Daily Times

LAHORE: Speakers in a session of Pakistan Visionary Forum on the topic ‘Electoral System in Pakistan’, held at the TECH Society Club on Sunday, were of the view that Pakistan was being run under ‘corporate’ democracy, adding that even an ideal electoral system cannot deliver until people change their mindsets.

They said that quality education for every citizen and the concept of freethinking is impossible without economic independence.

Former Lahore High Court chief justice Mian Allah Nawaz, former minister of state Qayyum Nizami, agricultural scientist Dr Muhammad Sadiq, former COMSATS advisor Dr Hasibullah, former IMF advisor Khalid Saleem, former Punjab auditor general Jameel Bhatti, Dr Atiya Syed, Aleena Tiwana, Dr Mugheesuddin, Prof Mashkoor Ahmed, Yaqoob Chaudhry and Ghulam Muhammad Lali participated in the conference.

Justice (r) Mian Allah Nawaz on the occasion said that a society in which prices of land go up cannot survive, as industry and trade of that society remain in crisis while productivity, equal distribution of resources, employment opportunities get severely hampered. He suggested constructive political debates on TV shows rather than conducting demonstrations with huge expenses.

Dr Muhammad Sadiq said the country needs such an electoral system that can facilitate the common man, while Qayyum Nizami said positive change in our society was not possible without channelising the energies of people in a productive way.

Dr Atiya Syed on the occasion said even an ideal election system cannot deliver without positive change in the mindsets of masses. Dr Mugheesudin said corporate democracy is a hurdle for the middle class as well as honest and capable political
leadership, adding that positive and thought provoking sessions are necessary for changing the mindsets of our society.

Salman Abid said political reforms could not bear fruits unless the Election Commission of Pakistan works effectively like the Indian Election Commission. He demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan to immediately disqualify elected representatives, who have misreported their assets.