CPCS
2010
1st Quarterly Report
[Political and Civic Education for Civil Society in
Sindh, Pakistan]
[The report is based on activities conducted by CPCS during Feb 2010 to April
2010.]
By: Amir Raza Memon
@ Center for Peace and Civil Society (CPCS)
E mail: info@cpcs.org.pk, www.cpcs.org.pk
Center for Peace and Civil Society (CPCS)
I.
BACKGROUND
The Pakistan army’s operations to eliminate militants in the Swat Valley starting in May
and Waziristan in October 2009 have resulted in the displacement of millions of people.
Moreover, militants have answered the military’s assault against Pakistani Taliban
strongholds and the killing of Tehreek-e-Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud with numerous
attacks and suicide bombings against both civilians and security forces, most notably a
siege of Pakistan’s Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi on October 9.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party-led civilian government by has struggled to deal
with a panoply of problems, from the deteriorating security situation, shortages of
staple foods and electricity, and plummeting public support. The expiration of a
Musharraf-era ordinance granting amnesty to many PPP leaders who were facing
criminal charges as well as the army’s vocal opposition to provisions in US aid to
Pakistan further weakened public support for President Zardari and threatened to
destabilize the fragile political coalition.
Sindh, Pakistan’s second largest province with a population of approximately 50 million
is also the stronghold of secular parties such as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and
other provincial nationalist parties. Karachi, the provincial capital and Pakistan’s largest
and wealthiest city, and the Sindh as a whole have largely been spared from Pakistani
Taliban-supported attacks that have devastated Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, much of
the Northwest Frontier Province, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Despite the fact that the Sindh Assembly was the first colonial-era British Indian
legislature to vote for a resolution establishing Pakistan, many Sindhis have become
deeply disappointed by inequities in the political system that has evolved since
2
independence. The fundamental issues of political contention involve the control of
Indus River water and the disproportionately small distribution of federal development
resources. Although ethnic tensions between Sindhis, Mohajirs, Punjabis and Pashtuns
have flared up on occasion, Sindh continues to be known for its tolerance and relatively
moderate politics.
Cultivating a strong democratic culture in Sindh is critical not only because the issues
being grappled by political leaders and activists in Sindh have profound ramifications for
other provinces and the federation as a whole, but also because Sindh is the traditional
base of the Pakistan People’s Party, the only mainstream political party that has
managed to transcend its provincial roots and develop a national-level constituency and
representation.
II.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES

To strengthen the role of civil society organizations, political parties, media,
youth, and academia in politics in the Sindh.

To promote democratic values through advocacy, education, literature, and
training.
Executive Summary:
Center for Peace and Civil Society established Sindh Democracy Resource Center at
Hyderabad and initiated Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Democracy Fellowships program for
you youth, young academia, Journalists and Political practitioners as part of its new
years project.
At the beginning of New Year and new program for 2010, Center for Peace & Civil
Society organized a three day training program and three civil society interactive
conferences in the first quarter of the program.
In section of training, CPCS conducted three days training workshop for journalists and
columnists of regional electronic and print media on 18th, 19th and 20th April, 2010. The
theme for training workshop was “Political Journalism, Democracy and Political Audit”.
It took place at M.H. Panhwar training & conference hall, Sindh Resource Center, CPCS
Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. To make sure the merit and quality participation, CPCS
announced the course of training on its website and different e groups a month before
it took place. The applications and résumés were invited from all journalists, media
writers and students of Mass Communication. After short listing on certain set criteria,
all selected applicants were communicated and informed to participate in the training
workshop on above given dates. 30 applicants were selected out of which 23
participated regularly. To increase the female participation, making gender balance was
mainly focused in selection criteria. Mr. Jami Chandio, executive director CPCS and
3
renowned trainer and scholar along with other experts facilitated all three days sessions
of program.
In advocacy section CPCS organized four forums, two in the month of March and two in
the month of April 2010. Civil Society forum on “Religion in America” held on 25th
March, 2010 at SPO Hall Qasimabad, Hyderabad. Lecture was delivered by US Speaker;
Ms. Safiya Ghori’s who has recently served as the South Asia policy analyst at the United
States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Wide range and
beautiful galaxy of youth, media writers and civil society representatives and minority
groups participated in the dialogue. It was moderated by Mr. Jamil Junejo; Program
officer CPCS. At the outset, Mr. Mustafa Baloch Regional Head SPO Sindh accorded
warm welcome to the guest speaker, her team and all the participants. Whereas Abdul
Wahid Sangrasi extended vote of thanks and made concluding remarks at the end of
program.
CPCS also organized a Peoples’ Assembly on “1940 Resolution” on 20th March, 2010 at
Pres Club Hyderabad in solidarity with Aman Ittehad (Broad based country alliance of
civil society). Program was moderated by Jafar Memon, journalist and activist. Wide
range of youth, media writers, political workers, lawyers, intellectuals and other civil
society representatives participated in the assembly. Mr. Jami Chandio, Professor Aijaz
Qureshi, Mr. Nazir Memon and other were among the speakers.
Center for Peace and Civil Society (CPCS) and Strengthening Participatory Organization
(SPO) organized a seminar to launch the book on “The state of Pakistan in search of
Identity” on April 05, 2010 at Hotel Sarwan Karachi. The program started at 4:00 pm and
culminated at 6:00pm. Wide range of civil society of Karachi, media and legal
practitioners participated in the program.
The last program of 1st quarter was the huge ceremony of inauguration of CPCS new
office and Sindh Resource Center at CPCS Hyderabad. The ceremony took place on April
18, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. The venue of program was CPCS new office at Hyderabad, Sindh,
Pakistan.
Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza, Provincial Minister for Home Department, Government of Sindh and
known leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony.
Ms. Sassui Palijo, Provincial Minister for Cultural Department, Government of Sindh and
popular active member of Pakistan Peoples Party was the guest of honor of the
ceremony. Mr. Ghulam Ali Alana, Former Vice Chancellor University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
former Chairperson Sindhi Language Authority and known scholar on language and
literature was the guest to preside the ceremony. Mr. Wilson Lee who was the guest of
honor from NED-USA, Mrs. Dr. Fahmida Hussain Memon, the chairperson Sindhi
Language Authority, Mr. Suleman Abro, Executive Director SAFWCO, Dr. Akash Ansari,
Executive Director BRDS and Poet, Miss Nusrat Shahani, CPCS training alumni and Mr.
Ibad-u-Rehman, CPCS training alumni were among the other speakers. More than 200
4
men and women from all walks of life attended the gathering. The media persons,
journalists and camera men also arrived to cover the program fully.
The details of all program activities are given below.
1. SINDH DEMOCRACY RESOURCE CENTER:
CPCS has established a Sindh Democracy Resource Center in Hyderabad to facilitate
researchers, academia, political parties, parliamentarians, journalists, and political
activists, students of politics and civil society leaders to benefit from the library, data base,
archives and ongoing programs of the CPCS. ‘Sindh Resource Center’ is the first initiative
of its kind which will develop a well equipped and resourceful center where all the above
mentioned stakeholders will have easy access to library, e-library, political data base
about democracy, federalism, and issues related to Sindh and provincial autonomy in
Pakistan. Political video documentaries, audio lectures, cyber connectivity with other
online libraries and resource centers and media monitoring are part of SRDC. SRDC has
more than 2000 books in its library and all other necessary technical equipments.
SRDC has two components
 Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo Research Library

