FOCUS PAKISTAN seminar on CORRUPTION and Punishment
Friday 21st January at 3pm, venue LCCI
FOCUS PAKISTAN is a self sponsored , registered NGO and a member of WANGO, dedicated to bring national issues in focus. It is a general information about our next Seminar. Prior to this event we have addressed the issue of accountability of corruption in July 2010. Since that time we had many discussions and input from audience to carry our mandate further in search of solutions of this menace. Main theme of this seminar is to define our legal and constitutional position regarding punishment and its implementation. We are fortunate and honored to have a distinguished panel of experts.
You are requested to please send a comprehensive outlines of your introduction. Please send your mailing address for formal invitation.
Thanks
Dr Owais Farooqui, President
FOCUS PAKISTAN |
FOCUS SEMINAR
CORRUPTION AND PUNISHMENT
In our society, corruption is so deep-rooted and widespread that we cannot put that down without bringing about a complete change of the system of governance and societal transformation of values. DR OWAIS FAROOQUI, president, FOCUS PAKISTAN
FOCUS PAKISTAN conducted an eclectic seminar on the topic of ' Corruption and Punishment'. The upshot of the seminar was that corruption should not be tolerated at any level of civil society and of the state and that the proven corrupt should be swiftly condemned and punished. Among the panelists were QUDRAT ULLAH Ch, Professor EHSAN AKHTER NAZ, Dr NELOFER MEHDI, ABID HASSAN MINTO, MR ASLAM Ch former Advisor chairman NAB, ALAMA SAEED AZHAR and MUHAMMAD RIAZ former consultant NAB.
The participants of the seminar emphasized that the rampant corruption in society is eroding the foundations of society such that the country is facing complete destruction. Corrupt practices are no longer restricted to to the domains of bureaucracy, banking and fiscal spheres, the malaise has seeped to the core of the political system and elected representatives. Intellectual circles and sections of the media are tainted. Even clergy are entirely immune from corruption as some eagerly seek spoils of the political war game at the cost of principles and integrity. Dr Owais Farooqui, chairman Focus Pakistan opined that corruption cannot be put down without a change of political set up and a concerted action by civil society. A society based on feudalism and vulgar deference to wealth and political power only promotes corrupt practices and unabashed pursuit of wealth and political leverage by fair means or foul.
Well known journalist Qudratullah Chaudhry said that an unhindered use of authority without accountability facilitates corruption, excesses and irregularities of all kind and variety. As rightly emphasized corruption cannot be controlled unless the system is transformed and such a transformation cannot be brought about unless the citizens make sure that only sincere, honest and hard working persons are elected who are committed to implementing change.
Dr Nelofar Mehdi made a pointed case for self-correction by each individual actor so a critical mass of the citizenry is formed who in turn would act as a catalyst for change and would provide a bulwark against corruption in society and the government.
Former consultant to NAB, Aslam Chaudhry said that clearly the official corruption is on the record of all previous and present regimes but sadly no one except the judiciary and a section of the media gives this issue a priority. Important and loud cases of corruption remain dormant in files and exemplary punishments are simply evaded even against the proven corrupt. Former Advisor NAB, Riaz Majeed more or less made the same point. The upshot of the argument of the former NAB officials was that No punishment, no deterrence.
Alama Saeed Azhar in his literary presentation appealed that all of us in whatever field of life we may belong, must do a self critique and change our own attitude to corruption so that we as individuals and as society have zero tolerance for any corruption, financial, political, intellectual, religious or social kind and put up a determined fight against corruption and for an appropriate and swift punishment.
The eminent jurist Abid Hassan Minto in his moderating address termed it a great tragedy that corrupt individuals do not face the adverse consequences of corruption as they continue to be well received in our society on the steam of vulgar display of wrongfully acquired wealth, feudal lineage, bureaucratic status or political connection. He was in grief citing among a host of prominent examples, the removal of a parliamentarian by an act of judiciary, found guilty of fraud and forgery and then promptly reelected with an active support of the party and unseemly campaigning by the prime minister himself.
The seminar participants and the moderators all were unanimous in their view that an urgent focus is required on the issue of corruption and punishment. To this end the need of the time is to organize a vigorous social mobilization in the form of a Movement by the civil society against corruption.
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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Round Table Conference
“Educating Pakistan: Myths & Realities”
Focus Pakistan organized an interactive discussion on Wednesday, 18th 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.
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”
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. |
