CIVIL SOCIETY OUTRAGED AT PESHAWAR CHURCH BOMBINGS: STRONG CONDEMNATION AND DEMANDS
Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Monday, September 23, 2013 We are outraged at yet another inhuman act of killing and carnage aimed at the rapidly dwindling Christian community of Pakistan. We most strongly condemn the two suicide bombing attacks against a Sunday morning prayer congregation at the All Saints’ Church in Kohati Gate, Peshawar. We stand steadfastly and in total solidarity with our bereaved sisters, brothers and families to mourn the almost 80 Shaheed Pakistani Christians, and we pray for the recovery of the over 150 critically injured in hospitals
Three-day Training on “Democratic Governance, Social Justice and Civil Society”
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) organized a three-day training workshop on “Democratic Governance, Social Justice / Gender Justice and role of Civil Society” in Karachi. The training session was conducted by Mr. Jami Chandio. Twelve officer level staff from the Programme Implementation department in Turbat, Quetta, Hyderabad and Karachi was Participants. The training focused on topics such as Democracy, its evolution and principles; Federalism and Governance in Pakistan; Constitutional rights and Social Justice Issues in Pakistan; and the role of Civil Society and Local Bodies in promoting citizens rights. A similar training by Mr. Jami Chandio is scheduled in Lahore which will be attended by 39 Programme Officers from Multan, Lahore, D.I.Khan and Peshawar.
Civil society activists urged the government to pass effective Domestic Violence Law in Punjab
Law-makers, lawyers, government officials and civil society activists urged the government to pass effective Domestic Violence Law in Punjab, here in Provincial Metropolis. Domestic violence is considered a private matter and therefore women are discouraged to reveal it in public or report it. Mumkin Alliance for prevention of violence against women organized a consultation to promote legislation dealing with the widespread incidence of domestic violence in Pakistan. According to a recent report, there have been 7515 cases of violence against women in 2012. Punjab had a lion’s share of the cases 63%.
Roundtable on local government law in Balochistan – September 3, 2013
As part of its national campaign, SPO organized a Round Table Dialogue on “Balochistan Local Government Act” in Quetta. MPAs, both men and women, civil society representatives , media and leaders of political parties attended the event. Secretary Local Government Board and representatives from Health and Education departments also attended the event. 18 members of the provincial assembly participated in the discussion on the local government law of the province. More than a dozen women participants also shared their views in the event. Dr. Jahanzaib Jamaldini Senior Vice President BNP-M, Mr. Abdul Khalique Hazara, Chairman Hazara Democratic Party, Mr. Ubaidullah Abid, Vice President ANP , Jamal Shah Kakar from Pakistan Muslim League-N and Ms. Sakina Abdullah from PTI also shared their views on the law.
Recommendations for new Local Government law in Balochistan. By: Naseer Memon
Elected local government representatives should have authority to take decisions in their respective areas. Bureaucracy should not dominate the elected representatives. A balance of authority should be created whereby elected representatives’ authority is not encroached upon by bureaucracy and similarly elected representatives should be answerable to elected house and should not encroach in executive functions. Balance and segregation of power between the two should be amply delineated and demarcated.
Provincial Conference on Local Government System
On 5th August 2013 a Conference was held by SPO with its consortium partners (Sungi, SAP Pakistan, Aurat Foundation) on Local Government System which the new Government is formulating. The Conference was held at Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar. People from different walks of life, civil society members,former Nazims and political leaders participated in it. The following were the guest speakers for the event: Dr. Muhammad Tufail (SPO),ManzoorQaiser (CEO Sungi),ShabbirTunio (LG Expert),HimayatULLAHMayar (Ex Nazim and Ex MNA Mardan),YousafAyub (Ex NazimHaripur and Minister),Dr.Iqbal Khalil (Ex Naib Nazim Peshawar),AzamAfridi (Ex Nazim Peshawar),ShaziaTahmas (Politician),AnisaZaibTahirkheili (Poltician),Mr.Sikandar (SAP.PK)
AAWAZ UTHAO Local Government Campaign
Representatives of civil society organizations, presented a ‘Citizen’s Charter of Demand’ asking governments to legislate and hold local bodies elections in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan. AAWAZ UTHAO Local Government Campaign started off with a press conference held by AAWAZ consortium partners at Peshawar Press Club on August 3rd, 2013.
Media’s response to Civil Society’s demand
National Media ( both Print and Electronic) has given space to Civil society’s demand of restoration of Ministry of Human rights as a separate, independent Federal Ministry, along with the appointment of a Federal Minister who is recognized and respected for her/his views, work and track record on human rights. News Paper Clippings Daily times Dawn Pakistan Today Tribune
Civil Society demand restoration of the Ministry of Human Rights
Civil Society expressed grave concern and dismay in that the newly elected Government of Pakistan has merged the federal Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) with the Ministry of Law & Justice (MoLJ). The important subject of Human Rights is now to be relegated to a unit in the MoLJ. This ill-advised decision will have a serious adverse impact on the MoHR and, consequently, on the state of human rights in Pakistan due to several reasons listed below: