“ENIGMA OF DIVORCE IN PAKISTAN” BY ZAMURRAD AWAN, PUBLISHED IN DAILY TIMES, APRIL 08, 2015

“FEMALE POLITICAL MOBILISATION” BY ZAMURRAD AWAN, PUBLISHED IN DAILY TIMES, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Article “The Other Half”, written by “Dr Syed Farooq Hasnat and Zamurrad Awan”, Published in “Pakistan Today”, on 9th May, 2013.

THE PLIGHT OF PAKISTANI WOMEN IN CONDITIONS OF CONFLICT BY SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN, PUBLISHED IN, PAKISTAN TODAY, 4th DEC 2011

A Review on Punjabi Play “ Kholo Surt Mat di Bari” Organized by ‘Simorgh Women’s Resource and Publication Centre’

A Review on Punjabi Play “ Kholo Surt Mat di Bari” Organized by ‘Simorgh Women’s Resource and Publication Centre’

On 15th October 2010, a Punjabi play was organized by ‘Simorgh Women’s Resource and Publication Centre’ based upon the findings of an action research project “Ours by Right”. The focus of the play was women’s right of inheritance. The venue of this play was ‘Ali Institute Auditorium, Lahore’. According to the written invitation of the program, the play was to be conducted through a talk and followed by a question answer session with Justice ® Dr. Nasira Javaid Iqbal.
The program started after a delay of one hour, with an introductory note of Naleema Hussain, the coordinator of Samorgh. After the introductory session, Ms.Neleema requested Justice Dr Nasira for her sharing of views on women’s inheritance rights. Dr Nasira, intellectually presented her views focusing the negligence of Pakistani women, over the sensitive issue of inheritance, especially those of women. She enlightened the audience over the proportion of women share in the property of their family as a daughter, sister, wife and even a mother. She further reiterated that women can ask for assistance from court over this issue of inheritance but she should be aware of her rights and she should also make her children aware of their proper rights and responsibilities from childhood. Moreover, she stressed upon the significance of Islamic laws, regarding women share in inheritance, by saying that Islam is the only religion which acknowledges the women equal rights with men but unfortunately our society, due to its patriarchal mind-set is unable to ensure women equality even in such an obvious issues, as inheritance. After the sensitized arguments of Dr Nasira, the theater performance tried to highlight the women share in inheritance, especially in the prospect of rural setting.

After the play, Madiha Gohar, a talented theatre personality was invited to express her views. She disappointed the audience by ignoring the significance of Islamic laws regarding women right of inheritance. She totally disagreed with the views of Dr Nasira and even the views of those performers, who tried to inform the audience about the clear Islamic principles in respect of women inheritance. She further stressed on equal share of women in inheritance instead of the share as described by the Quran. She offended the audience by setting aside the justification of Islam regarding the due share of women in property. Her rather illogical arguments over this sensitive issue were not approved by even her supporters and left the audience in dejection. Before the advent of Islam, the women could not inherent any property and were treated as a house-hold property. Islam granted full share to the male members along with responsibilities regarding their old parents, widowed sisters and other related issues.

According to the program, in interaction and discussion session with participants, when the students from F.C. University and Kinnaird Colleges tried to ask questions over the remarks of Madiha Gohar, but they were “shut off” and the program was concluded by Ms Neelma.

It was completely an inappropriate way to conduct a program, particularly in which the comments of audience (students) were neglected. Moreover, to make this program effective, there was a need to highlight the issue of women inheritance in both rural and urban settings with the addition of academic discussion, accompanied by moderate views.

Shehzadi Zamurrad Awan
Senior Lecturer at Political Science Department
Kinnaird College for Women

POLITICALLY PRONE BY DR SYED FAROOQ HASNAT & SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN PUBLISHED IN 'THE NEWS' , SUNDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2010

MQM ON A ROLLER COASTER BY DR SYED FAROOQ HASNAT & SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN PUBLISHED PAKISTAN POST (NEW YORK),THURSDAY, 07 OCTOBER , 2010

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN BY SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN PUBLISHED IN PAKISTAN POST (NEW YORK), 09 SEPTEMBER , 2010

GILGIT-BALTISTAN STRIVING FOR POLITICAL MATURITY BY Dr SYED FAROOQ HASNAT & SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN PUBLISHED IN "THE NEWS", AUGUST 29, 2010

PAKISTAN SUFFERS UNDER FLOOD WATERS BY SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN PUBLISHED IN PAKISTAN POST (NEW YORK), AUGUST 26, 2010

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN BY SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN PUBLISHED in THE NATION, AUGUST 22, 2010

In Pakistan, the issue of domestic abuse has been a focus of attention
for the human rights activists, as well as for the educated women.......


