Talem sb k liay – July 2012
SPO organized Stage Drama/Theatre on Social issues in D.I.Khan after a long time to revive Stage Drama in D.I.Khan in order to contribute in sustainable peace building process and to reduce sense of insecurity prevailing in D.I.Khan from at least one decade due to wave of violence in D.I.Khan. In this regard local Drama writer/Director and local actors were chosen for performance as D.I.Khan stage Drama was famous in the past and people from nearby districts i.e. Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat etc were especially visit D.I.Khan to watch Stage Dramas in D.I.Khan in 90s.However due to adjacent to South Waziristan, Taliban and extremists forces forcefully stopped this powerful entertainment and social issues raising medium. In this regard SPO took proper permission from Commissioner D.I.Khan, DCO and DPO D.I.Khan and they all welcomed SPO steps and provided full security to Stage Drama. During extreme wave of violence SPO D.I.Khan started Intersect and Interfaith harmony dialogues ,conferences, formed Peace Committees to promote Social Harmony messages to create harmony and culture of tolerance with the support of all sects religious scholars(ulema), Media, Law enforcement authorities, Trade Union, Lawyers, NGO and Political parties etc. At 2nd stage now with the support of all stakeholders we are promoting Social, Cultural, political dialogues to contribute in peace building process. In this regard cultural dialogues, Mushairay, Books inauguration, Musical programmes, Art for Peace Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition and Stage Dramas are promoted to bring the city again to life to ensure sustainable peace in the District. In this Stage Dramas more than 150 people participated including 20 women and minority people. This will not only encourage local Drama writer and local artists but pave the way to restart almost finish drama performance work in D.I.Khan. SPO is organizing consistent dialogues with District Administration as well to provide funds to revive cultural activities in D.I.Khan.
Consultation on Climate Change Policy and Pre-Monsoon Institutional Response – July 2012
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) organized the consultation on “Climate Change Policy and Pre-Monsoon Institutional Response” in Islamabad.Chairing the session on climate change policy review , Jawed Ali Khan, Director General, Environment expressed that today the disaster we face are mostly the human induced disaster. He appreciated SPO for initialing dialogue on NCCP policy. Naseer Memon, Chief Executive, SPO was of the view that current national climate change policy (NCCP) 2011 will not make an impact without integrated institutional efforts and coordinated approach. He opined that policies in Pakistan were not followed in spirit and there are serious gaps in their effective implementation. “Pakistan needs to adopt an approach of climatically appropriate development planning. he went on to add and suggested that, “a nationwide disaster mapping, risk reduction planning and effective response mechanism is immediately required to avoid more catastrophes.” Dr Qamar-Uz-Zaman Chaudhry, Advisor Climate Affairs, Government of Pakistan and lead author of NCCP discussed about aspects of the policy. Earlier Hammad Raza Khan, consultant SPO presented a review paper on Pakistan’s first National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2011. In the session ‘institutional response to pre-monsoon institutional response’ NDMA and provincial disaster management bodies shared their preparedness plans for upcoming monsoon season of 2012.Chairman NDMA while chairing the consultation said, Pakistan is working on to provide disaster risk insurance for its 180 million population which is the biggest ever insurance venture anywhere in the world. He also informed that, For the first time elaborate contingency plans have been developed by NDMA at district, provincial and national level with consultation from all stakeholders. Other speakers at the consultation included Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Director External Linkages and Incharge Climate Change Cell, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Mr Mehmood Alam, Secretary, PDMA Punjab, Shahzad Khan Bangash, Director General, PDMA/PaRRSA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Hashim Ali, Secretary /Director General, PDMA, Sindh, Nasibullah khan Bazi, PDMA, Balochistan, Faisal khatak, Fata Disaster Management Authority, Peshawar, Munir Sheikh, Head Climatology Section, Global Change Impact Study Center (GCISC), Islamabad and Sardar Muhammad Nawaz Khan, Secretary, State Disaster Management Authority, AJK. Find below media coverage of the event 1. Post-disaster relief: First-ever insurance plan on the drawing board – TRIBUNE 2. KP, Balochistan pledge Rs 10bn for disaster management – Daily Times 3. Changing monsoon patterns posing new threats – The News 4. Pakistan is working on to provide disaster risk insurance for its 180 million population – Envo info
The Search for God and Interfaith Harmony – June 2012
Search for God has been a philosophic and scientific endeavor over centuries. Many modern philosophers after the Greeks postulated a final dictum in philosophy that would unravel the mystery of reality and human life. Enlisting these philosophers and scientists is extensive however, in recent history William James and Einstein spent years in seclusion searching for a unification theory that would explain all and unify the diverse faiths and views of mankind. Uxi Mufti, a folklorist, social scientist and cultural expert took up God -hypothesis as a PhD thesis in 1969 and has completed it now. He has published a book ‘Allah: Measuring the Intangible.”This book was launched under the aegis of SPO in Islamabad. Eminent speakers from different walks of life gathered to discuss Uxi Mufti’s latest book ‘Allah: Measuring the Intangible.” The book is a commendable effort to understand the concept of God and can help establish a peaceful, tolerant society, they said. Among the speakers were politician Akram Zaki, former National Assembly speaker Fakhar Imam, his wife Syeda Abida Hussain and Taxila Institute of Asian Civilization Acting Director Van Sky Hawk. They reviewed what they had read of the book and their own views on spirituality, religion, science and the human condition. According to them Uxi Mufti synthesizes contemporary philosophy and science through an integrative approach. “The book is a unique blend of humanities of science, research and faith,” they said. Hawk commented on the chronology of worship and spirituality starting from worship of fire to Achilles, Buddha and finally, Allah. “While the face and name of worship and god may change, the seed of spirituality has been the same throughout history; finding answers to questions of mortality and the universe,” he said. Dr Najiba Arif who has translated the book into Urdu under the title “Talash” highlighted various aspects of the book saying the book is a personal journey for her from doubt to certainty.” SPO chief of Programme ,Zafar Zeeshan thanked the guests and panelist while introducing SPO program.
World Environment Day – SPO Civic Café – June 2012
Charting the Course for a Green Economy in PakistanPakistan is number one on the climate change risk index in the world and its bio-capacity to sustain economic growth is showing steep downward trend. Speaking at SPO civic café on world environment day ;NSDS-Charting the course for a green economy in Pakistan, former Environment minister Malik Amin Aslam quoted Banki Moon, “our foot is stuck on the accelerator and we are heading towards an abyss”. He noted that though developed nations have larger ecological footprints than developing countries, it is a phenomenon that effects the latter the most. He said, we are facing three challenges of Fuel – Food – Financial and climate change is exacerbating the crisis. SPO Chief Executive Naseer Memon speaking on the occasion said, It is imperative for every citizen to realize his social responsibility to contribute towards better climatic conditions and even small steps such as saving electricity and avoiding the use of plastic bags can make a huge difference. He said civil society has the power to inform leaders and those around them. He left the audience with a responsibility to spread the information they have received. Introducing the audience and the program, SPO Chief of Programs Zafar Zeeshan said the Civic Café is a space for all to discuss contemporary issues and developments. The basic idea behind the Civic Café is to strengthen the role of civil society through dialogue, and to provide space for discussion on various topics, building new relationships, and strengthening old ones. The audience took part in question answer session with enthusiasm and debated on last government polices implementation, their affects and Pakistan’s current leadership will on implanting new emerging policies.