M H Panhwar Conference and Training Hall
2. BENAZIR
DEMOCRACY
PROGRAM:
BHUTTO
FELLOWSHIP
5
CPCS has announced a 3 months (May-July and AugustOctober) Benazir Bhutto Democracy Fellowship Program for
2 cohorts comprised of 2 fellows from four sectors i.e.
academia, media, politics and civil society. The fellows will be
selected through an open, transparent and competitive
selection process with in the age limit of 25-40 years. The
fellows will develop their research proposals on any democracy and Sindh related
themes and they will be guided by a panel of experts and Executive Director of CPCS
who is a well known scholar and Reagan- Fascell Democracy Fellow. Benazir Bhutto
Democracy Fellowship Program will promote knowledge about democracy and Sindh
related issues among young scholars and they will work in Resource Center of CPCS in
Hyderabad. The research papers produced by the Fellows will be published in quarterly
journal
“FREEDOM”
The aim of the CPCS Fellowship programme, is to give young scholars, writers,
researchers and practitioners from all over the province of Sindh a better
understanding and appreciation of the political research. Through this experience the
Fellow will gain knowledge and modern research methodology. It will also facilitate the
Fellow to develop an extensive contact network with NDRI, in Washington DC.
It is expected that the Fellow will exhibit his/her intellectual/academic commitment to
strengthen democracy, provincial autonomy and democratic federalism in Pakistan
based on 1940 Lahore resolution.
Target themes
• Deficits of Democracy in Pakistan
• Federalism and Provincial Autonomy in Pakistan
• Indigenous Rights
• Human Rights
• Rule of Law and Good Governance
• Issues of Peace and Pluralism in Pakistan
• State of Political Parties in Pakistan ( Key focus on Sindh)
• Role of Civil Society in Pakistan ( Key focus on Sindh)
• Conflict Resolution in Pakistan ( Key focus on Sindh)
• State of Women in Pakistan ( Key focus on Sindh)
Terms of Reference
The Fellow will be working in the CPCS’s Sindh Resource Center under the guidance and
supervision of the Executive Director, for a period of 3 months. The Fellow will
contribute to the research work through:
• assisting in planning and coordinating research activities related to trainings and
6
capacity building activities with CPCS alumni;
• conducting substantive research on selected themes in Sindh assigned to him/her;
• contributing to the mainstreaming of the research work regarding democracy,
federalism, provincial autonomy, rule of law, human rights etc indigenous rights ;
• writing a research paper/ reports based on study, reviewing literature and
consolidating information on best practices and lessons learned from research;
• maintaining contact with local, national and international institutions and assisting
them as appropriate;
• assisting to organize and implement seminars, workshops and/or training activities on
research at the local, national, regional or global level, as required;
• other related duties as required.
The Fellow will also receive periodic briefings on the research tools and methodologies
and information on relevant thematic issues. These briefings will be conducted through
cross-Branch consultations and cooperation.
Qualifications
The candidate should have:
• Direct experience working in relevant subject/field which meets the internationally
adopted standards and academic practices; and
• extensive experience working on political and civic issues, nationally, regionally and,
ideally, internationally.
Knowledge of the democracy and participatory systems will be considered an asset.
The candidate should have at least 3 years of professional experience of working in an
any academic or civil society organization which includes NGOs, political parties, media
etc. He/she should be fluent in English, Sindhi or Urdu, while knowledge of other local
or other UN languages is considered an asset.
Candidates should also have a supporting letter from their respective institutions and
be committed to imparting the knowledge and experience obtained during their
fellowship to colleagues within the CPCS and SDRC upon their return.
The Fellow will receive financial support from CPCS in the form of a monthly stipend
15000/- during the fellowship.
Selection process for 2010
24 young scholars and practitioners have applied for the first Cohort and the selection
will be finalized in the end of may and the selected fellows will start their work from
June 1st 2010.
3. TRAININGS:
7
3.1 Three Day Training Workshop for Journalists and Columnists of Regional Electronic
& Print Media on “Political Journalism, Democracy and Political Audit”
Center for Peace & Civil Society conducted three days training workshop for journalists
and columnists of regional electronic and print media on 18 th, 19th and 20th April, 2010.
The theme for training workshop was “Political Journalism, Democracy and Political
Audit”. It took place at M.H. Panhwar training & conference hall, Sindh Resource Center
CPCS Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. To make sure the merit and quality participation,
CPCS announced the course of training on website and different e groups a month
before it took place. The applications and résumés were invited from all journalists,
media writers and students of Mass Communication. After short listing on certain set
criteria, all selected applicants were communicated and informed to participate in the
training workshop on above given dates. 30 applicants were selected out of which 23
participated regularly. To increase the female participation, gender balance was mainly
focused in selection criteria.
Mr. Jami Chandio along with a team of media experts facilitated the training workshop.
Proceedings:
DAY-1 (April 18, 2010)
Session I:
Mr. Aamir Raza Memon, Senior Program Officer CPCS, who takes care of CPCS’s training
and advocacy programs warmly welcomed all participants and shared the detailed
schedule paper of three days training. Mr. Memon showed all participants audio-visual
presentation on CPCS. Mr. Memon expressed views regarding training course and
introduced project of CPCS. He also introduced the trainer, Mr. Jami Chandio, and
invited him to proceed the session.
Starting his session, Mr. Jami asked all
participants to introduce themselves. The
method of introduction, that he guided,
was to ask name, job, interests and
dreams of the companion sitting beside
and to tell in front of all. Mr. Jami
introduce Mr. Wilson Lee, the guest fro
USA, who also joined the training
workshop for whole day. The facilitator
invited Mr. Wilson Lee to express his
8
views regarding the subject of Journalism and Democracy. Mr. Wilson Lee expressed the
significance of Journalism, freedom of expression and democracy. He emphasized over
the investigative and factual report for media and admired the CPCS programs.
Proceeding further, Mr. Jami Chandio discussed course of all four trainings of year 2010
and particularly shared the details of ongoing three day training. He also showed the
international book published by Oxford University on “Essential Laws of Journalism”. He
invited to have copy of that book if anyone needs it. Mr. Jami also shared another book
published by CPCS on “Media ethics”. Setting the norms to run the training for three
days, Mr. Jami wrote following rules to follow while all training sessions;