The Pakistani women can achieve their equal status in domestic matters
by equipping themselves with proper education.........

Pakistani society needs to understand the basic principles of Islam,
regarding the equal status of women, so that the miss-interpretation of
Islamic law by orthodox and semi educated mullas, does not take place.........
The first hindrance is deeply entrenched in the social prejudices
against women in the society. Even within families, the mothers
themselves are the biggest culprits, as they provide full support to
their sons, in contrast to their daughters.............
It is vital that the
worth of a woman is taught to boys from early childhood and they are not
brought up to believe that they are of a rank superior to their sisters
and second is to recognise the housework she does is for the male
members of the family to share domestic responsibilities equally.


Click below to read the full article:

http://splus.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/print/Comment/22-Aug-2010/Violence-against-women

PAKISTAN, AS IT STANDS TODAY BY SYED FAROOQ HASNAT & SHEHZADI ZAMURRAD AWAN: PUBLISHED IN PAKISTAN POST (NEW YORK),

A Report by Zamurrad Awan on 2nd session of CCEP at Kinnaird College for Women,Lhr

Second Session of CCEP (Centre for Civic Education Pakistan) on the “Impact of Terrorism on Youth” at Kinnaird College for Women

On 12th of March 2010, Political Science Department of Kinnaird College for Women Lahore arranged the second session on the “Impact of Terrorism on Youth” with the collaboration of “Centre for Civic Education Pakistan”, which is a non-profitable organization based in Islamabad. The purpose of this session was to sensitize Pakistani youth about the growing threat of terrorism and to make them aware of their responsibilities as an active citizen of their motherland. The session was well-planned as it started with an introduction by Syeda Scherbano Abbas, in which she introduced the efforts of CCEP (Centre for Civic Education in Pakistan) regarding an awareness of Youth and their active role in ensuring good governance. After the brief introduction, a Hamd was recited by Sana Iqbal depicting the current insecure situation due to terrorism. Next to this, Sana Iqbal and Namrah Arooj gave a PowerPoint presentation on the concept of terrorism and the role of youth against unbridled terrorism in Pakistan.

After the presentation the guest speaker Mr. Abrar-ul-Haq delivered a thought provoking lecture on an inspirational role of youth in ensuring peace and harmony in Pakistan which is dreadfully at stake because of acute threats of terrorism. Abrar ul Haq is famous for his Pakistani pop, bhangra and folk singing. At one time, Mr. Abrar was also a part of faculty at Aitcheson College. He is the Founder and chairman of Sahara for Life Trust, which is a charitable organization promoting health and education in remote areas of Pakistan. Mr. Abrar ul Haq is also the chairman of Youth Parliament of Pakistan, which is patterned after the National assembly of Pakistan as a model parliament for young people. The Youth Parliament is a largest youth network in the country and its objective is to educate Pakistani youth about politics and democracy and to serve as a useful forum to voice the views of youth about a range of national and international issues.

While delivering a lecture, Mr Abrar introduced his “Sahara Trust for Life”, which is working on 39 projects of Youth Parliament in Southern Punjab as this area is famous for Extremist Madrassas. The purpose of these projects is to provide opportunities to Pakistani youth especially who belong to an underprivileged area so that they could not only polish their own skills but could also represent Pakistani Youth on national and international fronts. Mr Abrar emphasized on youth involvement in non-governmental Organizations which actually play a role of safety wall in current scenario of Pakistan as this could not only help them to get a clear understanding of an issue but simultaneously it would lead them towards a relevant solution.

After Lecture, while answering in Question/Answer Session, Mr Abrar stressed upon the inter-provincial harmony, deep understanding of Religion and promotion of our instigated values which could play a pivotal role in diluting fundamental elements in Pakistan. At the end, he spelled out the audience with his thought provoking poem ““Sar Utha Kar Daes Main jeeny Ka Mosam A Gaya” and revolutionary Punjabi song “Yad Khudayi kar ly k sanwain muk jana, Awain na kar zulm k ek din muk jana”. Moreover Maria Malik recited a Dua for the safety and integrity of Pakistan. In addition to this, Mr Abrar was presented with a gift and bouquet as a token of appreciation by Political Science Department. The format of the session kept the students involved till the end and a tremendous feedback made this event successful.

