Islamabad, September 08, 2021 (PPI-OT): Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri said that the COVID-19 pandemic was not only a health and economic emergency but also a crisis for democracy, human rights, and governance that could undermine or collapse fragile democracies. He added that Pakistan was seriously concerned on COVID-19 related negative propaganda, stereotyping and discrimination against minorities in some regions and countries around the world.

The spread of disinformation also posed a serious threat to democracy and one of its prime consequences is rising Islamophobia, he underlined. He expressed these views during a Panel Discussion on “Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Democracy” in the 5th Speakers conference organized jointly by IPU and UNO in Vienna today.

Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri praised the role of the judiciary and media in Pakistan towards strengthening constitutional guarantees and promoting democratic values. While presenting the Pakistan Citizens Portal mobile application as a best practice for rapid and effective redressal of genuine public grievances, he said that resolving public issues through digitalization is vital for effective governance.

He further elaborated that in order to comply with its international obligations, Pakistan was formulating the second phase of the National Action Plan on Human Rights for protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all segments of the society.

He emphasized that in order to mitigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on democracy, there was a need for comprehensive information collections and vibrant policy formulation through the use of modern technology for filling the gaps and providing new avenues during the pandemic.

For more information, contact:
Secretary,
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk