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EXECUTIVE MEMBERS MEETING, November 30, 2008

"Magazine Issue 2, Second Week of January 2009"

• Discussed general issues prevailing in Pakistan nowadays like IMF package and condition of the Pakistan Economy
• All members had tea in a light mood.
• Then discussed all the aspects of magazine -- The next issue of Focus Pakistan Newsletter which is decided to be released in the second week of January.
• Meeting came to an end and it was decided that the magazine committee would meet again on the 21st of December 2008 to finalize the things for next issue of Focus Pakistan Newsletter Release 2.

Meeting of Executive Body of ‘Focus Pakistan’

Minutes of the Meeting

Agenda

• • Launch of Focus Pakistan ‘Newsletter’
• • Linking up with Rotary Club
• • Restructuring of the Executive Body
• • Induction of New Members
• • Reactivation of the Website

Proceedings:

The chair opened the meeting. The points discussed and decisions taken are as follows:

1. 1. Focus Pakistan ‘Newsletter’:

   The chair distributed the 1st issue of the Focus Pakistan ‘Newsletter’ and informed the members about the efforts taken by the editorial board particularly Mr. Hassan N. Ansari, the Editor in-chief. He briefed the members on the concept and design of the ‘Newsletter’. The members congratulated the team on their hard work. Mr. Shahid khan mentioned about the input of all the members involved in this work. He suggested that a mailing list along with an e-mailing list should be finalized for the circulation of the ‘Newsletter’. The chair drew attention to the fact that real issues and their solutions like the energy crisis, shortage of food, educational (literacy}, poverty etc should be highlighted in the future publications. Mrs. Hammad suggested about having a young writers’ column in the Newsletter to encourage the younger generation to express their views. All the above suggestions were approved by the executive committee. The chair brought the attention of the members for sponsoring advertisement in the Newsletter. Mr. Anwar- ul-Haq announced sponsoring an advertisement in the next issue of the Newsletter. Mr. Hammad offered an advertisement permanently in every issue. All the members applauded his decision.

2. 2. Coordination with other Organizations:

   The chair introduced Mr. Asim Qadri, the President of Rotary club and informed the members of how Focus and Rotary can work together for a better Pakistan. Mr. Qadri informed the members that there are 170 Rotary clubs in Pakistan and 31 clubs in Lahore alone. He mentioned that the young Rotractors can liaise with the ‘Focus’ group as well. He suggested highlighting and acknowledging the people who are an example for others. The chair informed the house that with the help of Rotary they were planning to liaise with the Ophthalmologists from California who would not only come and train the young doctors of Pakistan but would provide on line, live consultancy to the people. Dr. Tariq mentioned that as the project was going to cost Rotary so they were still looking into it. Mr. Qadri added that they would welcome help from any source. He further informed the members that the Dutch midwifery college was already sending volunteers to help train midwives at Lahore and that the Ophthalmologists project would be finalized after the discussion with the Rotarians.

3. 3. Restructuring Focus Pakistan:

   The chair proposed to review and reorganize the executive committee after the next elections which have been delayed due to serious illness of Muzaffar Muhammad Ali, our secretary general.

4. 4. Induction of New Members:

   Three new members were inducted in the organization. Two of these, who were present during the meeting, introduced themselves. They were Mr. Adeel Aslam, an IT Professional and Miss Quratulain Mammon an Electrical Engineer respectively. Both of them showed keen desire to work for the objectives of the organization.

5. 5. Reactivation of the Website:

   Mr. Adeel Aslam volunteered to update and take care of the Website of ‘Focus Pakistan’. The members appreciated his commitment for the organization.

Following these proceedings, the meeting was adjourned at 6.30 pm

ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE

“Educating Pakistan: Myths & Realities”

Focus Pakistan organized an interactive discussion on Wednesday, 18^th January at Alhamra Hall III, Lahore on “Educating Pakistan: Myths & Realities”. The participants included former federal minister and vice-chancellor of Beaconhouse National University Sartaj Aziz, Chairman Mashal Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy, Project Director of the Directorate of Staff Development Dr Rukhsana Zia, former Chief Secretary Javed Qureshi, President Professors and Lecturers Association Nazim Husnain, Dr. Gondal and Mr. Muhammad Zubair Pervez. The participants called for mainstreaming of seminaries providing religious education so that their students could contribute positively to the national development.

