International Day of Democracy 2025

 

Ishraq Ahmed Hashmi 

International Day of Democracy was celebrated with enthusiasm in various countries of the world, including Pakistan. Seminars, dialogues and debates were organized in major cities of the country, in which emphasis was placed on the promotion of democratic values, awareness of public consciousness and highlighting the importance of democratic institutions in society. 

Democracy Day was first celebrated in 2008 and since then it is celebrated every year on September 15 with a commitment to promoting democratic principles and empowering the people. The main message of this day is that democracy is the system that prioritizes public opinion, gives citizens the right to freely choose their representatives and becomes a means of conveying their voice to the house of power. 

This system provides an opportunity to determine the direction of the future by involving every section of the society in decision-making.  Under the auspices of the United Nations, activities are organized on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy in various regions of the world, at the level of governmental and non-governmental organizations, to highlight democratic principles and improve the quality of life of citizens. 

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the fundamental pillars of democracy include the holding of free and fair elections, giving the people the right to freely express their opinions, and guaranteeing equal rights for all. These are the values ​​that play a key role in making societies strong, transparent and inclusive. 

The International Day of Democracy is not just a symbolic day, but it is an opportunity that sends a message to all segments of society to make serious efforts to adopt and implement democratic values. This mindset paves the way for the creation of a society that is built on public aspirations, transparency and collective responsibility. 

This year, under the United Nations Democracy Fund, an event was held at the United Nations Headquarters to review the current state of democracy around the world.  The event also considered how democratic participation can be transformed “from voice to action”, especially at a time when citizens’ voices are being silenced and misinformation is on the rise. In this context, the need for trust, dialogue and urgent but shared decisions has become more prominent than ever. 

On the occasion of the 18th International Day of Democracy (2025), UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made it clear that in such circumstances, when democracy and the rule of law are being undermined by misinformation, division and the erosion of civil liberties, efforts to promote democracy become more important than ever for all those who are actively involved in shaping their societies through dialogue, participation and trust. 

President of Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued special messages on the occasion of the day.  President Asif Zardari said in this regard that democracy can ensure social and economic justice, freedom of expression and the rule of law, it is the system that empowers citizens, protects fundamental rights and promotes political, economic and social inclusion. He further said that Pakistan’s greatest democratic achievement is the 1973 Constitution, which guarantees equality and individual freedoms and plays a key role in promoting national unity.

Democracy is not just a process but an ideology that ensures tolerance, respect for opposing views and protection of individual and collective rights. He said that Pakistan’s political history has been full of trials but it has always been guided by visionary leaders whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the restoration and stability of democratic institutions. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said that this day provides an opportunity to reflect on the diversity and effectiveness of democracy as a system of government at the global level.  He said that parliament has a fundamental position in democratic institutions because this institution is authorized to enact all kinds of legislation to protect the public and national interests. Under the Constitution of Pakistan, parliament passes laws of public utility according to collective wisdom, which are implemented by the government. 

Under Article 25 of the Constitution, it protects the fundamental rights of every citizen of Pakistan and ensures their equality before the law. The Constitution not only defines fundamental rights but also provides them with protection.

The world is aware of the values of justice, equality and the right of each nation to decide its future on the International Day of Democracy. However, over the decades, Palestine and Kashmir have been deprived of these very rights as they have suffered occupation, violence and systematic suppressions. They are made silent, their rights to be curtailed and their dignity crushed severally. As world leaders give grandiose speeches on democracy and human rights, millions of Palestinians, Kashmiris live silently with the legacy of displacement, blockade and militarization. Their plight is a flinty sourness to the ideals that the international community has supposed to uphold.

This injustice has just been exacerbated by the fact that the veto powers as well as the UN and human rights organizations are silent. The application of veto is not aimed to protect humanity but to preserve political alliances and interests at stake leaving behind entire population to oppression. There are reports by human rights bodies, resolutions are passed but they are only left on paper without implementation and responsibilities. This hypocrisy does not only mock the idea of democracy but also reveals the frailty of the international institutions that do not even defend the oppressed at the time when it counts most. Palestine and Kashmir are not mere political matters, it is a sign of the betrayal of democratic values and the selective conscience of the world.