Govt asked to promote organic farming for a healthy society

Govt asked to promote organic farming for a healthy society

Businesswomen asked to explore economic benefits of organic farming

Organic agriculture benefits environment, production and conserve nature

Islamabad: Sept 22

Samina Fazil, founder President, Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday asked the government to promote organic farming for a healthy society and prosperous farming community.

The government should adopt an organic farming policy, promote the use of genetically non-modified seeds, launch awareness campaign and bring at least 15 per cent of the land under organic farming, she said.

Businesswomen should to explore opportunities in the lucrative field of organic farming which promises good returns, benefits environment, boost production and conserve nature, she said while speaking at a workshop jointly organised by IWCCI and TheNetwork.

Samina Fazil said that there is a great demand of different varieties among growing number of organic food consumers which can be exploited by the business community.   

She said that organic farming can reduce cost by over 25 per cent by abandoning the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides; it minimise soil erosion by around 50 pc and increasing crop yields up to five-fold within five years.

Organic farming supports wildlife, improve entire ecosystems and reduce contamination in the ground water while dairies can ensure better livestock health, less sickness, and better milk and meat for consumers, said Samina Fazil.

Asking the business community to consider organic food stores across the country, she said that organically grown products are free from harmful chemicals, artificial flavours and preservatives which improve health and reduce healthcare costs.

It reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer because it is not loaded with toxins and chemicals, she informed.

Those who cannot find organic food in the vicinity can start developing good eating habits and reduce the hazardous impact of pesticides from initiating kitchen gardening, she said.

TheNetwork was represented by Rubina Bhatti, Dr. Sobia Faisal, Waheed Iqbal,  Saira Khalid, Sahaab Farooq and Arish Naseem. 

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Business community fears economic contraction after IMF deal

Attaining growth within IMF limits biggest test for Govt: FPCCI

Govt may not be able to accomplish economic objectives: Zubair Ahmed Malik

Dated: Sept 11

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Wednesday said using IMF loan responsibly and ensuring growth within the parameters of lender’s harsh conditions is to be one of the biggest test of the government’s ability.

IMF policies are widely blamed for chocking growth making life difficult for masses and the private sector while the PML-N is known for its pro-investment and pro-business policies, said Zubair Ahmed Malik, President FPCCI.

This obvious contradiction will make it very difficult for the government to ensure growth keeping lender happy and without compromising the falling living standards of masses, he added.

Speaking to the business community, Zubair Ahmed Malik said that majority of the population is already living below the poverty line reeling under rising inflation while businesses are finding it difficult to sustain.

“We see ahead an era of further depreciation in exchange rate, monetary contraction, massive unemployment, dwindling exports, reduced forex reserves, missed revenue targets, double digit inflation and rising cost of production,” he added.

He said that gas levy estimated at Rs105 billion, 30 to 50 per cent increase in power tariff and 30 per cent escalation in domestic power price from next month could result in increased energy theft and decelerated power sector recoveries.

Business community doubts accomplishment of the Government’s stated objectives like pushing growth rate to six per cent in five years, fiscal deficit at 4 per cent, tax to GDP ratio at 15 per cent, investment to GDP ratio at 20 per cent, and generation of 10,000MW of electricity.

Similarly, the FPCCI chief said, increase in food production and expenditure on education by 4 per cent each, pushing literacy rate to 80 per cent, 2 per cent hike in health sector spending, and creation of three million jobs seems difficult tasks. 

He noted that deadly combination of growing fiscal deficit and unsustainable trade deficit should be tacked to ensure sustainability.

Zubair Ahmed Malik said that solid and bold policy action is lacking which can tackle terrorism and sectarianism and improve socio-economic and political situation of the country which will help reform the economic fundamentals ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

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Pakistan Civil Society Forum is launched

Pakistan Civil Society Forum is launched

Islamabad Resolution 

by National Consultation of Civil Society Organizations

ISLAMABAD: A representative forum of civil society organisations from across Pakistan met today in Islamabad to discuss ways for effective engagement with federal and, provincial governments and state institutions, civil society and concerned citizens for strengthening a representative democracy, citizenship, and social and economic justice through coordinated and focused lobbying and actions. 