The whole program was assisted and guided by Ms. Saira Malik (head of Political Science Dept), Ms. Zamurrad Awan (Senior Lecturer of Political Science Dept) and with faculty of Political Science Department. The media coverage of the event was done by Geo television and City 42, Din News and Khabrain.

Zamurrad Awan
Senior Lecturer at Political Science Dept
Kinnaird College for Women, Lhr

Lecture on Structure and Functions of Bureaucracy at Kinnaird College for Women

Lecture on Structure and Functions of Bureaucracy at Kinnaird College for Women
On 24th February, Political science club of Kinniard College for Women had arranged a lecture of a senior bureaucrat and a chairman of TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority), Mr Saeed Ahmad Alvi on Structure and functions of Bureaucracy in Pakistan. Mr Alvi had started his lecture by defining the term bureaucracy derived from two words Bearu and Cracy, Bearu is a French word means an office and Cracy is a Greek word means rule or power. Therefore, the word bureaucracy reflects the rule of Bearu to handle the administrative actions in any state. The prime function of bearcats is to formulate policy by keeping in mind the needs and demands of public and to execute those policies after getting them pass by legislative branch of government. While defining the structure of bureaucracy in Pakistan, Mr Alvi told that the Federal Public Service is an authority to recruit the civil servants on the basis of merit. He coded Max Weber who presented three points while defining bureaucracy. First is that its a merit base achievement, second is that its bound by rules and the one who deviate from those rules is not been accommodated, thirds is that it’s a non-partisan service and the one who is being selected should not have any party affiliation.
Mr Alvi said that Bureaucracy is in hierarchy, and it has its own grade structure from 1 to 22. The first category is from 1 to 5 which includes peons, office boys and low cater staff, the second category is from 5 to 15 which include ministerial staff (clerks), and the third category from 16 to 22 includes the executive hierarchy. There are special services staff that are outside the hierarchy as they are not recruited through the proper channel but they serve on certain terms and conditions for short or a long time period on the basis of their expertise in certain fields. There is a miss-perception among people that the policies are formulated by legislature (parliament), but the fact is that the policies are initiated and formulated by bearcats, which make a draft law then legislature pass it through a proper debate.
While answering one of the questions Mr Alvi expressed his views about civil bureaucracy and Military Bureaucracy. He said that there isn’t any such kind of division in any country of the world. The bureaucracy is always civil but as we all know we have been a victim of long military rule therefore the history witnessed military intervention in governmental affairs of our state. So it’s a miss-conception. He also encouraged the women in bureaucracy as he stated it’s a good profession for women although they do face chauvinistic attitudes but they have all abilities to stand with men in all fields. If they remain firm about their roles, they can prove their visible presence in every field.
Zamurrad Awan
Lecturer
Kinnaird College for Women

Report on Training Workshop organized by Centre for Civic Education Pakistan written by Zamurrad awan

Report on Training Workshop organized by Centre for Civic Education Pakistan


Centre for Civic education (CCE), which is a nonprofit organization, organized a training workshop on Civic Education and Youth participation from 30th January 2009 to 26th April 2009, based on five modules held Islamabad. The workshop took place in the lecture hall of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. The stay for the non-resident participants of Islamabad was also arranged by CCE in the hostel of AIOU. The workshop was highly organized as hereafter the CCE reimbursed the travel and food allowances. Moreover, to make this workshop more interactive and timely, Mr.Quresh Khattak, Mr.Murtaza Noor and Ms Hafza worked efficiently under the kind supervision of Mr .Zafaraullah Khan, Executive Director of Centre for Civic Education. The workshop exclusively involved the students accompanied by their teachers from different colleges and universities. Therefore, the students were being invited from Kinnaird College for women Lahore, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, Peshawar University, Preston University Islamabad, Comsat College, Punjab University Lahore, Allama Iqbal Open University, and Islamic University Islamabad.
The purpose of this workshop was to sensitize students as well as the teachers regarding their positive and active role in democratic structure of Pakistan. Moreover, the objective of this training was to give them a sense of shared responsibility regarding their different role in society. Therefore, CCE organized lectures of renowned scholars, arranged activities and encouraged youth for participation through proper dialogue techniques.

The methodology through which this organization started its work was to inform, inspire and involve the youth in respective fields so that the social justice and equality which is not more then a dream for the down trodden class of our society can be ensure. To achieve this objective the interactive exercises were being arranged.

The first module was held on the development of communication skills in effective citizenship. The basic purpose was to enlighten the participants about the significance of effective communication skills for an active citizen. The 2nd module was based on civic activism, rule of law and Good Governance. The scholars who delivered their lectures on Good governance and the responsibility and role of citizens further highlighted its importance in the active citizenship.

The 3rd module was particularly addressed the most debatable issue of extremism which make the participants aware of its effects on the lives of common people. Moreover, the strategies have been discussed through which the violence can be counter. The 4th module particularly addressed Islam in contemporary world, which highlights the modern approach of Islam, so that the students get a better understanding of Islam which is not merely a religion but also a full code of conduct for living a life. The last session of this module focused on the activities which these students would organize in their own institutes after going back to their universities and colleges. It was told to them that they could take any of the topics addressed in these 5 modules to arrange a one day workshop. So that the motive to sensitize the youth of Pakistan could not stop, as the students are the real policy makers for future.

The 5th and the last module based on the citizenship in the age of Globalization, the purpose was to view the diversities and commonalities in contemporary civilization. In this last module the certificates were even distributed to the students qualified in this training workshop. The ceremony of certificate distribution took place in Sareena Hotel Islamabad.

Zamurrad Awan
Lecturer at Kinnaird College for Women, Lhr
zamurredawan@yahoo.com

Fake Video to Sabotage the Peace Agreement in Sawat by Zamurrad Awan

Questions in mind after watching such a fake video



• Does Islam allow any punishment to the women over any sin, in such an exposing way?
• Is it possible that after receiving these lashed, a women feel herself ok to get up and to move any place as has been seen in the video?
• If it really happened, didn’t the Taliban aware that they are being captured while doing such act, when we find them highly alert and organize in their all violent actions?
• The timing of sending such video is highly addressable as it was send when the peace agreement was in its way to be discussed?
• Can’t be West as a beneficiary of this video, who are already in search to prove Pakistan in respect of Islam an antagonist and fundamentalist country, where they think, there is no respect of any human lives?

Zamurrad Awan
Kinnaird College for Women, lhr
zamurredawan@yahoo.com

Gender Biased Society of Pakistan (A Case-Study of Mukhtaran Mai) by Zamurrad Awan

Gender Biased Society of Pakistan
(A Case-Study of Mukhtaran Mai)

The status of women in Pakistan varies considerably across classes, regions and the rural/urban divide due to uneven socioeconomic development and the impact of tribal, feudal and capitalist social formations on women’s lives. The Pakistani women of today enjoy a better status than most Islamic and Middle Eastern women. However, on an average,, the women’s situation vis-à-vis men is one of systematic subordination, although there have been attempts by the government and enlightened groups to elevate the status of women in Pakistani society.

Pakistani society is male dominated society where women are the centre of attention and life but this society also consider women as no more than secondary citizens which is perhaps due to the traditional; norms prevailing in the whole society. The role and status of Pakistani women in all walks of life has been highly undermined. Though over the years this scenario has changed and the awareness of woman’s abilities, her rights and her status has reached almost all parts of Pakistan which is a third world country. but this privilege of the right acknowledgment is limited as the majority of Pakistani women belong to the rural areas who work in the fields and in the industrial centre. It is a pool and virtually illiterate majority, which leads a life of physical hardship involving long hours at tedious chores for which there is neither compensation nor recognition. Most of these women bear the double burden of housework and outside work. Not only do these women have longer days than the rest of the family, but also being the last to eat, they eat less well and suffer from anemia and malnutrition.

The violence against women in Pakistan is dilemma of our society. Feminists and women’s groups in Pakistan have criticized the Pakistani government and it’s leaders for white washing the prosecution of women and typing to suppress information about their plight in the international arena. Skepticism and biased attitudes against women’s complaints of violence are common among prosecutors, police officers and medicolegal doctors in Pakistan. According to reports from 1990s, such complaints often delayed/mishandled processing and inadequate/improper investigation. The crimes against the women in Pakistan has its various forms like Sexual Abuse, Women Trafficking, Dowry abuse, Domestic Violence, Honor Killings, Marriage to Quran and many other form. After many ups and downs in the case The Lahore high court ruled on 6 June 2005 that the accused men could be released on payment of a 50,000 rupees ($840) bond. However, the men were unable to come up with the money, and remained in jail while the prosecution appealed their acquittal. Just over two weeks later, the Supreme Court intervened and suspended the acquittals of the five men as well as the eight who were acquitted at the original 2002 trial. All 14 would be retried in the Supreme Court.

