ISLAMABAD: Writers, politicians and activists expressed concern over the chaotic political situation in the country and stressed on the need for strengthening democratic institutions.

Speaking at the launch of his book Politics, Pictures, Personalities on Friday, columnist and educationist Dr Naazir Mahmmod said the Senate is relatively balanced with equal representation from all federating units and called for maintaining its sanctity.

He said recent developments during the Senate elections had damaged its sanctity. Dr Mahmood said Senate should be more powerful and play a proactive role like those across the world.

The book is a collection of Dr Mahmood’s articles and movie reviews published in various English newspapers on a variety of subjects including the history of Pakistan and the former Soviet Union.

His friends, writers and activists attended the launch and spoke about the book, asked the author questions about the democratic process, the civil-military equation, his understanding of literature and movies.

The author talked about slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto, talked about her vision and global acceptance.

“She had become a genuine statesperson, the way she brought Nawaz Sharif and other politicians together and drafted the charter of democracy, the way she challenged the most powerful institutions,” he said.

Speaking at the event, former senator Afrasiyab Khattak said there is a need for reimagining the Pakistani society. He said PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s undemocratic policies led to the derailment of democracy and the imposition of martial law.

Journalist Marvi Sirmed said there has always been an ‘irritable element’ in history that always conspired to weaken the democratic system.

Author Ashfaq Saleem Mirza was pessimistic about structural changes dreamed by Faiz and Sahir which he said will not happen, at least not in his lifetime.

Presidential award-winning writer and poet Harris Khalique, however was optimistic about the future of democracy and progressive politics.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2018