The national consultation held at the Aurat Foundation’s office was convened by South-Asia Partnership- Pakistan and participated by leading civil society organizations endorsed the following resolution :

We RECOGNIZE the significance and importance of this assembly in the back drop of present scenario where the country is faced with serious problems of bad governance including terrorism, lawlessness, rising poverty, energy crisis and other economic challenges. We also note with pleasure the smooth transition of power from one elected government to the other. However, we consider it important to stress on the newly elected government to take the democratic traditions forward and address to the urgent and important issues of public ensuring people centered governance.

We BELIEVE that neither the country’s development nor its policy making adequately involves public participation. As a result of the top down development, the implementation gaps notwithstanding, issues of ownership, ecology, access to resources stand majorly compromised. We emphasise that planning and development must be a bottom-up approach and the state must make an effort to make people’s involvement in their own development and future possible.

We NOTE with concern a gradual indiscernible reversal of devolution through the Constitutional Reforms (18th Amendment) that will deprive the people of Pakistan of a landmark gain through a democratic process. Ambiguities in the responsibilities and authorities of the federal and provincial institutions demand clarity and reconstitution of roles. We believe the constitution and 18th Amendment must be considered as guiding principles to determine the role of the federal government and provincial governments. Federal government’s obsession with trespassing into provinces’ domain will have far reaching ramifications. This approach has intensified a deep rooted distrust among federating units and must be refrained forthwith. There is a need to take devolution process from provinces to district level with substantive institutional reforms and genuine representation of the public.

We are also TROUBLED with issues of gender discrimination, growing intolerance against non-Muslims and the rising trends of ethnic and sectarian violence all over the country.

We are HUMBLED with the contribution and gains of civil society organizations in upholding citizens’ rights, relentless struggle for fundamental freedoms, free judiciary and democratic development. This assembly concludes with this resolve to continue its struggle for further deepening democratic processes and traditions through coordinated and focused actions among diverse civil society groups and institutions.

We RESOLVE forming the Pakistan Civil Society Forum as a joint platform of action, coordination and engagement with government, national and international institutions. We believe this platform will be instrumental in promoting joint actions for citizens’ rights and bridge the gap between government and people, advocate issues of fundamental importance to people and reemphasize important issues in the national agenda. 

THE Forum REAFFIRMS its commitment for continuing its struggle for citizens’ rights and democratic, human and social development in the country.

We REASSURE our constituents to become a viable and effective platform for coordination, collective actions, lobbying and engagement with diverse actors including political parties, federal and provincial governments, media, national and international institutions.

A national level core committee has been formed comprising representatives of all federating units and rights-based organizations. The committee will engage other CSOs, public representatives, state institutions and concerned citizens for further diversifying its support base.

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Govt asked to promote new investments in energy sector

No poverty reduction sans ample energy

Provision of energy imperative to transform lives

Energy enables people to work their way out of poverty

August 19

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday asked the government to promote new investments in the energy sector by introducing better regulations as poverty cannot be reduced in presence of energy scarcity.

Access to energy is imperative to transform lives which is not getting proper attention on the national and global level as majority of Pakistanis as well as a third of the world’s population has no access to modern energy services, it said.

Tens of millions in Pakistan and 1.3 billion people worldwide are still without any form of electricity and 2.7 billion people still cook over open fires despite availability of solutions, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

Estimates say in the next seventeen years three billion will cook with traditional fuels, more than 30 million people will have died due to smoke-related diseases and hundreds of millions will be confined to poverty due to lack of energy, he informed.

Of those who don’t have access to modern energy around 70 per cent are women who spend significant time and money to obtain energy that is not only unpredictable, expensive, unsafe, and highly polluting, he said.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that lack of access to electricity also prevents the development of key social programmes like education, health, sanitation and provision of clean drinking water, continuing a cycle of poverty that is very difficult to break.

