LARKANA, Nov 4: Participants of a seminar on ‘Democracy: a struggle beyond elections’ called for restoration of independence and dignity of the judiciary, repeal of ordinances introduced during the state of emergency and reinstatement of deposed judges of superior and higher judiciary.

Khalid Iqbal Memon, former PPP MNA, presided over the seminar held here under the auspices of the National Commission for Justice and Peace. Communist Party of Pakistan leader Rauf Korai, Dr Zulfikar Rahoojo, a psychiatrist, Rashid Mustafa, a lawyer, Sunail Samuel, national coordinator of the commission, and others spoke at the seminar.

They were unanimous that the representative government was an essential part of a democratic system but not a goal itself. A viable democracy could be established by adhering to principles of equality, rule of law and non-discrimination, they said.

Participants discussed prevailing conditions and called for letting state institutions function in accordance to the constitution amending laws and constitution in line with the standards and norms of human rights.

They said discrimination under any excuse was unacceptable and called for repealing laws and policies discriminating on the basis of religion and gender. They said articles and provisions should be included in the constitution, empowering institutions to stem out discrimination in government policies and customary practices.

Calling for unrestricted freedom of expression, they said that the proposed constitutional reforms package must ensure respect for religious and cultural diversity.