Power off/silent mode
phones
No Cross Talk
Respect to others’ opinion
Cell
Sharing the objectives and expectations
of training workshop, Mr. Jami asked all
participants to write their ideas regarding
Political journalism on the Meta cards
given to them. After 3 minutes, Meta
cards were collected and pasted on the
sheet. Following are main ideas of
participants came our through Meta Planning;












Identify realistically the issues, problems, and challenges of politics.
The study of politics to report scientifically.
The kind of journalism to explore the role of state, activities of politicians and
connect the people through information.
It is the study of political issues, knowledge and information.
Writing articles, features and columns related to politics is called political
journalism.
A journalist who works on Political parties and political issues.
The journalism based on the foundation of politics and political education.
Practice to inform regarding politics of the area.
The coverage to the politics given in the form of news, stories, articles, columns,
interviews.
The sharing information and disseminating current political scenario to people
through applying journalistic skills.
The journalism that through away the petty interests of political parties and
covers the issues strengthening politics.
Investigating, highlighting, interpreting and reporting political situation.
9

Highlighting events, new issues, ideas, and opinions of world, analyzing
interpreting and examining international, national and local political issues.
Going through all Meta Cards and correcting the misconceptions, Mr. Jami said that the
actions, voices, events of individual to society concerned with political life are reported
are called as political journalism. Discussing the political journalism in Pakistan, Mr. Jami
said that responsible democratic political parties are the vehicles for change. Talking on
the “events”, Mr. Jami shared his experience that owners of media houses do not
provide standard facilities to the journalists for reporting political events. In Pakistan,
people do not receive the message of the event and do not have the impact of event;
said Mr. Jami adding that merely horizontal expansion of media caused the bad quality
of reporting.
Session I ended for tea break.
Session II:
Sharing the experiences of participants (Discussion):
Atif Vighio: Media Houses do not focus on the events but they focus on person or
individual or celebrity.
Sindhu Baloch: Every event have key message but it is not properly reported. These days
political parties follow the issues created by media.
Mehran Mallah: The experts should go for research to examine whether the problem is
with owners, executives, desk or reporters of media. In my view, journalists are not
performing according to the need of profession and they do not have skills.
Sindhu Baloch: Institutes are responsible for skills and professionalism.
Murtaza Siyal: The owners of media are responsible.
Naveed Memon: There is nepotism and impartiality in media and journalists.
Wajid Shams: Media is playing role as party, particularly Urdu media is promoting right
based religious ideas.
Shazia Shahab: Media in Pakistan projects celebrities not scholars and people.
Shabana Kori: The reporting is not investigative and without follow up.
Ishtiaq Qureshi: Media has become power; no body can be promoted without the
support of media.
Mr. Jami gave the conclusion of whole
discussion and said that all points
indicated have equal importance, the
70% space in the media is given to
personalities and the problem of current
media is to follow particular value of
deriving.
10
Identifying the significance of “Issues”, Mr. Jami said that skill, creativity and
understanding of issues can make a difference for reporting. Continuing the talk on
issues, Mr. Jami said that issues and problems are the life partners of humans.
Comparing mass reality with media image, Mr. Jami gave the example of leading media
coverage of marriage of Shoeeb Malik and Saniya Mirza as compared to 18th
amendment. He said that media is the mirror of society but it reflects different picture.
“Situation” that is spontaneous or sudden showing emergency need to be highlighted
after complete investigation, said Mr. Jami giving the example of Pashtoons v/s Hazara
over the issue of name of province. Talking on the irresponsible media, Mr. Jami said
that it aggravates the “conflict”, however responsible media can rationalize or resolve
the conflicts in sudden situations as they are integral part of human lives. The reporting
shall be objective not subjective because the sentence of single statement can burn the
streets, said Mr. Jami.
Session II ended for lunch break.
Session III:
Session III is facilitated by Mr. Jami. There
is key role of “Policies” in political
journalism, said Mr. Jami adding that
political parties should have certain
policies, issues and concerns. Policy is
parameter and it is the significant
element of political life. “Narrative and
Competing Narrative” should be given
equal space so that people should decide
what is wrong and right, said Mr. Jami
adding that Human society is the
battlefield of competing narratives. “Political Parties” and people are main segment of
political journalism. Whether people are in minority or in majority, they have not been
given due coverage in our media so far, Mr. Jami commented.
Discussing the forms of Political Journalism, Mr. Jami identified the following elements;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
News (Political)
Radio
Picture
Television
Editing/Desk/Sub Editors
Language
Story/Feature
Column/Essay
11
9. Editorial
10. Interview
Describing the above given forms and element, Mr. Jami expressed following views;







