ISLAMABAD: The participants of a panel discussion on Thursday called for making the salient features of the Constitution part of in schools, colleges and universities.

They also said the civic education syllabus should be revised and topics regarding rule of law, responsible and active citizenship should be added to it.

They were giving their inputs at the discussion titled “Culture of Constitutionalism in Pakistan”, which was organised in connection with the Day of Constitution by the Centre for Civic Education, Pakistan.

Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Dr Rasul Bakhsh Rais said that the basic logic behind the creation of the Constitution as a written document was not only to limit the powers of the government but also aimed at maintaining the balance of power among various institutions.

Executive Director Centre for Civic Education Zafarullah Khan said that the constitution is a basic, living document and social contract between a citizen and the state.

“Those nations who strictly follow the constitution are called civilized and they also get respect and credibility among the comity of nations,” he said.

Columnist and Executive Director, Organization for Research and Education Pakistan Khurshid Nadeem stated that the constitution represented collective wisdom of a society and ensured participation of general public through their elected representatives in the affairs of the State.

“The absence of constitution creates anarchy, chaos, and violations of rights of citizens, especially the weak segments and minorities.

“The realization of citizens’ ownership and sense of public participation in the constitution making are essential pre-requisites for the promotion of constitutionalism in the country which can discourage internal conflicts,” he said.

Director Hameed Khan Resource Centre, Fayyaz Baqir Akhter, stressed the need of the supremacy of the Constitution, protection of rights of religious and ethnic minorities, promotion of democratic values, and real participation of citizens in decision-making process.

“The 18th Amendment was a great landmark in the constitutional history of Pakistan. Composition and performance of certain constitutional institutions including the Islamic Ideology Council should be reviewed,” he said.

Other speakers emphasized the need for collaborative efforts for the promotion of culture of constitutionalism in Pakistan.

A documentary film titled “Constitutional Journey of Pakistan” was shown to the participants and an exhibition was also arranged on the occasion.