Pakistan observes International Day of Parliamentarism today

Pakistan observes International Day of Parliamentarism today (Wednesday).

Observance of the day aims to recognize the significance of parliamentary systems of government in shaping modern societies.

Pakistan observes International Day of Parliamentarism

The world is observing the day under the this year’s theme: youth empowerment.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani issued his message on the occasion.

He said the Pakistan Parliament is taking effective steps to empower the youth and bring them into the national mainstream.

He further said the government has also taken steps to involve the youth in politics.

According to the UN, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its Member Parliaments mark the International Day of Parliamentarism with a number of events.

They are focusing on youth empowerment following the recent launch of the IPU campaign I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament!.

Background

The International Day of Parliamentarism is celebrated every year on 30 June, the date in 1889 on which the IPU was founded.

The Day established in 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution.

Instituting an international day for parliaments remains particularly important at this critical time for parliamentary democracy, when people are losing trust in political institutions and democracy itself is facing challenges from populist and nationalist movements.

If democracy is to thrive, then parliaments, as the cornerstone of functioning democracies, need to be strong, transparent, accountable and representative.

The International Day of Parliamentarism is a time to review the progress that parliaments have made in achieving some key goals to be more representative and move with the times.

They include: carrying out self-assessments, working to include more women and young MPs, and adapting to new technologies.

Notably, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/72/278, recognized the role of parliaments in national plans and strategies.

It also recognized their role in ensuring greater transparency and accountability at national and global levels.

GTV