News: Quick reporting, objective, concise, brief, based on 5W and 1H.
Radio: Tone of voice should be soft and clear and language should be expressive.
Picture: Caption and angle of picture is very important.
Television: Video footage creates big impact of news.
Editing and Desk should be professional and quick.
Language should be ethical and appropriate.
Story or feature should determine the issue, conflict, contradictions and
controversies.
Due to time restrain, session III was ended and the 1st training day also ended after the
tea break.
DAY-2 (April 19, 2010)
Session I:
Mr. Jami Chandio facilitated the all sessions of 2nd day of training workshop on “Political
Journalism, democracy and Political Audit”. He continued the yesterday’s ongoing
discussion on elements of media. Sharing his views on column and essay, Mr. Jami
described title, information/analysis, key message and conclusion. He said that
subjectivity in any article or essay is the weak point of the same.
After the detailed discussion on writing skills for column and essays, session I ended for
tea break.
Session II:
Mr. Jami continued to discuss the forms and elements of political journalism and said
that “Editorial” is the policy write up, it should be objective, concise, issue oriented,
demanding and suggesting alternates. The last element was ‘Interview’ discussed and
shared by Mr. Jami Chandio. He said that the ethics, nature and principles are to know
the position/stance of the person on issues, ideas and life. He suggested following
points;



To be aggressive is unethical
To do home work
Manifestation, articulation and formulation of questions should be designed in
mind
12






Don’t deviate from basic point in asking cross-cutting questions
Concise, brief and to the point questions
Beginning and end should not be without positive note
Time Management
No personal biases
To build the image of professionalism, unbiased and well informed
Mr. Jami asked all participant work in groups. He made tow groups and gave them
following topic to discuss and prepare presentation;
Group-1: SWOT Analysis: Political Journalism in Pakistan
Group-2: SWOT Analysis: Political Journalism is Sindh
After group work session II is ended for lunch break.
Session III
All groups were asked to give presentation.
SWOT Analysis: Political Journalism in Pakistan: Group Leaders: Miss Beenish Abdullah
and Mr. Naeem Mallah.
Following are the main points presented by the group leaders of group-1.
Strengths:






Proper exposure of political issues
Media ordinance
Comprehensive coverage
Language
Strong political analysis
Unions of journalists
Weaknesses:





Personalized
Untrained Staff
Extreme criticism
Biased (Ideologically)
Financial problems
Opportunities:
13




Resources for revenue generation
Access to large number of masses
Easy launching
Access to information
Threats:





Agencies
Fundamentalists
Multi cultural society
Pressure groups
Terrorism
SWOT Analysis: Political Journalism in Pakistan: Group Leaders: Miss Rabia Alvi and Mr.
Wajid Shams.
Strengths:







Created more number of readers and newspapers
Political Awareness
Opening many TV channels
Competition
Mass Support
Exposing the feudalism
Sensitize masses on national issues
Weakness:




Lack of resources
Interventions
Unskilled journalism
Insecurity
Opportunities:



To achieve sustainable democracy
Creating interests and involvement of citizens
Technology
Threats:


Terrorism
Vulnerable media houses
14



Strong military institutions
Non-Democratic Forces.
Un-satisfying safety measures
Session II ended for lunch break
Session III:
To understand the factors of motivators and factors of barriers for political journalism,
Mr. Jami distributed Meta Cards and asked all participants to write their ideas. All
participants were suggested to write factors of motivators on Sea Green cards and
factors of barriers on yellow cards. After 6 minutes, Mr. Jami pasted all cards on sheet
and discussed each card. Following are the points mainly discussed during Meta
Planning;
Factors of Motivators for political journalism:










To access the truth
Checks and balances of politics
People and civil society
Political parties
To fight for the rights
Democracy
Freedom
Transparency
Positive Change
Peoples’ voice
Factors of Barriers for political journalism:












Subjective political journalism
Media policy
Organizational policy
No audience
Lack of training and education
Hidden interests of owners
Government policies
Less Income
Feeling of insecurity
Non-democratic forces
Capacity issues
Impartiality
15
Mr. Jami concluded the session of Meta Planning with the remarks that strengths of
political journalism are directly proportional to opportunities and inversely proportional
to weaknesses and threats and similarly motivators are inversely proportional to
barriers. Sharing his views on space and capacity, Mr. Jami said that in open merit and
fair competition the space is for those journalists who have the capacity.
Session III ended for tea break.
Session IV:
In the last session of second day Mr. Jami tried to relate the democracy with media and
political journalism. He asked participants to share the values and norms for viable
democracy and suitable media for democracy. Participants shared following values and
norms;














Free and fair election
Free but responsible media
Rule of law
Social justice
Equal opportunities
Human rights
Independent Judiciary
Independent parliament
Accountability
Social Audit
Freedom of Information
Good Governance
Empowering democratic institutions
Safeguard for minority rights
Concluding the whole day session, Mr. Jami said that the core value of democracy is
“Freedom”.
DAY-3 (April 20, 2010)
Session I:
All sessions of the training day were facilitated by Mr. Jami Chandio who asked any two
of all participants to recap the preceding training day. Miss Shazia Shuhab and Mr.
Ishtiaq Qureshi summarized almost all topics that were discussed on second training
day. On the third day of training democracy and political audit were mainly discussed.
Mr. Jami described the types of democracy practiced in different countries. He made the
four categories of democracies given as below;
16
1.
2.
3.
4.
Liberal democracy: Individual freedom coupled with social responsibility.
Social Democracy: Social issues are more focused than individual issues.
Transitional Democracy: Within the process to sustain democracy.
Procedural Democracy: Electocracy.
After sharing his views on different kinds
of democracy and its application in
different countries, Mr. Jami asked all
participants to form two groups, work on
following topics together and come up
with presentation;
Group-1: How does democracy support
free media?
Group-2: How do media enrich
democracy?
The discussion and preparation of presentation sheets took place for 20 minutes.
Following are the major points in the presentation given by both groups;
Group-1: How does democracy support free media?
Group Leaders: Miss Rabia Kori and Mr. Atif Vighio