SPO achieved full membership of global body Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP)
SPO has achieved another milestone of seeking full membership of global body Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP). HAP is a global body based in Switzerland, and works for the promotion of accountability and transparency in humanitarian affairs across the globe and support members for designing and adopting the accountability framework and associated features so that they are more acceptable for a wide range of government donors and funding organizations. HAP membership is increasingly becoming important for the organizations working in disaster preparedness and response. International humanitarian funding community is emphasizing on the standardization of accountability parameters so that the assistance is delivered to the survivors in a best possible transparent manner. Now, SPO is focusing on the development of organizational accountability framework so that SPO is more responsive and ready for adopting global standards and deliver the assistance in line with the parameters set by HAP. The membership of HAP will help SPO in developing linkages with national and international organizations who have humanitarian mandate and server disaster survivors across the globe. Click here for detail Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) web
Art for Peace – May 2012
Societies are most susceptible to the loss of cultural heritage during times of war. The cultural norms and political background; both of which are an integral part of any society, are deeply entwined. Disruption in either one has a direct impact on the other. During the last decade, the social and economic fabric of Pakistan has been deeply scarred by the so called “War Against Terror” which has given rise to the militancy and extremist elements in the country. A sense of fear and unrest prevails, especially in the severely affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). D.I. Khan is one such district where the life of the common man has been gravely affected owing to its geographical proximity to the tribal agencies and FR areas. The ripple effect of the extremist activities has reached out and engulfed the previously famous cultural hub of D.I. Khan. Exploitation of religious beliefs and practices at the hands of the militant and extremist groups has resulted in a general lack of acceptance towards all forms of art and music, which according to these self appointed religious authorities, are condemned and considered haram in Islam. As a result, quite a few local artists have had to relocate to other more peaceful districts in order to promote their art and craft. Suicide attacks, sectarian killings, and bombing in public and religious centers have been escalating over the years. Militant attacks targeting District Police Officer (DPO) D.I. Khan, Police Station Daraban, DSP City and DSP Kulachi in only the last four to five months are just a few examples of the ever increasing volatile security situation in the district. The civil society in D.I. Khan is struggling to bring, the much needed, peace to the region by engaging the prominent religious, social and political leaders of the community. SPO, a leading proponent of participatory development has ventured into numerous programs for alleviating good governance, improving social justice and promoting peace and harmony in the area. Over the years, SPO has organized numerous awareness raising events, in collaboration with its partner entities, for nurturing and promoting its cause for a socially just and tolerant society. Building on these efforts, SPO D.I. Khan in collaboration with Daman Civil Society Network (DCSN) arranged a three- day arts exhibition, titled “Art for Peace” to promote the local art and craft in which five prominent calligraphers and painters from D.I Khan, namely Ajab Khan, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Mr. Farooq Sial, Resham Gul and Mr. Tanvir Khan showcased their art work. The exhibition aimed to bring together people from all walks of life to a common platform in order to foster an environment of peace and harmony. The over whelming turnout with a strong female participation (over 400 community members, including 50 women participated in the event) speaks volumes of the success of the event. The chief guest for the event was Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Vice Chancellor Gomal University who expressed great pleasure at the success of the event and said that such events will nurture a society that is tolerant towards each other irrespective of their age, gender, race, caste, creed or religious affiliation. Other prominent participants included Chief Executive SPO Naseer Memon, Station Commander Pak Army Brigadier Zahid Jamil Ahmad, Deputy Inspector General (D.I.G) Police, Regional Chief; National Bank Mr. Jaffery, District Social Welfare Officer Mr. Shahzaman Khan, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) D.I. Khan Head Mr. Noman Latif, Assistant Director Anti Corruption Mr. Shafiullah Gandapur, various heads of NGOs, representatives from print and electronic media, trade union, literary society, local women councilors, representatives from women lawyers fraternity and other key stakeholders from the community. Efforts of SPO in conducting this momentous event were greatly appreciated by the community members who emphasized that in these volatile times, the need for such cultural events was extremely important for peace building. The fact that the citizens of D.I. Khan, especially women, came to this event despite the high security situation, shows their willingness to finally break through this deeply rooted culture of silence. Recognizing the importance of such events, Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Vice Chancellor Gomal University declared that a similar exhibition will be held at Gomal University, to encourage youth of D.I. Khan to participate in such peace building endeavors in order to make them more socially responsible citizens.
Survey on Conflict Sensitivity in Pakistan
Introduction for Participants Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) is conducting a study to better understand issues that impact programme strategies and interventions in Pakistan. This understanding will assist with strengthening interventions and protecting the populations within which NGOs conduct their work. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity to share and learn with other organisations about the best practices being used in conflict sensitive programming, and assist with pioneering practical tools for use by development workers in Pakistan. The information that you will provide to the following online survey will remain anonymous. Instructions for Survey Download the survey in English or Urdu from Kindly electronically answer the 6 questions in the survey and the demographic details There are no restrictions on the limit of your answer Re-save the survey document with your answers in Microsoft Word and email as an attachment to the survey administrator at SPO on farahnazhaq@spopk.org Download the survey form Survey Form in English (MS Word) Survey Form in Urdu (MS Word) Survey Form in Urdu (Inpage)
Romantic rail that once used to be…discussed at Civic Café – Feb. 22, 2012
Romantic fascination and poor friendly service is what had made the rail a symbol of lifeline of the country. It is neither romantically fascinating anymore nor is it able to provide the people with economical way out to reach their destinations. Both these aspects came under discussion at the launch of Dr. Irfan Ahmed Baig’s new book “DedhSadi Ki Rail” arranged by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) under its Civic Café` dialogue series. While the book represents writer’s 40 years experiences of travelling in rails around the country in company of his father who worked for Pakistan Railway at different stages of its evaluation and emergence as a strategic asset of the country, the speakers of the event talked about the deterioration this important poor friendly transportation system has gone through in recent times. Prof. Yonus Khalid said the book has beautifully captured very minor details of rail, railway tracks and life along the both sides of these tracks. “There definitely is a story that writer wants to tell here which is spread over one hundred and fifty years of Pakistan railways, as it had started on May 13th, 1861, when the first railway line was opened to the public, between Karachi andKotri, with a total distance of 105 miles” he said. Prominent poet and writer HarisKhaleeqsaid this book rotates around a triangle of writer’s love for his father who served the railway for years, rail itself and most importantly Pakistan. “This is story of history, glory and downfall of this very important institution of the country” said HarisKhaleeq. He appreciated writer’s academic detachment or objectivity which makes it a good research document in addition to being a great literary piece of work. Prominent writer NajamulSaqib said IrfanBaig’s book not only talks about railways importance in public life but it also traces the history of political movements and country’s development related to the life of rail and railway tracks. He said Derh Sadi ki Rail, can be a good reference document even for Railway officials if they want to know about the reasons of its downfall. SPO Chief Executive Naseer Memon connected the contents of this book with the development paradigm of the country that focuses on snatching away the assets and opportunities from the poor. Memon left the audience with a question on why poor friendly services like railways were vanishing while number of fancy cars was increasing by the day? ,He said, all over the world State owned enterprises are alleviating poverty, but in our country state enterprises are abrogating poor people’s services.“This book reminds us of the importance of railway being not only an effective and cheap source of transportation but also a beautiful picture of country’s landscape” said Naseer. Introducing the audience and the program, SPO Chief of Programs Zafar Zeeshan said the Civic Café is a space for all to discuss contemporary issues and developments. The basic idea behind the Civic Café is to strengthen the role of civil society through dialogue, and to provide space for discussion on various topics, building new relationships, and strengthening old ones. The participants of this forum are not to be from one particular group, class or school of thought, rather they hail from different walks of life.
