ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani on Monday demanded the government organise flag-hoisting ceremonies on Independence Day (August 14) and Pakistan Day (March 23) in the Parliament House, keeping in view their significance and relevance to democracy.
He was speaking at a reception organised by the Senate to commemorate the Constitution Day in the lawns of the 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, Parliament members ambassadors and high commissioners, representatives of civil society, media and peoples from various walks of life were present.
He said both Houses were committed to continuing their efforts for promotion of democracy, rule of law and 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 said.
These events were later shifted to the Convention Centre and other places. “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 the people who faced repression during dictatorships,” he said.
Rabbani termed it unfortunate that democracy was not allowed to take root in the country and deliberate attempts were made to undermine the role of the Parliament. “However, it is the resilience and courage of the people of Pakistan which stood against all the odds and those efforts were repulsed. This showed that the people can guard the system, the Parliament and the Constitution,” he said. “I salute those who rendered sacrifices for democracy” Rabbani said.