Core value of democracy is freedom of expression.
Media is the platform to criticize anti people policies of government.
Democracy gives space for difference of opinion.
Autocratic rule can never give breathing space to free media.
Democratic government promotes free media because it is the source of
communication to masses.
Group-2: How do media enrich democracy?
Group Leaders: Miss Bushra Soomro and Mr. Naeem Mallah.
 Free and responsible media created support mechanism to sustainable
democracy.
 Media is the parameter of democratic governance.
 Media promotes human rights and political rights.
 Media educate and aware the masses for persuasion.
 Media critically analyze the governmental policies.
 Media ensures continuity of democracy.
Mr. Jami appreciated the presentations and said that democracy is not a personality
cult, slogan monger and procedure but it offers the freedom. He said that a common
person do not have due support by media.
17
Session I ended for tea break.
Session II:
Mr. Jami suggested making four groups to work and come up with presentations on
following topics;
Group-1: Role of political parties?
Group-2: Role of media and journalists?
Group-3: Role of Civil society?
Group-4: Role of citizens?
Mr. Jami further described the topics and said all different groups have to define the
roles to strengthen political journalism and democracy. Group work and preparation of
presentation on sheets took 20 minutes. Following are the major points of presentations
of all groups;
Group-1: Role of Political Parties?
Group Leaders: Mr. Ishfaq Leghari and
Mr. Abdul Hameed Mallah
 Political parties are directly
proportional to democracy and
political journalism.
 Leadership play key role for
opinion making in favor of
democracy
and
political
journalism.
 Political parties are also resources
for news, shows, and other media
events.
 Political parties should struggle
against the curtailing media.
 Legislation should be done for free
media.
 Political parties should oppose
yellow journalism.
 Political parties should strengthen
democracy
and
political
journalism.
Group-2: Role of media and journalists?
18
Group Leader: Mukhtiar jamali.






Appreciation and constructive criticism.
Media should play impartial role.
Media can strengthen the democratic values.
Media keep an eye on governance.
Media can bridge the gape between masses and democratic government.
Media create critical masses.
Group-3: Role of Civil Society?
Group Leader: Murtaza Siyal
 Civil Society is responsible and well awaked section of any society so it can
provide an environment for the real democracy and political journalism.
 Civil Society can develop pressure among the state pillars and challenge the
power corridors for democracy.
 Civil Society can organize and mobilize masses for peoples’ issues.
 Civil society can lead the struggle against any undemocratic decision of
government.
Group-4: Role of Citizens?
Group Leaders: Miss Shazia Shuhab and Ishtiaq Qureshi.





Citizens can raise their voice for the rights with support of media.
Citizens are the good motivators for democracy and media.
To be part of political parties according to their wishes.
Write letters and articles to the media houses for feed back.
Organize peaceful and democratic rallies for sustainable democracy and
responsible media.
Session II ended for lunch break.
Session III:
After such long presentations, Mr. Jami concluded with following points;




Political Parties process the democracy.
Free, responsible and skilled media offers democracy to the people.
Active, vigilant and vibrant civil society strengthens democracy.
The responsible citizenry role can develop peaceful political situation.
Defining Political audit at the end of session, Mr. Jami said that the system of auditing
through institute or process for political parties and systems on behalf of people is
called political audit.
19
Before ending the three day training workshop, Mr. Jami asked all participants to
evaluate the program verbally as well as filling up the evaluation form. Keeping in view
the impact of workshop, the weak points of training course and the most learning
points, CPCS needs the feed back, said Mr. Jami. The feed back given by participants is
written below;
Naveed Memon: I have learnt how to write essay and article, I would suggest giving
priority to multi media presentation while training.
Naeem Mallah: I got to know that how to report and write an artcle.
Sindhu Baloch: This workshop made me understood to go through the newspaper
critically.
Shazia Shuhab: The terms political audit and political journalism are really new learning
for me that I will surely convey to my students.
Atif Vighio: I have lerant the media ethics and prepared 16 topics to write articles during
the training course. Political journalism should be the subject for the students of mass
media. We still need some writer literature regarding the theme of three day training
course.
Sheeraz: Understanding the forms of journalism was new learning for me.
Ishtiaq Leghari: I have come to know the true sprit and benefit of democracy.
Mukhtiar Jamali: Being student of mass communication, this course is helping for me to
develop myself as professional.
Bushra: The training has opened a critical eye to watch media practices in Pakistan.
Wajid Shams: I am happy to be part of training and suggest assigning the one month
assignment for the course we have done here.
Murtaza Siyal: This training was the unconventional opportunity to learn, share and
discuss the core issues regarding media and its role in Pakistan.
Sher Mohammad Babar: We still need more comprehensive training programs on such
issues.
Beenish: CPCS should publish the booklets regarding the training course and we, all
participants, should be assigned a practical work or activity.
Session ended for tea break.
Session IV:
20
After giving verbal feed back participants submitted the filled evaluation forms. Mr.
Aamir Raza, Senior Program Officer CPCS, requested all participants for group photo. At
the end certificates were given to all participants of the raining workshop.
4. Civil Society Forums, Seminars and Dialogues:
4.1 Civil Society forum of “Religion in America
Centre for Peace and Civil Society and Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)
jointly organized a Civil Society forum on “Religion in America” on 25th March, 2010 at
SPO training and conference Hall Qasimabad, Hyderabad. Lecture was delivered by
Speaker; Ms. Safiya Ghori’s from USA who has recently served as the South Asia policy
analyst at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
Wide range and beautiful galaxy of youth, media writers and civil society
representatives and minority groups participated in the dialogue. It was moderated by
Mr. Jamil junejo; Program officer CPCS. At the outset, Mr. Mustafa Baloch Regional
Head SPO Sindh accorded warm welcome to the guest speaker, her team and all the
participants. Whereas Abdul Wahid Sangrasi extended note of thanks and made
concluding remarks at the end of program.
Ms. Safiya Ghouri shed spot light on various
aspects of religion in American society and
highlighted the approach of American state
and society towards religion. She maintained
that there is visibly shift in US policy towards
religious education in America based on
principles of tolerance, pluralism and
peaceful co-existence. She emphatically
demanded that NGOs activists, civil society
leader and minority leader should educate
and mobilize their continuances to begin to
understand and address the issue of religious intolerance and extremism.
At the end lecture session was opened for question and answers where especially youth
put various thought provoking questions about American policy towards other religions
of world in particular and its policy towards international community in general.
Glimpses of Speech

