at Parliament House, keeping in view their significance and relevance to democracy.
Rabbani was addressing a reception organised by the Senate to commemorate the Constitution Day in the lawns of Parliament House on Monday.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri. Leader of the House in Senate Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq as well as federal ministers, members of Parliament, ambassadors, and high commissioners, representatives of civil society, media and people from various walks of life were present.
He said both Houses were committed to continuing their efforts to promote democracy, rule of law and the supremacy of Parliament.
Rabbani said that the organising Constitution Day events in the premises of Parliament was important to remove the perception that such events could not be held due to security concerns. “We want to revive the tradition of flag -hoisting in the Parliament lawns as was the practice from 1986 to 1999,” he stated.
These events were later shifted to the other places such as the Convention Centre. “The significance of today’s event in front of the monument is also relevant as it is the best place to celebrate the Constitution Day to remember the sacrifices of people who faced repression during dictatorships,” added Rabbani.
Rabbani termed it unfortunate that democracy had consistently not been allowed to take root in the country and deliberate attempts were made to undermine the role of Parliament. “However, it is the resilience and courage of the people of Pakistan that stood against all the odds and those efforts were repulsed. This showed that the people can guard the system, the Parliament and the Constitution,” Rabbani said. “I salute those who rendered sacrifices for democracy”.
