Bahawalpur, July 01, 2021 (PPI-OT):Department of Political Science, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur conducted a Webinar Electoral Reforms in Pakistan Role of Political Parties. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob appreciated the Political Science department for opting a most relevant and current issue of political and social importance. He said that the free, fair and transparent electoral system is necessary for the stability and security of the country. As Pakistan came into being on the basis of democratic struggle and it’s survival and integration is also possible in democratic set up. Hamid Khan, a Senior Lawyer, writer and Politician described the constitutional aspects of the electoral system in Pakistan.
He said that Article 218, 219 and 220 of the Constitution of 1973 empower the Election Commission to make arrangements and conduct the elections in a transparent and impartial manner. All the federal, provincial and local government institutions are bound to cooperate with the Election Commission to strengthen its administrative base. He favoured the use of Electronic Voting Machines to avoid tempering in election results. On the issue of right to vote to overseas Pakistani citizens he was of the view that a large number of Pakistani diaspora living abroad is one of the strengths of the country and should be empowered by the right to vote.
Dr. Fauzia Ghani, Prof. of Political Science, Govt. College University, Lahore presented the theoretical analysis of the different aspects of the need and importance of elections, democracy and political parties in the political system. She said that elections are the heart of political system and the authority of the ruler should depict the morality and legitimacy. Free, fair and transparent electoral system is the only mean to build the confidence of the masses. The ongoing Reforms in the electoral system of Pakistan are the need of the hour and efforts must be made to avoid the loop holes and fraudulent practices can be avoided.
Dean faculty of social sciences Prof. Dr. Robina Bhatti in her concluding remarks congratulated the Political Science department for arranging a debate on a very important topic and inviting the legendary of the subject. She said that transparency and fairness in the electoral system promotes the democratic culture which is possible through effective monitoring system, dialogues and long-term planning. She described that dialogue is the strength of the society. Positive image of the country is presented through the Political culture which can be prompted through the civic education and Political socialization of the citizens.
At the end Chairman Department of Political Science Prof. Dr Mussawar Hussain Bukhari thanked the guest speakers, dean faculty of social sciences and the Vice Chancellor for sparing their time and sharing valuable thoughts to enrich the students of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur and students and faculty of the other universities the general public. He congratulated all the faculty members of department especially the moderator of the webinar Mr. Khizar Hayat for cooperation and making it possible.
For more information, contact:
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
University Chowk, Gulshan Colony, Bahawalpur,
Punjab – 63100, Pakistan
Tel: +92-62-9250235
Fax: +92-62-9250335
E-mail: info@iub.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iub.edu.pk/