American people practice religion more as compared to Europeans.
21

Concept of separation of church from state doesn’t mean to wipe up the religion.
It means to create neutral space for pluralistic society where different people
with different ethnic groups can live equal with dignity.

There is shift in US
policy towards religious
education in America
based on principles of
tolerance,
pluralism
and peace full co
existence.

Change in time has
created
need
for
greater
religious
tolerance and religious diversity education at schools .Couple of states in USA
doesn’t educate religion at schools, but there should be such broad based
education system to eradicate the misconception about religions of the world.

Islam promotes and protects diversity and pluralism.

NGOs activists, civil society leader and minority leader should educate and
mobilize their constituencies to begin to understand and address the issue
religious intolerance and extremism.

Due to growth of extremism the groups who suffer more are women
4.2 Peoples Assembly on 1940 Resolution
CPCS organized a Peoples’ Assembly on “1940 Resolution” on 20th March, 2010 at Pres
Club Hyderabad under the banner of Aman Ittehad (Broad based country alliance of civil
society). Program was moderated by Mr. Jafar Memon, journalist and activist. Wide
range of youth, media writers, political workers, lawyers, intellectuals and other civil
society representatives participated in the assembly.
At the outset, Mr. Jami Chandio, political
and social scientist and writer accorded
warm welcome to the guests and made
extensive talk on 1940 resolution which
set the tone of Program.
22
Thereafter, Session was opened to participants to express their opinions.
Mr. M. Parkash, Leader LFP, Aijaz Qureshi, Writer, activist and development
professional, Nazeer Memon, Activist and Raoof Khan Sasoli, General secretary Jamhori
Watan Party expressed opinions on the 1940 Lahore Resolution.
While speaking in assembly, Jami Chandio said that one among the reasons of crisis of
state of Pakistan is that from very first day, 1940 resolution, existence of nations
constituting Pakistan and their sovereignty has been persistently denied. If the separate
identity of nations and their right of self determination on their language, natural
resources and identity would have been accepted constitutionally and practically
guaranteed, Pakistan would not have broken into two pieces in 1971, rather it would
have been emerged as successful state
Jafar Memon said “It is victory of oppressed nations that those who used to flatly deny
their national identity and the sovereignty, ardently demand constitutional and legal
restructuring of state of Pakistan based on 1940 resolution that guarantees sovereignty
to the nations /constituting units . Rauf Khan Sasoli said that persistent National slavery
of Baluchistan has even eroded trust of its masses in federation. However, what
guarantees existence of Pakistan is to award sovereignty and maximum provincial
autonomy to its nations. M. Parkash said that constitutional amendments proposed by
amendment committee will fail to make the constitution to provide corresponding
structure to current exigency. Therefore, a new constitution based on 1940 resolution is
the need of hour in order to make the state of Pakistan to sustain. Prof. Aijaz Qureshi
said that entire history of Pakistan is history of negation of 1940 resolution and all its
constitutions have been centrist in their nature and structure.
At the end, Mr. Jami Chandio made concluding remarks and extended note of thanks to
the participants, speakers and journalists.
23
5. 3 Book Launching Ceremony “The state of Pakistan in Search of Identity
Center for Peace and Civil Society (CPCS) and Strengthening Participatory Organization
(SPO) organized a seminar to launch the book on “The state of Pakistan in search of
Identity” on April 05, 2010 at Hotel Sarwan Karachi. The program started at 4:00 pm and
culminated at 6:00pm. Wide range of civil society of Karachi, media and legal
practitioners participated in the program.
Background:
The Western concept of nationalism cannot function in the eastern countries like
Pakistan and this was the main reason why the nationalist movement had failed to take
deep roots in this country. The nationalism theory in Pakistan should be redefined so as
to make it realistic and functional. This was said by the speakers of the launching
ceremony of book The State of Pakistan in Search of Identity by Khaliq Junejo, chairman
Jeay Sindh Mahaz (JSM), held hotel Sarawan Karachi on 6 th April 2010. The ceremony
was presided over by prominent writer and intellectual Rochi Ram.
Mr. Naseer Memon:
Speaking on the occasion, Naseer Memon Chief Executive of Strengthening Participatory
Organization (SPO) said that author has tried to highlight the key concerns of different
nations and why they have different issues. He also briefed about SPOs’ work and he
quoted his experience of Punjab and he has felt that they peoples are also thinking
about issues of other provinces. As the nationalists parties has already been set their
does and don’ts. Mr. Memon shared the United Nations Human Index Report 2003 that
District Sibi and Badin both districts are contributing in national economy in natural
resources but what government returned back to
those districts is in front of us.
As there are many positive and negative factors
of democracy it is our choice that we accept the
positive things either we reject on basis of those
points which disagreed by few peoples so we
should decide Mr. Memon said. If we want and
believe in change then the nationalist parties
Short Brief about Author:
should revisit their manifestoes/charters and
Abdul Khalique Junejo, commonly known as
demands if things are not appropriately
Khaliq Junejo is the chairman of Jeay Sindh Mahaz, a
addressed in the light of current geo political
faction of nationalist movement in Sindh
founded by G. M. Syed. He is also writer and
situation he advised.
intellectual. Khaliq Junejo was born on 9th
Besides that build consensus among the all
November 1953 in small village of District
stakeholders that approach will support to all of
Larkana. He completed his degree of Civil
Engineering from Mehran University of
us bring the positive changes in the society and
Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro (then
strategies should be flexible rather than rigged
Mehran College). He served as Executive
Mr. Memon told.
engineer in KDA (Karachi Development
Authority) from 1975 to 1995. In 1995, he left
the job to participate in the nationalist politics.
He is follower of G. M. Syed and practices Law
in Karachi.
24
Dr. Bettina Robotka:
