Tolerance

Every person claims that he has a great aptitude of tolerance and and he can prove this eminence in all respect. There are different occasion and different scale to check the capacity of tolerance. When we judge the ability of tolerance among "Weak" and "Strong" in similar occasion, the result will be the different. There is no other way for the "weak" to apply tolerance whereas anyone with power to check his tolerance is his real test. As far as politics is concerned, there is a lack of political tolerance in everywhere. Political tolerance means accepting and respecting the basic rights and civil liberties of persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one's own. All citizens, including political leaders, have a responsibility to practice political tolerance in their words and actions.

As an ideal, democracy upholds that members of the society should treat each other, and be treated, as equals. Underlying democracy is the acceptance and respect of the other. Democratic life is both the right to differ as well as the acceptance of such difference by all. Democracy implies respect for the plurality of views and virtues of dialogue as a means of resolving conflict.

Culture of tolerance involves debate and dynamic exchanges of opinions and arguments, whereby people can learn from others, get closer to the truth, and benefit from a vital public life. Developing a culture of tolerance is a long term undertaking that removes the roots of intolerance and is necessary for the democratic process. Education, Freedom of Expression and Media are the key ingredients of a culture of tolerance. Education and political participation can cultivate tolerance among citizens. States can help to eliminate discrimination and hatred by promoting dialogue with minority and vulnerable groups. States can contribute to the overall democratic learning and stability by involving citizens in the democratic process and upholding the civil liberties of all groups. A society in which freedom of expression is not guaranteed hinders political tolerance. Open dialogue and a diversity of political opinions are made possible by and reinforce a culture of tolerance.

Political life involves confrontation, and this is perfectly normal. Institutions of democracy, such as parliaments, provide the channels to make confrontation between opinions possible. Parliament is meant to regulate tensions and maintain equilibrium between competing claims of diversity, and to accommodate the participation of all people in the society it represents. Political tolerance is therefore essential to the functioning of parliaments and should be actively pursued in practice.

Freedom of expression is the working tool of members of parliament, without which they cannot represent their constituents. Members of parliament need some measure of protection to carry their work, most importantly, protection of their freedom of speech. Thus, parliamentarians generally enjoy immunity from prosecution or other proceedings for votes they cast, statements they make in parliament and acts carried out as part of their parliamentary function. Parliamentary immunity safeguards the integrity and effectiveness of the parliamentary institution. However, this immunity is not an individual privilege granted for personal benefit and is not meant to place parliamentarians above the law. Rather, it protects them from politically motivated proceedings or accusations. Parliamentary immunity is vital for enabling parliamentarians to speak freely according to their conscience, without fear of harassment, punishment or other disciplinary measures.

The freedom of conscience and expression of parliamentarians is frequently limited in practice by political parties, which seek to exercise control over their members. Although in theory parliamentarians generally have a free representational mandate, various rules and practices have been put in place to ensure that members support the "party line". By controlling the terms of their mandate or party membership, parties can prevent parliamentarians from fulfilling their mandate and undermine the democratic process as a whole.

The freedom of expression of parliamentarians, almost exclusively those from the Opposition, frequently comes under attack. This is a particular concern because the Opposition in parliament is an indispensable component of democracy. Opposition and minority parties play a key role in holding the government to account, and in providing alternative policy options for public consideration. The opposition therefore has rights and duties that enable it to make an effective contribution to the democratic process.

As far as the tolerance in Pakistani politics is concerned, we are proved to be the short tempered nation as whole. It´s a fact that any government in this country could not complete its five years term except previous government with three Prime Minister. It's a time that we should not leave the tolerance. Time is rapidly passing and we can not afford more experiments and experiences. Pakistan has made many constitutional experiments during last 63 years. India is still following the constitution of 1950; France was spend period of two hundred years to adopt five-constitutions. At the present, United States is following the constitution which was made in 1776 while in Pakistan; four constitutions have been changed during 63 years. In addition, we have ruined the theme of 1973 Constitution with the amendments in different periods. The key reason is lack of tolerance and impatience. Anyone can not be spared in this respect. Now we should know that the tree planting at night and seeking fruit from it in days will not solve the problems. Hence tolerance is the only solution for all problems.