Zardari guarantor of democracy, stability: Nayyar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) Secretary General, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, on Monday strongly defended the continuity of the democratic system, saying that President Asif Ali Zardari is a guarantor of democracy and stability in the country.

In a statement, Bukhari criticised those spreading “baseless rumours,” stating that “anti-democratic elements are unable to digest the continuation of the parliamentary democratic system.”

He said the PPP joined hands with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) only for the sake of safeguarding democratic values.“The democratic system cannot function — nor can any government remain intact — by excluding the PPP,” Bukhari asserted.

He further emphasised that genuine political leaders do not rely on threats or intimidation but instead demonstrate performance. “A politician’s behaviour is built on patience and flexibility,” he said, adding that the PPP had even engaged in dialogue with its staunchest rivals for the sake of parliamentary and democratic integrity.

Highlighting PPP’s democratic legacy, Bukhari noted that the Constitution of Pakistan was a product of dialogue initiated by the party. “Through the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the PPP enhanced the dignity and role of the Parliament,” he said, pointing out that the 26th Amendment too was passed as a result of dialogue.

Condemning misuse of resources, he said, “Using provincial resources to please a single individual is nothing short of enmity with the people.” He made it clear that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, any narrative promoting violence, including arson or siege tactics, is absolutely unacceptable. “Acting against the state in the name of politics is not the behaviour of a democratic political party,” he said.