CONSULTATION ON PAKISTAN PROTECTION ORDINANCE (PPO) 2013:IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN, POLITICAL & LEGAL RIGHTS OF THE CITIZEN
Civil society has shown serious concerns over potential abuse of Pakistan Protection Ordinance 2013 and demand annulment during a national level consultation organized by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) in Islamabad. Civil and human rights defenders consider these ominous laws as a tool to steamroller movements of political and civil rights. The Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO)2013 recently promulgated by the President of Pakistan and presented in the National Assembly for further enactment was discussed in the consultation of stakeholders on“Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) 2013: Implications for Human, Political and Legal Rights of the Citizen.’’ The purpose of the consultation was to discuss the PPO at length and further focus on the comparison of the PPO clauses with the other National laws namely the Constitution of Pakistan (CoP), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The diverse group of participants were from government, legal agencies and civil society organisations having direct and indirect role in law enforcement, legal practice and protection of human, political and legal rights. The participants discussed different clauses of the PPO in detail. Zafar Zeeshan Chief of Programs, SPO welcomed the invitees. Naseer Memon Chief Executive SPO briefed on the purpose of Consultation, Mr.I.A.Rehman from HRCP gave the key note speech. Mr.Mumtaz Khan, DG HR,MoLJ&HR concluded the discourse A lot of criticism came out of the discussion generated on the comparative analysis of the PPO with reference to C0P and the international covenants of UDHR and ICCPR to which Pakistan is signatory. In total the PPO violates approximately 67 clauses of CoP, UDHR and ICCPR, a couple of examples of the criticism are given below: The PPO has given Armed and civil forces the powers of firing even on apprehension of Scheduled offenses. This clause is in contradiction of the Article 9 of CoP, Article 2 of UDHR and Article 6, clause 1 of ICCPR. The PPO also provides the Armed and civil forces to arrest any person on reasonable suspicion without having any arrest warrant. This clause is in violation of the Article 10 of COP, Article 2, 9 & 12 of UDHRand Article 9 clause 1 of ICCPR. Following are the links of Express Tribune , Daily Dawn and Daily jeejal, beside this BBC radio, Sindh TV, VOA, APP , Radio Pakistan and Power 99(FM)have broadcast our news story. 1.http://tribune.com.pk/story/638516/pakistan-protection-ordinance-new-law-voted-down-by-rights-advocates/ 2. http://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php?StoryText=29_11_2013_153_002 3.http://dailyjeejal.com/epaper/?attachment_id=64262#.UpgkGMTbT6k
Chief Executive of SPO Mr. Naseer Memon has been nominated as a Member on the “HAP Technical Group for the development of a Core Humanitarian Standard and Coherent Standards Architecture”
We are glad to share that the Chief Executive of SPO Mr. Memon has been nominated as a Member on the “Technical Group for the development of a Core Humanitarian Standard and Coherent Standards Architecture”. The Group is convened by HAP, People In Aid and the Sphere Project for the development of a Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and a Coherent Standards Achitecture for the sector. The Group will contribute to the drafting of the CHS and help inform decisions subsequently made by the boards of HAP, People In Aid and the Sphere Project on the scope of the Standard and its underlying principles. Mr. Naseer Memon’s representation on this global forum reflects SPO’s credibility and recognition of its institutional contribution on various national and international forums.
Workshop conducted for SPO staff on ‘Interpersonal Communication Skills and Power of a Positive Attitude’
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) conducted a training workshop in Lahore on ‘Interpersonal Communication Skills and the Power of Positive Attitude’ starting from Sep 30th – Oct 1st, 2013 for its associate level staff. A total of 23 staff members from the National Center and all Regional Centers participated in the interactive workshop which discussed topics such as effective communication; barriers hindering the communication process, and the importance and correct use of non-verbal cues. Ms. Fauzia Kerai, the training resource-person also explained the process of creating self-awareness, maintaining a positive attitude and the effect it has on employee’s productivity. She stressed the concept of self-motivation and urged the participants to adopt a ‘can do’ attitude for the greatest impact.
Provincial level consultative meeting on ‘Effective Women Participation in Local Government’
Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) Lahore region organized a provincial level consultative meeting on ‘Effective Women Participation in Local Government’. Salman Abid, Regional Head SPO Lahore while addressing the consultative meeting stressed the need for development process to be inclusive. This was possible if all groups of people especially women contribute to creating opportunities as per people’s needs, share the benefits of development and participate in local government decision-making.
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.