He said that energy is vital to escape poverty but unfortunately lack of interest on the part of governments has left a third of the world’s population has no access to modern energy services which is impeding global growth.

He said that Pakistan government should boost efforts to tame energy crisis and promote new investments as provision of electricity is linked to development of agriculture, industry, trade,  jobs, medicine, sanitation and water purification.

Every dollar invested in a solar energy generates more than $46 in economic benefits in the first year alone; it results in a stronger economy, a healthier population, and enables parents to ensure a bright future for their families.

He said that energy enables people to work their way out of poverty, it provides better access to basic services while improving health and wellbeing of everyone, especially that of women and children.

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IWCCI expresses concern over rising inflation

Govt may miss inflation target for the current fiscal

Situation to improve if Govt fulfils its reform agenda

Stock market optimistic about Govt policies

Dated: August 11

Islamabad:

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday expressed concern over rising inflation and economic slowdown which is adding to the miseries of the masses.

Government should take immediate steps to contain inflation otherwise it may miss the target of keeping inflation at 8 per cent in the on-going fiscal, said Farida Rashid, President IWCCI.

In a statement issued here today, she said that high inflation will compromise Pakistan’s bargaining position with the international lenders during negotiations.

There is no chance of any improvement in the income of masses therefore rising inflation will result in more poverty, reduced savings, decreased investments as well as contracted growth rate, she added.

She warned that inflation would erode local currency while the central bank will have no option but to hike the policy rate in the first monetary policy under the new political setup.

Farida Rashid said that upward revision of interest rates will make loans costly for government as well as business community which will cast a negative shadow on economy.

It will force many businesses to become uncompetitive resulting in lost opportunities at home and abroad, colossal losses, bankruptcies, lower tax collections and unemployment, she warned.

Farida Rashid said that credit of recent wave of price hike goes to the fiscal policies of the former government while the recent steps like hike in Sales Tax and increase in prices of electricity and petroleum products is also to be blamed.

Absence of proper mechanism to check prices during the holy month of Ramadan has also contributed to the hike in prices of food items, she added.

She said that situation can improve if the PML-N government successfully fulfils its reform agenda that comprise reduction in budget deficit, attracting foreign investment, taming energy crisis and control precarious law and order situation.

All the stock markets performed well ahead of the Eid holidays which could be attributed to the confidence of portfolio investors in the government economic policies.

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Pakistan cannot afford luxury of wasting Rs500 billion annually on SOEs

PML-N led government can steer the country out of economic mess

SOEs proved to be white elephants in absence of proper accountability

August 08

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Thursday said Pakistan cannot afford the luxury of wasting Rs. 500 billion annually on inefficient state-run-enterprises (SOEs).

Almost all the entities created by the government in order to partake in commercial activities on the government's behalf have proved to be white elephants in absence of a proper accountability mechanism, it said.

Sucessive government have been mixing politics with business which have transformed state-run corporations into most unproductive segment wasting almost Rs 1.5 billion daily, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

Governemnt should bring an end to political interference in these corporations or privitize them on fast pace if it cannot shield these from unnecessary interventions, he added.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that the environment of majority of corporation has deteriorated to an extent that reputed professionals from private sector fail to give positive results when entrusted for top slots.

Time has come when we should admit that these valuable assets have become burdensome possession while the cost of upkeep has surpassed its worth, he added.

He said that PML-N led government can steer the country out of economic mess to put it on the path of sustainable economic growth for which bold decisions are needed.

Lauding the difficult decision like upward revision of electricity tariff and petroleum prices, he said that more meaningful reforms are needed like that announced for the ailing energy sector.

Governemnt should also revisit politices regarding taxation, exemptions, and subsidies which have eroded its ability to initiate maga projects without foreign aid and spend more on welfare of masses, said Dr Murtaza Mughal.

Good governance, honest measures, true accountability and just taxes on all sectors including agricultural income can help government earn  reputation which is essential to push reforms agenda without opposition from masses.

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Rising dollar and falling rupee exposes Govt, IMF deal

Rising dollar and falling rupee exposes Govt, IMF deal

July 26

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Friday said rising dollar and falling rupee has exposed the secret deal between government and IMF to depreciate the local currency.

The sliding rupee has also exposed expertise of the economic managers of the incumbent government, it said.

The deal between government and the lender is also evident from the role of SBP which has been reluctant to take concrete steps to stabilise the exchange rate, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that depreciation in the value of rupee will invite inflation as Pakistan heavily relies on imports. Moreover, it will add to the foreign debt and make life of masses miserable.

Overseas Pakistanis will prefer to send money through hundi as the difference in interbank and open market rate is at unprecedented level, he added.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that there was no justification in the rapid erosion of rupee as overall economic situation was calm, indicators are as usual and there was not major change in the position of forex reserves.

A check on Dubai-bound flights can expose all the elements involved in flight of capital, hoarding of dollars and turning of black money into white, an evidence of blooming grey economy, he informed.

Exchange rates should not be taken lightly as it is among the most analysed and forecasted indicators in the world. The currency markets are the most liquid in the world with a daily turnover of close to $2 trillion as compare to $ 70 billion on the New York Stock Exchange.

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Flawed education system a threat to future generations

Flawed education system a threat to future generations

Islamabad: (July 24)

Pakistan is going through a severe education crisis as ever tenth illiterate school-age child in the world is a Pakistani, an educationist said Wednesday.

Decades of apathy has placed Pakistan in second position on the global ranking of out-of-school children after Nigeria, said Dr Naeem Ghani, Chairman Sultana Foundation.

Majority of the poorest countries would allocate more resources to the education leaving Pakistan with one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world, he said while speaking at a seminar.

Dr Naeem Ghani said that lack of financial support and commitment on the part of governments has left a minimum of 25 million children without schools while their number could swell to 50 million in fifteen years with disastrous social and economic consequences.

He said that 17.6 per cent of children are working instead of going to school while 23 per cent of all school-age children, mostly girls in rural areas, are still out of school for various reasons that include absence of like separate toilets.

Currently a minimum of 1,000 schools have no building, 30,000 school buildings are shambling and many more have no boundary walls, he said.

Teachers and students in many government schools have to focus more of roof than education to save themselves from loose bricks that can fall on them anytime.

Education of the girl child is extremely important as no education policy can work without gender balance which is yet to be taken seriously, he said.

Child labour is a result of the poor economic conditions of the country which can be tackled through government’s move to ensure equitable distribution of wealth, the veteran educationist said.

He said that government funds are skewed towards higher education while the lower income classes are unable to enjoy subsidies and opportunities.

Quality of education is declining due to shortage and quality of teachers, out-dated curriculum, poorly equipped laboratories, cheating, lack of facilities and overcrowded classrooms, he noted.

Ghani said that policymakers can consider making government jobs conditional to providing education to few unschooled.

He said that Sultana Foundation has prepared special modules for all segments of school-less children which are being implemented in Moqa Schools set up in rural areas of twin cities.

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Proper usage of borrowed money real test of the government

Nothing wrong in getting IMF loan as last option

Decision of equitable loadshedding questioned

July 08

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Monday said securing IMF loan was not a success unless the government ensures proper utilization of borrowed money to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Real test of the government will be to best utilize the money and fulfill promises with the international lender to improve economy and boost credibility, it said.

Pakistan was left with no option but to accept IMF conditions or face a default as the former government left Rs. 14.3 trillion of domestic loans, Rs. 500 billion circular debt, external financing requirements of $ 11.5 billion and budget deficit at 9 per cent, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

Pakistan would have been a developed country if if half of the money borrowed in past was utilized properly, he said adding that asses were expecting a good decision on taxing agricultural income to balance the taxation regime which hasn't happened.