In the absence of funds – The News – Jan 15, 2012
By Naseer Memon Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said that only 40 percent of the funds have so far been received against the appeal launched by the UN. The UN launched an appeal for $ 356 million for support of the flood affectees in Sindh and Balochistan. So far, hardly $150 million could be mobilized. Whereas the scale of flood disaster this year surpassed the damages of previous year’s flood, donors’ response has been starkly lukewarm this time. So far, European Commission, US, Japan, UK and Norway have been the major donors. According to the latest figures of the NDMA, 520 people died during the flood. Approximately 34,000 villages were affected and 1.6 million houses were damaged which affected more than 9.6 million people. Rural economy in Sindh is ruined as cropped area over 2.2 million acres was damaged and more than 116,000 cattle heads were perished. According to the UN, the floods have wiped out 73 percent of standing crops, 36 percent of livestock, and 67 percent of food stocks in the 13 worst-affected districts of Sindh. Loss of crop and livelihood is a serious concern as these two are the key sources of livelihood in the flood affected areas. Sluggish response by humanitarian aid community is causing severe stress on relief activities. Major shortfall is in critical areas of food security (86 pc) drinking water (83 pc) and shelter (49 pc). As a result of that three quarters of the total affected households in Sindh and Balochistan have not received any shelter assistance. In winter, the need for shelter and blankets has increased. In Sindh and Balochistan, 3 million flood-affected people remain highly vulnerable and in need of immediate food assistance. According to aid agencies, over five million people urgently require agricultural support to resume food production and income generation activities. Clearly, this situation is leading towards a lurking human crisis in the coming days. World Food Program has also raised concern on the shortfall of $107 million to cover food needs of critically affected communities till Feb 2012. The agency has warned that if resources are not mobilised their stock will be exhausted by the end of November and they will be constrained to cut down the size of ration and number of people being assisted after December. The latest update of NDMA on 2nd Dec shows approximately 232,000 people still living in 755 camps, requiring all kinds of assistance. According to UNOCHA, around 25 percent of the 9 million flood affected population is in danger of contracting various kinds diseases as cases of malaria, cholera, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and skin diseases have been reported. This situation certainly calls for urgent action on the part of government and humanitarian aid community. Donor’s response shows a downward trend in recent disasters. During 2010 floods UN appealed for $1.9 billion but only $1.3 billion were provided by donors. 11 most generous donors contributed $1.6 billion and the least generous 15 countries contributed only $33 million.Denmark contributed $23 million but Portugal with bigger GDP contributed nothing. France donated $ 4.2 million, nine times less than Sweden’s donation while having six times larger GDP. According to a report by an aid agency, Islamic Relief, there is a marked difference in donor response compared to Haiti’s earthquake. In Haiti 3.7 million people were affected and it received $948 per affectee in aid whereas in 2010 floods more than 20 million people were affected in Pakistan but only $122 per affectee was received. According to an analysis by an international aid agency, Oxfam GB, only $1.30 has been committed per person by international donors in the first 10 days of the UN appeal as compared to $3.20 committed in the same period during last year’s floods. The corresponding figures for 2005 earthquake was $70 and for Haiti’s earthquake was 495$. This trend clearly indicates that donor response does not commensurate with the scale of disaster. Except number of deaths all other accounts of damages in recent floods have been far greater than Haiti’s earthquake. Delayed appeal by the government, economic slowdown in Euro zone and US, lack of efficiency and transparency on part of government, lukewarm coverage by international media are considered as key reasons for the poor response by humanitarian aid community.The government underestimated the scale of disaster and the appeal for international aid came too late when millions were already shelterless. Also, major aid contributors, e.g. Europe and US, are reeling under economic meltdown. The US, after losing $US 550 billion in Afghanistan war, is facing worst unemployment in recent decades. Fourteen million unemployed Americans are a major cause of concern. After losing credit rating one step down, US law makers are bent upon axing international aid. Deep cuts in food and medicine for Africa and disaster relief aid are being seriously contemplated. US foreign assistance has declined from two percent of its federal budget in 70s and 80s to less than one percent in 2011. The House Appropriation Committee has proposed cutting assistance to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Similarly, major countries in European Union are facing a worst debt crisis. Gross domestic debt in Euro zone is now 85pc of its GDP. Budget deficit in Britain has reached 10.4 percent and in US is 8.9 percent. Unemployment in 16 to 24 years age group in UK has reached 14 percent during the last three years. A 10 percent cut in government spending is already on cards. In this scenario, international aid is likely to be more sluggish in the event of any future disasters. Countries like Pakistan need to re-appropriate its own resources more prudently to meet contingency needs. With alarming rise in the frequency of disasters, Pakistan needs to contemplate a long-term master plan for disaster risk reduction. A fraction of the huge sums of money required for relief and rehabilitation operations can help making better pre-disaster arrangements. The writer is Chief Executive of Strengthening Participatory Organization-SPO, nmemon@spopk.org