The seminar began with President Dr. Farooqui briefing about the state of affairs of the education sector. The panel of educationists shared their views on different aspects of the education. The first aspect discussed was the credibility of government claim that the country has 50 percent literacy rate. All the speakers were unanimous that it was wrong figure. The speakers maintained that the literacy rate of the country was not more than 20 to 28 percent.  

They said the country was also featuring quite low at the human development index (HDI) among the countries of the world, adding the allocation of budget for different sectors and its utilization left a lot to be desired. The subjects like Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies had been introduced to produce good Muslims and patriotic Pakistan but this purpose could not be achieved as per the vision, they said.

The President of FOCUS Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Owais Farooqui is addressing the participants.
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Mr. Javed Qureshi said Pakistan, India and China had almost the same literacy rate in 1947 but now China’s literacy rate is 85 percent while that of India is 65. “Education unfortunately was never priority of governments in the past. There was little investment in this sector and the results are before us,” he explained.

The system of administration and the bureaucrats’ attitude was also responsible for decline of education. Eminent physicist Dr Hoodbhoy said “The curriculum is not fit for 21st century. Text Book Boards monopoly should end. The teachers fail in their training courses; means they are not fit to teach and should not be allowed to do so.” Instead of three education systems in Pakistan; the seminar participants held that the country should have a uniform system of education.

Mr. Muhammad Zubair was of the view that it is duty of government to provide quality education. “I would say education system is class based. We are not building one nation.”

Dr Hoodbhoy said the madaris should be stopped from functioning, as they were not preparing the students for challenges of mainstream society. He said the madressah education was producing a particular mindset, which was dangerous for the country as it was impeding the progress of society. Teaching them English and science subjects will not help change their mindset. The seminaries’ students should be admitted to public schools. And a uniform syllabus should be introduced with no division on religious education. He stressed the need for establishing Islamic research institutions.

Dr. Rukhsana Zia was of the view that nation faced an identity crisis. Madaris in other countries have evolved with the time but that could not happen here. “We have to set our targets in education but for that we first need to finalize our priorities and the direction the nation should take,” she said. 

Mr. Sartaj Aziz was of the view that Madressah education came into limelight during Afghan war, as some of their students took part in it. Painting their image as militants was not right. He added: “Emphasis of education all over the world is shifting from lectures to practically learning.” 

The participants advocated the need to initiate joint struggle at all levels, involving the government and NGOs, to give education a form of movement to achieve the desired objectives.  

There was a hot discussion about the religious education with some participants criticizing the educationists for questioning its purpose when they did not make a similar comment about other subjects. The seminar was well attended with a large proportion of youth as well as people from all walks of life

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The Panel and the Participants of the Conference.
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Meeting with senator kerry

Senator John Kerry (Presidential candidate in 2004, and presentlay Chairman of foreign relation committee) was on his first visit to Pakistan on Saturday the 14th of January 2006. President of Focus had the opportunity to meet with senator Kerry at a function organized by chairman of Pakistan Senate, Mohammad Mian Soomro. Dr. Owais had an opportunity to participate in a discussion with senator Kerry and raised the question of image of both countries and discussed mutual relations and  improvement of image. Senator Kerry discussed these issues at various length. Dr. Owais also pointed out the psychological impact of negative reports issued by various research agencies about survival of Pakistan.

President, Dr. Owais Farooqui & Senator Kerry.
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FOCUS Seminar: “Seeking JUSTICE-----A DISTANT DREAM”

was held on Monday, 3^rd October 2005 at Shalimar Hall, Pearl Continental Lahore, at 3:00 PM. Senator S. M. Zafar, Chief Justice Supreme court (r) Dr. Naseem Hassan Shah, Lahore High Court Chief Justice (r) Mian Allah Nawaz, Justice (r) Mohtarama Nasira Javed Iqbal, Senior Columnist/ Journalist Mr. Sarfraz Syed, Dr. M. Owais Farooqui, and Mr. Muzaffar Muhammad Ali delivered their opinion. A number of important personalities of the relevant orientation including senior students from local universities,  activists of various organizations, members of FOCUS PAKISTAN and the media attended and participated in the interactive session after presentations. The entire proceeding was recorded.

Renowned jurist and Senator S M Zafar said: “The judicial system in the country has been deeply corrupted and the Judges’ respect among the masses has reached its lowest level. We can not close our eyes on the pathetic situation of the judiciary, which has deeply indulged in corruption and due to that common people are not getting justice from the courts. The judiciary has perverted the whole society. He expressed that one is debarred from the responsibility of judiciary downfall and opined that judges should be held accountable”. He further added that the justice was indivisible and the whole society would have to come forward to ensure it. He hoped that a time would come soon when the people would start disrespecting the corrupt judges even on their faces and from there, the revival of judicial system will begin.

