News Desk
Lahore, January 8, 2026:
Rwadari Tehreek–Pakistan organized a Democracy Summit in Lahore on Thursday, bringing together democracy advocates, civil society members, academics, journalists, youth leaders, and human rights defenders to deliberate on Pakistan’s democratic challenges and the protection of fundamental rights.
The summit aimed to reflect on reconnecting and reimagining collective actions to strengthen democratic values, frameworks, and civic spaces. Participants discussed key issues including electoral reforms, political inclusion, institutional roles, federalism, freedom of expression, and youth engagement in democratic processes.
The event was moderated by Deedar Ahmed Mirani, Vice Chairman of Rwadari Tehreek, and Shiba Gill, ace journalists and CEO of XP Blue Zone TV. Samson Salamat, Chairman of Rwadari Tehreek, delivered the inaugural address.
A number of scholars, political leaders, legal experts, journalists, and human rights activists spoke at the summit. Panelists and speakers included Jami Chandio, scholar and co-founder of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan; Irfan Mufti, human rights defender and convener of the Joint Action Committee for Peoples’ Rights; Ajmal Jami, journalist and television anchor; Professor Dr. Taimoor Rehman of LUMS University and Secretary General of the a Mazdoor Kisan Party; Professor Dr. Mehboob Hussain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Punjab University; Advocate Rabbiya Bajwa, former Vice President of the Lahore High Court Bar Association; Rana Arshad, Chief Whip of the Punjab Assembly; Barrister Amir Hassan, Deputy Information Secretary of PPP Punjab; and Khurram Latif Khosa, Advocate and representative of PTI’s lawyers’ wing.
During the discussions, speakers emphasized the need to reclaim democratic spaces, protect civic freedoms, and defend the rights to expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Participants expressed concern over political polarization, shrinking civic space, and increasing intolerance, stressing the importance of dialogue, constitutionalism, and respect for dissent.
At the conclusion of the summit, participants issued a joint statement titled the “Lahore Declaration.” The declaration called for initiating a comprehensive political dialogue to address Pakistan’s political, economic, and security challenges. It emphasized the need to de-escalate political tensions, promote peaceful engagement among stakeholders, and adopt a whole-of-nation approach for stability and sustainable development.
The declaration urged state institutions to adhere strictly to their constitutional roles and avoid authoritarian overreach. It called on political parties to make the political system more inclusive and people-centric by enhancing civic participation, ensuring the rule of law, promoting transparency, and combating corruption.
Regarding elections, participants stated that while Pakistan’s electoral framework provides safeguards against fraud, transparency is compromised when institutions lose neutrality. They recommended consensus-based reforms and collective engagement among stakeholders to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
On federalism, the summit highlighted Pakistan’s ethnic, linguistic, and regional diversity and stressed the importance of provincial autonomy. Participants stated that empowering provinces should be viewed as essential for national cohesion, long-term stability, economic growth, and effective governance.
The declaration also emphasized the responsibility of citizens to uphold democratic values, respect differing opinions, verify information before sharing particularly on social media and reject violence in political and social struggles. Political leaders were urged to avoid inflammatory speeches and abusive language, which, participants warned, could further inflame tensions and lead to violence.
The summit demanded the immediate removal of bans and restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly, stating that such measures are often used to suppress dissent. Participants stressed that these freedoms are fundamental to a healthy democratic society.
Addressing minority rights, the declaration called for strict action against extremist individuals and groups spreading hate and violence against religious minorities under the pretext of blasphemy laws. Participants proposed a “grand dialogue” in parliament to address the misuse of these laws, prevent false accusations, mob violence, and attacks on minorities, and to introduce legislation protecting vulnerable communities from forced conversions and other rights violations.
The declaration also urged a review of the current system of proportional representation for religious minorities in national, provincial, and local governments, stating that it has limited minorities’ ability to elect their own representatives.
The organizers said the summit was part of Rwadari Tehreek’s broader efforts to promote pluralism, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights in Pakistan.