Daily Times

ISLAMABAD – Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani – who is currently visiting the United Kingdom (UK) – has urged the world to apply uniform standards on all terrorist incidents without any discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity or race.

The Senate chairman delivered a public talk on “Building a Strong, Democratic and Prosperous Pakistan” at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). He gave a detailed overview of the challenges faced by Pakistan in areas of economy, trade and investment, security and energy.

He also highlighted the strengths of the country including building of democratic institutions, successful fight against terrorism and extremism, revival of the constitution, and devolution of power to the provinces. He said that the restoration of the constitution in Pakistan had not only reinforced democracy and supremacy of parliament, but also restored balance among institutions.

He said that constitutional developments had very promisingly set the course for consolidation of democratic governance, strengthening of federation, greater provincial autonomy, independent judicial system, electoral process and most importantly, the decisive battle against terrorism and violent extremism. He said that the continuity of democratic process was a pre-requisite for development of the country as well as its institutions.

A large number of academia, think-tank notables and students attended the talk.

Earlier, the Senate chairman attended a meeting with the officials of the International Growth Centre (IGC) at the LSE, and was briefed about centre’s work in Pakistan. He exchanged views on possible collaboration between the Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad and the LSE.