Moreover, he said, many former governments ignored economical ways to secure energy and preferred the costly western solutions which has resulted in an energy mix where country is using 75 per cent of costly fuels and only 25 per cent of cheap solutions.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that this policy hiked the power generation cost to Rs. 14 per unit in which Rs. 5 is given as subsidy which is simply unsustainable for an economically challenged country like Pakistan.

He warned that energy theft has touched Rs. 250 billion mark which will register increase if the government continued to ignore the issue.

Decision of equitable load-shedding across country should be revisited. The areas with high theft ratio theft should face more load-shedding while the consumers of the regions with minimum theft should enjoy better power supply, he opined.

Such a decision will reward honest consumers and push people to point towards power thieves which will improve overall situation, said Dr. Mughal.

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Pakistan inching towards food crisis: PEW

Pakistan inching towards food crisis: PEW

July 07

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday asked the government to act immediately as country is inching towards severe food crisis.

The food insecure masses of Pakistan will have to pay the heavy price if government continued to delay decision regarding import and export of wheat as local stocks are not enough to meet food requirements until the next crop, it said.

The situation of wheat reserves is far from satisfactory as around 7.5 million tonnes of commodity with the federal and provincial governments is insufficient, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

According to an independent estimate, Pakistan produced a total of 22.8 million tons of wheat in 2013 which was 2.2 million less than the set target of 25 million tonnes, he added.

He said that further delay in taking the right decision will harm masses and government while hoarders will stand ultimate benefices as usual.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that increasing smuggling, hoarding and exports have put additional strain on wheat reserves which can be controlled through a ban on exports which has reached above 1.5 million tonnes.

On the other hand, wheat imports have become meaningless for many in presence of five per cent WHT which must be abolished or reduced to avert threat of food insecurity.

Otherwise, he said, soon there would be a shortage only to benefit hoarders who remain untouchable for the authorities concerned.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that currently ample quantity of wheat is available in the international market at reasonable price but delay in the decision will jack up international prices for which masses will have to pay.

The current situation is test of the new government while a failure will have a heavy political cost, he said.

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Half-truth by energy officials amounts to whole lie

Govt misleading masses on CNG issue

July 03

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday alleged that top government officials have started a campaign against CNG sector by misguiding masses by presenting doctored figures.

The incumbent administration is following the footsteps of former government by holding back the truth hidden from the common people to fulfil their objectives without public uproar, it said.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has started speaking the language of influential lobbies who have thrown the country into unmanageable energy crisis for their profits, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that government seems to have planned to get rid of the world’s largest CNG industry to please influential sector and continue the unjust distribution of natural gas.

The minister has claimed that over 30 per cent CNG stations are involved in gas theft without mentioning names of the operators or any action taken against them or pointing towards officials of gas utilities involved, he said.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that if the recent assertion of Mr Abbasi is accepted and half of the natural gas consumed by these CNG stations is considered to be stolen, still it would make mere one per cent of the total natural gas produced in the state.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on June 07 said that 11 per cent of the natural gas is wasted to line losses, leakages and theft. He should not only focus on CNG sector and let people know about other influential sectors involved in the theft of the rest of natural gas.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that only politically connected CNG operators can steal natural gas with the connivance of gas officials while any action against them seems to be improbable any time soon.

He said that baseless propaganda against CNG sector and its consumption could be a conspiracy to justify unjust distribution of hydrocarbon resources, support petroleum and liquid gas mafias, lift captive power mafia and pave way for personal gains.

Many countries employ qualified energy managers to ensure smooth flow while here all the energy related issues are left to politicians and incompetent bureaucracy who have always danced on the tune of powerful energy mafia, said Dr. Mughal.

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IWCCI asks Govt. to complete IMF package deal urgently

Govt lauded for showing true picture of economy

Move helped restore confidence of business community

Broadening tax base better option than printing money

IWCCI asks Govt to complete IMF package deal urgently

Islamabad: June 23

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday lauded the government for showing true state of economy to the nation which has improved confidence of business community in their leadership.

The statement of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar that the government would have to look towards the IMF and other donors to start returning foreign debts calls for an urgent action, said Farida Rashid.