She told that in 1987 first time visited Pakistan and she briefed about her experience
during stay in Pakistan. As today the world is facing different issues and challenges and
at the same time there are also many issues with
Pakistani peoples she said. What is identity
“Feelings” she shared and convinced to the
participants on the meaning of that and she
quoted different examples. Being teacher she
arranged an exposure visit for her students to
Moen-jo-Daro where she briefed them that this
is your indigenous and historical identity she
said. Identity is
not fixed but it
would
be
changed
from
time to time she told. There is need that we should ask
question our self that who we are and what we have
identity? We all know well that nationalist in all over the
world and in Pakistan they played their role the identity
but many times the things were mismanaged likewise
Bangladesh today they have a new identity she expressed in the event. Today in Europe
there is no concept of family there is only self identity what h/she and what h/she
achieved so we can say on the basis of his/her efferent and struggle every person has
different identity and respect she shared. On the same time we discus in routine life
about French revolution it was happened because at that time they have demanded and
needed new identity. As the democracy is the “dictatorship of majority” and Allama
Iqbal also translated ‘nations’ theory in his many speeches she added.
Mr. Yousuf Masti Khan:
Before his speech he declared that he is Sindhi rather he feel happy that someone call to
him as Baloch so he feel proud to be a Sindhi. He
congratulated to author of book Mr. Khalique Junejo
that he complied his articles in a book. As 1973
constitution was passed by majority but very sad to say
what happened with the nation is in front of all of us he
said. As Sindh and Balouchistan provinces are known as
racism while Punjab and NWFP they have territorial
identifications Mr. Masti Khan told. He criticized present
power sharing structure and 18th amendment also that
government should revisit and make a balanced constitution. There is difference in state
and homeland as homelands created Pakistan rather than Pakistan created homelands
he told. As in Pakistan from the day first there is a strong feudalism so we lost original
Pakistan divided in two parts
25
Further he told that as Pakistan is multinational state so government should consider all
appropriate demands of all nations do take needful actions on them. He also advised to
all that we likeminded people sit together and think about the rationale and develop
and build a mutual and collective strategy on it.
Mr. Jami Chandio
He congratulated to author for a nice effort and shred
historical background of Pakistan and he quoted
examples of moments of different parts of the world.
He told that as India was not a state but there were
thousand princely small states it was famous as a subcontinent.
He discussed and presented short
comparisons of Muslim Leagues and Congress and
theory of separation. Mr. Chandio rejected the
narrative that Pakistan was founded in the name of
Islam. It is also interesting thing that Pakistan has three different constitutions but all
are continuity of the colonial system he shared. There are many conflicts between the
Pakistani peoples and state e.g. still we have not decided yet that when Eid will be
celebrated he told. He advised that state should declare them national languages.
Nowadays discussion on 18th amendment is going we do appreciate that effort but it will
not cover all our rights under that amendment he said. There is big role of media but
what things are going on in the society so media should play a balanced role.
Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed:
As the name of Mr. Junejo’s book
was proposed by him while the
same book name was already
proposed to Dr. Mubark Ali Khan’s
book so now in market two
different books are available in the
market and he admitted his
mistake. He said that different
ghost writers wrote books for the rulers and only Bhutto wrote a book in 1954. In the
history states addressed two issues: identity and ideology for what purpose Pakistan
was founded Mr. Ahmed asked questioned from all audience. There is need of the time
we should address the real issues of country on the basis of ground realties in this
regard provide provincial autonomy as well as recognize the nation’s identity. As there
is constitution placed because of waste interest of bureaucracy. It is also our misfortune
that after 63 years of independence the identity of nations has not been addressed so
far and Pakistan declared to India as competitor and all things should be balanced like
democracy in India that criteria never been followed by we people he told in the event.
In the different time we set different identities for Pakistan after separation of
Bangladesh the famous writer mentioned his article and he declared that Pakistan is
26
Part of the gulf so things are in front of us and now it is our choice what we think best
for us.
Mr. Abdul Khalique Junejo:
He paid thanks of SPO’s support in
book launching ceremony. State is
not decided that for what purpose
Pakistan was founded and he quoted
a piece of speech of Quaid-e-Azam of
11th August 1947 that Pakistan: one
nation how it could be possible
because there many nations. After
separation of Bangladesh what was
reality that Muslims of Pakistan in one nation but the Bangladesh for what purpose
founded he said. Who will decide and when? Things is that we should think and do
practically he suggested to all.
The event was ended with the speech of prominent personality Comrade Rocheeram.
He appreciated the efforts of Mr. Khalique Junejo. He advised to responsible and state
that problems and real issues of all nations should be addressed with honest sprit
otherwise we may lose our geographical identity.
The event was ended with the vote of thanks and with this hope that again all will
gather.
4 .4 Inaugural Ceremony of CPCS new office and Sindh Resource Center
Center for Peace & Civil Society has recently established Sindh Democracy Resource
Center at Hyderabad and invited civil society and academia for inaugural ceremony of its
new office and establishment of Resource Center. The ceremony took place on April 18,
2010 at 5:00 p.m. The venue of program was CPCS new office at Hyderabad, Sindh,
Pakistan.
Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza, Provincial Minister for Home Department, Government of Sindh and
known leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony.
Ms. Sassui Palijo, Provincial Minister for Cultural Department, Government of Sindh and
popular active member of Pakistan Peoples Party was the guest of honor of the
