Jurists, intellectuals for an end to confrontation among institutions

Speaking at a seminar here on Monday prominent jurists, intellectuals, analysts and writers stressed the need for end of prevailing environment of confrontation among the state institutions for continuity of democracy and rule of law in the country.
The seminar was organized by Pakistan Institute of National Affairs (PINA) on "Harmony" among State Institutions for getting positive suggestions to steer the country out of the present situation as dialogue at national level was very important in the wake of seemingly a lack of trust and balance among the institutions. The speakers included eminent jurist and former Law Minister S M Zafar, former judge of the Supreme Court Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, Secretary General PINA Altaf Hassan Qureshi Ex-MNA and writer Bushra Rahman, Wajahat Masood, Professor Dr Rasheed Ahmad Khan, Professor Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Professor Dr Qadir Magsi, Dr Hussain Ahmad Piracha, PML-N central media coordinator Muhammad Mehdi, Awami National Party's Ehsan Wyne, and Professor Dr Amjad Magsi. S M Zafar said that masses want an end to the environment of confrontation among state institutions. He believed that the incumbent crisis could be resolved by taking the path of truth. He said the people have a constitutional right to franchise, therefore the Senate and National Assembly polls should be held on time to provide them an opportunity to choose their government.
The speakers stressed that all institutions should work for strengthening democracy and promoting culture of tolerance, accommodation and mutual respect. They were of the opinion that remedies are available in the Constitution of 1973 to resolve differences amicably.
Pakistan Institute of National Affairs (PINA) Secretary General Altaf Hassan Qureshi suggested formation of an elders council that could resolve such confrontations and urged the political parties not to take their issues in the courts.