Workshop speakers say 1973 Constitution fulfils requirements of democratic, Islamic state

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a workshop here on Friday said that the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan fulfils the requirements of a democratic and Islamic state.

A press release said the three-day workshop titled "Islam, Democracy and the Constitution of Pakistan" was organised by the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA), in collaboration with Peace and Education Foundation (PEF) at Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre, University of Peshawar.

Speakers on the occasion discussed democratic aspects of the Constitution and appreciated the democratic narrative shaped in a book "Islam, Democracy and the Constitution of Pakistan" authored by IRCRA president Muhammad Israr.

Analysing dozens of books and publications published by different extremist organisations, the book comprises 10 chapters answering all the objections raised by them against the 1973 Constitution, democracy & Takfeer, election in Islamic perspective and democratic values in the light of Islam, democratic system in Pakistan and around the globe, merits of democracy and demerits of dictatorship, concept of Khilafa and Islamic principle of democracy.

The book was reviewed and recommended by religious leaders including Maulana Samiul Haq, head of Jamia Haqqania Akora Khattak and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of JUI-F.

Ulema praised the efforts of the IRCRA for resolving and answering the issues regarding political system of Pakistan. They expressed the determination to counter the extremist assaults on the Constitution of Pakistan and said these counter-democratic narratives of violent groups are deplorable.

The workshops were addressed by known scholars, intellectuals and media men including Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, chairman Council of Islamic Ideology, senior journalist and analyst Rahimullah Yusufzai and Allama Tehmeed Jan Al Azharri, executive director IRCRA.