Justice (r) Naseem Hassan Shah while defending his ancestors and descendents said: “The judiciary has played commendable role during difficult periods in the history of the country. The judiciary had kept the constitutions and institutions alive even during Martial Law regime. It maintained its neutral and impartial role which helped in keeping equilibrium in the society”. He said that he served 25 years as a judge of High court and Supreme Court and knows the hardships a judge has to endure. They are working hard and disposing of the case as per their ability and capacity.

Justice (r) Mian Allah Nawaz stated: “The justice does not mean a court only, but a system in which executive and society are also integral part of it.” He said we lived in a society where 20 % people had grabbed all resources and 80 % were deprived of basic amenities. In this situation, administration of justice could not be achieved, he opined. He said the judge should be charge sheeted in cases where a substantial material was available against them. He said that the judiciary had not been given priority by every government. The judges had to take Oaths under LFO and other such orders. He urged people to come forward and support independent judiciary, which, according to him no more existed after 1954. 

 Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal focused on women’s problems and said they were the most deprived segment of the society. She said the independent judiciary would ensure the progress of the country. She demanded the abolition of discriminatory Haddood Laws.

 FOCUS Pakistan President, Dr. M Owais Farooqui in his keynote address criticized the failure of judiciary to deliver Justice to the masses. The rampant corruption, lack of accountability and severe shortage of judges were the main source of judicial delays and inefficiency. He emphasized the main purpose of  seminar was to identify the road blocks and offer suggestions for improvement.  Secretary General Muzaffar Muhammad Ali in his opening remarks said that “it’s only the justice that assures & guarantees to build a strong and secure society where justice is available to all”.

 After the presentation, audience participated in discussion and addressed questions and comments to the panelists. The seminar was well attended with a large number of young audience and representatives of various groups.

Suggestions and concluding remarks:

Senator S.M. Zafar:

• Civil society must stand up, otherwise no one will listen.

• Be a part of solution.

• Judiciary must be made accountable.

Justice ® Mian Allah Nawaz;   

• Judges should admit their guilt and be answerable to the masses.

• If the media and the judiciary can be improved, we can become a strong society.

Justice ® Nasira Javed Iqbal:

• Absence of women empowerment and lack of deliverance of justice is a major tragedy. This must be corrected by appointment of women justices at higher courts.

Chief Justice Supreme court ® Dr. Nasim Hassan Shah:

• We must acknowledge and show respect to our judges when they perform in accordance with law.

Senior Journalist, Mr. Sarfraz Sayyed:

• We must hold media equally accountable for not doing what they are supposed to and be answerable to the society.

This seminar was partly sponsored by Spring Meadows Residency.
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Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of FOCUS Pakistan was held on Saturday 17 September, 2005 at its registered office 12-St. John’s Park, Lahore Cantt.

Nineteen Members along with Executive Committee Members and Office Bearers attended, whith Dr. Owais Farooqui president the meeting.

First of all, Secretary General Muzaffar Muhammad Ali read the minutes of previous meeting; then he presented the Annual Report, and the clippings of media coverage of different FOCUS seminars and programs about enhancing Pakistan’s image. All the participants appreciated the performance. Vice President and the In charge of financial affairs, Bashir A. Sheikh presented the annual financial report. At this point, President appealed to the members to submit their annual membership fee and donate generously to FOCUS Pakistan so that we may execute our future plans easily. Also each member was requested to identify and approach potential donors. He explained that FOCUS Pakistan is initiating a new series of seminars on the most important issues, being faced by the nation in the fields of Justice, Education, Health & Environment and Pakistan's Image. It was decided that the first seminar will be on “Seeking Justice: A Distant Dream” will be held on Monday 3 October, at Pearl Continental Lahore at 3:00 PM. (All the members are invited, and they can bring their friends along with them, but it is requested that all the invitees must inform us prior to the seminar and the non-members must contribute Rs: 200 per head at our Reception Desk.)

President asked the members to comment on the current organizational structure and to raise any point about the organization. The House showed their satisfaction over current structure and the performance. In the end, President invited Mr. Javed, a Government official in his personal capacity to narrate the situation of Balochistan where he is posted. Mr. Javed portrayed the pathetic life of an average Baloch and suggested that FOCUS should take notice of it and hold a seminar on Balochistan and its people. The House approved the idea.