28th March 2013 London, UK
“The Mother of all Parliaments” and the mother of all elections
I must be in hundreds of photos seen by people around the world. Not because I’m some global celebrity, but because I regularly walk or cycle over the bridge by the Houses of Parliament in London. Each time I do, I end up in the photos of tourists lining up to take pictures of the mother of all parliaments.
While those photographs are recognised around the world, the Houses of Parliament aren’t particularly old. It’s not even the oldest parliament in the world. That honour goes to The Alþingi in Iceland, formed in 930 CE, or Tynwald in the Isle of Man, whose parliament has continuously functioned since 979 CE.
Despite that, the nickname of the mother of all parliaments sticks. Does that entitle the UK to give its opinion on democracy to a country like Pakistan approaching landmark elections? The UK parliament certainly cares about democracy and Pakistan. Just look at the topics it debates, its support for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its work through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. As the UK Minister with responsibility for Pakistan, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, said recently, “The last five years have not been easy: a cyclone, earthquake, terrorism and floods would have shaken to the core any government around the world. So we must pay tribute to the people of Pakistan whose determination to embed democracy remained resolute”.
There is another reason why I think people in Pakistan might want to listen to voices from the UK on democracy. Its well known that across Europe the number of people participating in democracy is decreasing, from voting in elections to joining political parties. So the role played by British Pakistanis in British democracy is notable.
People who see themselves as both British and Pakistani are Mayors, local counsellors, Members of Parliament, Lords, Baronesses and Cabinet Ministers. British Pakistanis are organising debates in their local community, setting up community organisations, volunteering their time. They are dedicated, committed and achieving things we should be proud of. Their opinions are informed by that practical experience and their close connections with Pakistan, and just some of the many people speaking up for Pakistan in the UK.
We asked four such people their views, and we’ll be sharing them in the weeks leading up to polling day in Pakistan as part of our Democracy in Action series. First up is Toaha Qureshi MBE, who reminds us that casting your vote on polling day is just one part of democracy. In the UK he has used democracy to promote inter-faith and cultural understanding “That’s the beauty of democracy… it can bring peace… and this is what Pakistan can give to the world.”
The report that MQM chief calling Pakistan country “Cancer for entire World” is true and world knows it. And everyone knows that Pakistan is epicenter of terrorism. And there is nothing new in saying ‘Pakistan is Cancer and headache for the entire world’. These terrorist do not have any religion. Terrorism is there only religion. The peoples of the country has applauded the contents stated by MQM chief and he also admits openly that Pakistan army, ISI of Pakistan, Al-qaeda and Taliban created Islamic State Group Teror Organisation. This has been a true word from his open statement and once again exposed the pakistan’s worst act. Pakistan should be shammed to this regard. The rise of Islamic terrorist organizations in Pakistan and its inaction against the banned organizations are the indicative of the cross purpose game being played by the pakistan military and its elected government.
Long live Pakistan & United Kingdom
Firstly, many thanks for acknowledging British/Pakistanis contribution to UK & highlighting the importance of democracy, particularly in Pakistan.
For years so called friends of Pakistan have supported Pakistani military dictators to achieve their short term strategic goals. This is one of the core reason for Anti west sentiment amongst Pakistanis. West missed the plot totally, key to strong relationship is to stand with the people and not with a dictator !
I am glad to see that most of Pakistan’s western allies have now realised that its is in their own best interest if Pakistan has true democracy. It is now up to us Pakistanis to make this Election a success. We must vote wisely & bring the people in Parliament who have no hidden personal agenda but are capable to fight the evils of terrorising & extremism. I am looking forward to vote as an overseas Pakistani & will vote for Change. I believe that the status quo parties are collectively responsible for the current decline of my beloved motherland Pakistan.
Long live Pakistan & United Kingdom 🙂
British Pakistanis has got fair opportunity to play role in the UK political system. They are encrouged to be integrated with the system by keeping their cultural distinction. On the other hand the British Pakistani are being deprived from being a part of Pakistan’s political system.
Sorry for writing Britishers instead British.
Many may differ but my personal conviction is:
1. Britishers are the real originators and builders of all the best systems.
2. No other breed has done for humanity what Britishers has done and still doing.
3. The only best organized nation which made the society tolerant with grace.
4. Britishers ruled us, we learned a lot, still seek guidance but unfortunately we have totally eliminated “Carrot & Stick, Reward & Punishment” from our society.
What the hell Democracy is going to change?
Hi its tru waht can we do in pakistan here are 100% polithons are theifs a tru we are faceing ? In culther we live totley difrrent from other wolrd ! Qe pasa con mi teira yo no sabe no sabe adios amigos un peina de mi pais grasis por todos
Its good for mi and too all if some one think ?thanks
Hello and Good Day
Pakistan, since partition has been following the same business priciples as ok UK, which i analyse as a best possible solutions in every times.The Political environment is also similar.
The System which was delivered by Britishers, is now practicing with the lot of uncertain amendments, which not only changes its actual face but also not deriving the maximum benefits.
The Pakistan has the abundance of resources, if get managed, will deliver best results.
Thanks to British for considering the Pakistan and Pakistani people. We need to look in an optimistic directions, if needs to grow…