She said that former government damaged the economy, took 200 per cent loan of Pakistan’s quota and left Rs500 billion circular debt unsettled, now the country will face a default if it failed to return three billion dollars to IMF during 2013-2014.

She asked the government to finalise a deal with IMF for a loan of five billion dollar minimum on urgent basis so that Pakistan can avert a default.

The current situation is result of the inaction of the previous government which signed the loan agreement with the IMF in 2008 but failed to reform the tax system, state corporations, energy sector, eliminate subsidies and bring down fiscal deficit to 4 per cent as promised during negotiations.

The indecision of former unpopular rulers has brought country on the brink again which cannot make it on its own, she noted.

Farida Rashid said that new IML loan will restore the confidence of World Bank, ADB, and other donors to support Pakistan.

It will improve investment climate, result in continuity of policies, reduce flight of capital and relocation of industries and erosion of local currency to stabilise exchange rate.

Farida said that unlike former rulers, the incumbent government has decided to stop printing excessive currency and broaden the tax net which is a very positive development.

She said that government should think about the impression that it plans to burden masses through taxes while sparing wealthy.

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Civil Society urges Government to enact law to end Torture

PAKISTAN: Civil Society urges Government to enact law to end Torture 

International Day in support of Torture victims

Rights-based organizations, HR defenders vow to synergies efforts to combat Torture

LAHORE:(26^th June 2013): "The large scale instances of torture in custody is a common practice in Pakistan and there is no law in the country to stop this menace. The Parliament of Pakistan should enact law for criminalization of torture. Govt. of Pakistan must respect all international treaties and ratify the optional protocol on Torture. Despite prohibition of torture in the Constitution of Pakistan under the article 14 (2), police and other law enforcement agencies are running detention and torture cells. These centers must be immediately closed and the perpetrators of Torture must brought to justice".

These demands were made by speakers at a civil society seminar on 26^th June 2013"Ending Torture: Protecting Human Rights", jointly organized by Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), South Asia Partnership-Pakistan (SAP-PK) and Anti Torture Alliance (ATA) Pakistan, in connection with international day in Support to Torture Victims, here on Wednesday at HRCP Hall.Among main speakers were I.A. Rehman, Mohammad Tahseen, Khawar Naeem Hashmi, Sajida Mir, Bushra Khaliq and Zakia Arshad. A large number of representatives of civil society, Human Rights activists, media and political parties attended the seminar.

Director Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, I. A. Rehman said investigation through torture is common practice of police in Pakistan. The menace of Torture is a colonial legacy, which is continued in Pakistan since decades. Torture is generally used to extort confessional statements from detainees. It has become societal attitude. Most of jail inmates in Pakistan are under trial prisoners, which is tantamount to torture as well. Similarly handcuffing of under custody is illegal but the police is still practicing it. The state agents justify torture "in good faith" for national security.

Talking about Article 2 of UNCAT, he urged state to incorporate admin, judicial and legal reforms in their respective legal systems. Even during war torture cannot be justify, he clarified. Under the UNCAT "No state shall hand over to another state any person, who might be tortured".

He urged the state develop mechanism to ensure protection and safety of Human rights defenders. It is imperative for the civil society as well to initiate solid steps to protect victims of torture by forging unity to stand up against the menace by involving rights-based group, HR activists and individuals.

Focal Person Anti-Torture Alliance (ATA) Pakistan, Bushra Khaliq said there are 1300 police stations in Pakistan and it can assumed that at least 1300 persons are tortured every day. Two important conventions were ratified in 2010, which prohibits torture. She clarifies that Section 332-337 of PPC deals with Hurt, and not Torture.

She said at present there is no law to criminalize custodial torture in Pakistan, this reason giving rise to incidents of unabated torture in police custody. Thousands of cases of severe torture in police custody are reported every year. Sexual violence is reported by up to 70 per cent of women in police custody, along with the violation of their basic human rights. Making torture a criminal offence can stop this menace .She said there are no adequate and proper independent investigation procedures in Pakistan to investigate through modern and scientific methods including the forensic method in the criminal justice system. She urged upon the authorities to modernize the criminal justice system with development of proper complaint centers and the Judicial Commission must immediately start the reforms; particularly in lower judiciary and also make reforms in prosecution system.

