Source/Credit: | Dateline Islamabad
By Munir Ahmed | January 17, 2012
ISLAMABAD — Democracy is the only solution to all social and economic ailments in Pakistan, therefore, we should let the democratic process continue and make the people know what is good for them, said Nasim Malik, Swedish parliamentarian of Pakistan origin talking to Dateline Monday.
Malik represents the Kalmar County in the Swedish parliament. He is the member of the political party Social Democrats. Malik is currently on visit to Pakistan.
During his brief stay in the federal capital, he met a number of parliamentarians, politicians and media.
Malik said, “The democratic process will stain the bad leadership while groom the pro-people representatives. The Swedish model can be emulated in Pakistan and may be replicated to strengthen the public representation at the grassroots level, which is the nursery of democracy.”
He said the local government system was the backbone of democracy in Sweden. It has played key role in grooming the people and their representatives, political parties and the democratic institutions.
Without strengthening them, the dream of pro-poor policies and their transparent implementation would not turn reality.
Malik said tolerance and social justice were the two main elements that could strengthen the democratic values and help in bringing peace and prosperity in society.
“Let the people speak out their hearts. There is no harm if someone has political or religious ideas or notions different from the ones you cherish.
The diversity of thought is the beauty of democracy and promotes healthy competition that result a change for better society,” he said.
The change we are looking for in Pakistan would not take place until we make decisions on the participatory basis at the local level.
If we let change take place, it would lay down the foundation for strong democratic values. It would also lead to peace in the society, he said.
He hoped the youth in Pakistan would adopt a different approach towards the political and social affairs of the society.
“During my short stay in Pakistan, I have observed through the media and one-on-one meetings with a cross section of society, youth is well aware of the issues and is willing to play its role in the nation building. Youth would be the determinant element in the next elections in Pakistan, he said.
To a question, he said, “I am happy Pakistani politicians are talking about the Swedish social justice system.
Having been in the Swedish system for over three decades, I am ready to contribute in devising and implementing the social justice system Pakistan.”
He urged promotion of education for a corruption-free society.
“It is the key to all solutions and can help reform the mindsets of the youth, the real asset of the nation.”
About the prevailing crises of energy, corruption, and unemployment, he said only long-term and consistent policies would deliver.
People should understand they had to sacrifice and change their consumption behaviours.
“We are rich in resources but unfortunate, most of the time they go waste or consumed by the influential people. There should be strict check on them, so others could benefit from them.”
“Forget your pity differences, and promote tolerance by allowing others freedom of expression”, he concluded.
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