LAHORE, April 21: The unprecedented reformation in the economic framework has led to the growth and expansion of the middle-class during the past three decades.

This was stated by political scientist Dr Rasool Bakhsh Rais while delivering a lecture on ‘The post-military regime in Pakistan: Is there a hope for democracy’ organised by the Punjab University’s Centre for South Asian Studies on Monday.

According to a news release, Dr Rais discussed different approaches regarding the present and near future scenario in Pakistan and hope for democracy.

Discussing what he termed “the pessimistic approach”, Dr Rais highlighted three key points – people think that the same ruling groups, which had been tested in the past were included in the new government like Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Asfandyar Wali etc; there was ambiguity in the mind of the leaders at the centre as well as provinces regarding President Musharraf’s stay in the presidency, restoration of the judiciary, understanding between the US and Zardari because, he said, efforts for compromise between Musharraf and Zardari had not yet come to an end fully and some people were considering the next six months were crucial.

He said Pakistani society had undergone three significant stages, which were needed to be understood. He said the growth and expansion of middle-class during the three decades was a greater hope. He said the Pakistan’s new generation – students, lawyers, media personnel and writers – was very committed towards the construction of positive image of the country. He said they did not want that Pakistan be tagged as uncivilised, terrorist or extremist country. He said this new ideology had taken deep roots in the youth and society. He also said there was a culture of resistance in the society, which was very deep-rooted and needed to be celebrated and glorified.

CSAS Director Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar also spoke on the occasion. A large number of students, faculty members and heads of departments attended the lecture. Declamation: The Punjab University (PU) debating team has won the All-Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Contest 2008 held at the College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Science & Technology, Rawalpindi, from April 18 to 20. The King Edward Medical University students were declared runners-up.