Director South Asia Partnership (SAP-PK), Mohammad Tehseen, presenting civil society charter of demands said besides enactment of law its implementation mechanism more important. The government must perform its constitutional responsibility and check the menace of custodial torture. He said Pakistan has ratified the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) in June 2010, but it has yet to take steps for the implementation of this convention.

Making torture a punishable crime only can stop this. He demanded legislation for an absolute ban on torture by police, law enforcement agencies, state or non-state actors for a peaceful society. He said the provincial governments must improve the condition of human rights standards at police stations, lock ups and jails.  At least female SHOs can be appointed in the model police stations in different parts of the province. He shared the incident of murder of young child by a feudal lady in Jatoi village.

Renowned Journalist Khawar Naeem Hashmi, himself a torture victim, said in his testimony, Pakistan is not a free country, 18 crore population is facing state torture daily. Talking about his struggle for press freedom and his ordeal in police custody during Gen. Zia-ul-Haq martial law, he said he was detained in Lahore Fort, where had to face worst form of inhuman torture. Hundreds of political activists were subjected to torture during martial law period, however, the stories of these torture victims are not documented, he lamented.  It is important to highlight the struggle and stories of these brave victims

Political Activist and torture victim Sajida Mir, said in her testimony that in martial law regimes political workers and innocent people are arrested and subjected to state-sponsored torture. They did not spare even women, who dared to resist the regime. Police exploit political workers and women, which is another form of torture. Thana culture never changed and police stations had become hubs of torture and bribery, she added. He demanded of the government to end torture culture in police station and there should be sensible police officers appointed in police stations

Zakia Arshad from SAP-PK said lack of public awareness on the human rights has also aggravated the issue of rising torture and ill treatment. Therefore there is a strong need for the sensitization of the lawmakers, judiciary and law enforcement bodies on the subject of torture. It is also observed that legislators are the least interested in making a law against torture, she added.

Testimonies from the floor threw detail light on the incidents of torture and its implications on the societal attitudes.

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Terrorism to resurface if tribal areas ignored by policymakers

Next Govt asked to focus on reviving industry in tribal areas

Terrorism to resurface if tribal areas ignored by policymakers

Call for facilitating businesses in tribal areas to ensure peace

May 29

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday asked the next government to escalate the revival of industrial activities in tribal areas.

After years of unrest some peace has been restored and life has becoming normal which calls for renewed efforts to support people of tribal areas living miserably, it said.

New wave of terrorism can resurface in the tribal areas if government continued to ignore the revival of business activities in Fata and Pata, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that business community and overseas Pakistanis should also invest in militancy-hit and cash-starved tribal areas while government should ensure conducive environment, proper communication facilities and smooth supply of energy.

Government should support indigenous industry and businesses, develop public private partnerships, frame proper for setting up industrial estates and zones, hold expos, seminars, job fairs and other activities to promote investment in tribal belt, he said.

Similarly, Dr Murtaza Mughal said, banks should extend their coverage and introduce micro credit schemes in the neglected areas.

Despite vast resources, the tribal region has limited economic base to cater to the basic needs of millions of tribal people because of the neglect spanned over decades, he observed.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that many industrial concerns have been closed in tribal territory while few have luckily been surviving. Few years back there were fifteen vegetable ghee units in tribal belt while the number has come down to two catering for one sixth of the demand in tribal areas.

He criticised the ghee producers of the settled area who are conspiring against the two surviving units to impose certain levies in violation of the constitutional immunity to get them closed and seize the entire market of the tribal area.

The FBR should not pay heed to the demand Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturing Association forwarded through letter No. PVMA/1097/FBR/2013 as it will be illegal and unconstitutional which will deprive hundreds of their jobs, demanded Dr Mughal.

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