Daily Times

The National Commission for Justice & Peace (NCJP) on Sunday appreciated and congratulated the current government for completing its time period and looks forward to another democratic government to take over after general elections.

In a joint statement, NCJP Chairperson Archbishop Dr Joseph Arshad, NCJP National Director Reverend Emmanuel Yousaf and NCJP Executive Director Cecil Shane Chaudhry demanded that elections should be transparent and each step of the election process should be easily understood and open to scrutiny by all stakeholders. All results should be independently verifiable, they said.

Reverend Emmanuel Yousaf stated that the church was in support of democracy and “we are aware and respect all democratic values. We hope that during the general election all the observers, civil society, activist and volunteers will play their role impartially”.

He further stated that all communities must cast their vote no matter which political party they are supporting. Archbishop Dr Joseph Arshad stated that democracy flourishes when it is rooted in a shared social ethic.

“Democracy is fundamentally about people working and walking together to foster the common good. Democracy is damaged by indifference and by a splintering of society or a fixation on individual interests. We share the anxiety of many citizens in Pakistan at the fact that there is an uncertain social climate in the country regarding vital sectors of people’s lives, especially regarding health, homes, education, security, the fostering of a solid human values and international responsibility. We urge all to carefully examine the persons they want to see in government and vote for only those who would enhance the development process,” he said, adding that Pakistani authorities should ensure peace and security situation during general elections to protect democracy and free and fair elections.

He also prayed for peace during the time of elections so that the people would feel secure to cast their vote without fear or threat of any oppression.

Published in Daily Times, July 23^rd 2018.