ISLAMABAD: With the ‘International Day of Democracy’ being observed across the world on Monday, many Pakistani legislators feel that the ongoing political crisis in the country poses great danger to the country’s democracy.

Such parliamentarians say the protests led by chiefs of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) are not only adversely affecting the national economy but also tarnishing the country’s image.

Apart from PTI, all major parties in the parliament oppose the sit-ins at D-Chowk in Islamabad, which they perceive as “part of a conspiracy to derail democracy in the country”.

The ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, achieve social cohesion and justice and foster economic and social development to ensure social stability and wellbeing of people.

The United Nations says that democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of the people to determine their political, economic, social and cultural systems and ensure their full participation in different spheres of life.

While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. The UN carries out activities to support efforts made by governments to promote and consolidate democracy in accordance with its charter and only at the specific request of member states concerned.

The theme for this year’s democracy day — Engaging Young People on Democracy — highlights the challenges and opportunities of engaging the youth in the process.

The UN says that people between the ages of 15 and 25 constitute a fifth of the world’s population. In many developing countries, the proportion is even higher, with the majority of young people living in low- and middle-income countries.

However, many studies have shown that the youth are losing faith in politics, with participation in elections, the political process and activities of social organisations declining across the world. This applies to both established and emerging democracies.

According to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the world seems to be more turbulent than ever. In many regions and in many ways, the values promoted by the UN, including some of the most fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in its charter, are being tested and challenged.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2014