ceremony. Mr. Ghulam Ali Alana, Former Vice Chancellor University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
former Chairperson Sindhi Language Authority and known scholar on language and
literature was the guest to preside the ceremony. Mr. Wilson Lee who was the guest for
USA, Mrs. Dr. Fahmida Hussain Memon, the chairperson Sindhi Language Authority, Mr.
Suleman Abro, Executive Director SAFWCO, Dr. Akash Ansari, Executive Director BRDS
and Poet, Miss Nusrat Shahani, CPCS training alumni and Mr. Ibad-u-Rehman, CPCS
training alumni were among the other speakers. More than 200 men and women from
27
all walks of life attended the gathering. The media persons, journalists and camera men
also arrived to cover the program fully.
The details of ceremony are given below;
Registration and get together took place at 5:00 pm.
M.H. Panhwar training and conference hall was inaugurated by Dr. zulfiqar Mirza at
6:00pm.
Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo Library was inaugurated by Ms. Sassui palijo at 6: 30pm.
The inauguration of CPCS Office was taken place by Mr. Wilson Lee at 7:00pm.
From 7:00pm to 9:00pm speeches were made by guests.
From 9:00pm to 10:00 pm the veteran sufi singer Sawan Faqir entertained all with his
mystic music and singing.
The dinner was served for all at 10:00pm.
Proceedings:
After arrival of all guests, Mr. Jami Chandio, the executive director CPCS, invited Dr.
Zulfiqar Mirza, provincial minister for ministry of home department of Sindh, to
inaugurate the “M.H.Panhwer Training and Conference Hall”. Mr. Aamir Raza Memon,
Senior Program Officer CPCS showed the 10 minutes audio-visual presentation on CPCS
through multi media. Everyone took grave interest and appreciate the work of CPCS
after watching presentation. Ms. Sassui Palijo, Provincial Minister for Culture
Department of Sindh, was requested to inaugurate “Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo research
Library” by cutting the ribbon with Caesar. And Mr. Wilson Lee inaugurated the CPCS
new office by cutting the ribbon.
After formal and short ceremony of cutting ribbon, all guests moved to the sitting hall
and special guests and speaker were invited to sit on the stage. The ceremony of the
speeches started with welcome speech of Mr. Jami Chandio who warmly welcomed all
the honorable guests and individuals. He also greeted CPCS team for the work and new
office. Mr. Jami also talked about the vision and objective of CPCS. All speakers were
requested to take 5 minutes for his or her speech due to time restrain. Two CPCS fellows
were asked to tell their experience participating in CPCS training programs for a one
year course. Mr. Ibad-u-Reham, CPCS training Alumni, shared his views and said that the
28
trainings of CPCS opened the eyes to see the world in different way. It gave the
knowledge of understanding true spirit of democracy, rule of law, political pluralism,
secularism and freedom, said Mr. Ibad adding that the experience with CPCS is worth
living for the rest of life in any profession or walk of life. Miss Nusrat Shahani, another
CPCS training alumni, said that CPCS training programs and other dialogues, seminars or
conferences have made me to be a critical, responsible and active citizen. It has not only
given the knowledge and skills but provided the sense of belonging, ownership and
responsibility to play a role for democratic and peaceful society, said Miss Shahani.
In his short speech, Dr. Akash Ansari, the head of civil society organization based in
Badin, appreciated the works of CPCS and emphasized all non governmental
organizations to work with credibility and commitment like CPCS. Mr. Suleman Abro,
who is also head of another non governmental organization SAFWCO based in
Hyderabad, showed great interest and deep attention to the programs of CPCS and the
youth (training alumni of CPCS). Admiring the role of CPSC in her speech, Dr. Fahmida
Hussain Memon, the Chairperson Sindhi Language Authority, said that the organizations
like it can change the society and public institutes should learn from such organizations.
Mr. Wilson Lee, The guest from NED Washington DC, appreciated the work of CPCS and
admired the activism, clarity regarding the issues and motivation in the youth whom he
met in CPCS’s programs.
Ms. Sassui Palijo, the Guest of Honor, said that it is pride for us to see the institutes and
centers like CPCS. She announced to donate all publications and books of culture
department for Library. Ms. Sassui emphasized to promote such activities and programs
which ultimately strengthen democratic political parties. She also addressed the hurdle
29
and obstacles created by non-democratic forces, religious extremism and terrorism for
continuity in democratic process. Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza, the Chief Guest, in his style of
emotional public speech, said that CPCS is the institute which creates the young minds
for future, who will fight with weapons of art, knowledge and pen against fanatism,
terrorism and feudalism. Dr. Mirza expressed deep feelings of happiness and
contentment for the rapid growth and result of CPCS. He appreciated the hard working
of CPCS team in right direction. The last but not least speaker of the program, Mr.
Ghulam Ali Alana who presided the session of speeches shared his experiences of
creating and building the institutions. He admitted that to run and build the institute is
big and difficult task. He hope, in his words, that CPCS would prove more and more in
future for playing its role to develop the society at world’s standards.
Meanwhile the speeches, the team of little friend “Children’s Knowledge Club of CPCS”
presented cultural tablos and sang peace songs on stage to entertain the guests. After
the completion of speakers’ session a very popular singer, Mr. Sawan Faqir and his team
were invited to sing the Sindh’s eternal mystic and peace songs. Mr. Aamir Raza hosted
the whole program and played the role of stage secretary. At the end of program all
guests were requested to proceed for dinner.
4.5 Publications:
CPCS published first discussion paper in Urdu on
Crisis of Democratic Federalism and National
Autonomy-Sindh Case “Pakistan mein Jamhori
Wafaqiyat ka Buhran aur Quomi Khudmukhtyari”.
The paper is an abridgement (in Urdu language) of
Jami Chandio’s research book on the subject which
he wrote during his 5 months fellowship at National
Endowment for Democracy (NED), Washington DC.
The series of discussion papers will be comprised of
30
six discussion papers on various political issues on democracy, federalism, natural and
financial resources and other major issues of smaller provinces and federation.
31