The daunting step of a rural woman with an un-influential background is no doubt a source of inspiration for those women of Pakistan who never dares to break the barriers and bear the physical and mental victimization of their rights. Mukhtaran never stopped here; she was picked up by women national and international NGOs, and Human tights activist. She was nominated for many awards and souvenirs.
On 15th March 2009, Mukhtaran Mai, 37 years married to Nasir Abbas Gabol, a 30 years old police officer who was assigned to protect her as her case gained notoriety. She has been criticized for her legal marriage, when she reserved all rights regarding every decision about her life. That is totally her personal decisions, and it comes in to the personal liberty of one individual. She did lot of work for the development of her region despite of the reality that her region witnessed the cruel act of human history with her. A decent society is not easy to attain, it can only he achieved when the society has a deep sense of responsibility regarding its citizens and when the state ensure the personal privacy to its citizens. It’s the time to change the set pattern of society; in fact it’s the time to broaden our minds regarding the most sensitive issue of women rights. It’s high time now that we bear the brunt of the patriarchal mind set of our society, which make many women in relation with daughters, sisters, mothers and wives.

Lets finish the case of Mukhtaran with a thought provoking statement of an unknown writer “She’s not a feminist, she’s not an educated person, she does not have any personal politics. Yes, because of her own experience, she has an oppositional consciousness, but without really knowing why. She has a right to get along with her life”

by Zamurrad Awan
Kinnaird College for women Lhr
zamurredawan@yahoo.com

Responsibility of Media towards Ensuring Good Governance in Pakistan by Zamurrad Awan

Responsibility of Media towards Ensuring Good Governance in Pakistan

One of the most important elements of good governance in any country is the existence of free and impartial media which could make the access of common citizen possible to any happening or event. media consists of multifarious organizations such as Radio, Television, newspaper, web explorer, which serves as channels for a limitless range of conflicting views on virtually all issues, and which are frequently in competition with each other. In Pakistan, according to the All-Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS), the total combined circulation figure for daily newspapers and other periodicals was 3.5 million in 1997. Print media included 424 dailies, 718 weeklies, 107 fortnightlies, and 553 monthlies. However, the Nation wide local access was established in Pakistan within one year, and by 1999 was available to 600,000 computers, 60,000 users by 3,102 Internet hosts. These figures expose the important role of media in this age of advancement. The primary role of the media is the dissemination of information, a process through which it provides the citizens of a country with information about the programs, policies and activities of the government and also serves a watchdog function.

Media is a vehicle which guarantees the free flow of information and ideas necessary for an effective functioning of a democratic society. Although media is not formally a institution of government, but it is considered as fourth institution of government machinery after legislature, executive and judiciary. As the matter of fact, media professionals are the representatives of the people but they are not been elected but they serve as an agents of the people in that they act on behalf of the people when they seek out and disseminate information on which the people need to make political judgments and other decisions that are important for their well-beings.

The case of developing countries in regard of media policy and practice is different from the developed countries. In Developing countries, the high rates of illiteracy and widespread ignorance among a majority of their populations about the most basic issues of national importance and unavailability of basic necessities does not let them analyze the routine policies of government. Thus the prevailing disorder in the developing countries demands high responsibility on the part of media to inform the citizen and to enlighten them about political, economic and social issues. It also has a responsibility to subject government policies, programs and activities in to scrutiny and to expose corruption, misconduct and incompetence in government.

Unfortunately, this is often difficult for many leaders to do. They see any demand for accountability as a challenge to their power and authority, as an attempt to control them. They view demands for transparency as an insult to their integrity, even when they are stealing the people blind. They see the media, which embodies all of these, as a nuisance, at best, and as an enemy, at the worst. They therefore devote their resources and energies to fighting these “enemies” who seek to introduce instruments or establish institutions of accountability and transparency. All that is required is for governments and political leaders to recognize that they have a batter chance of making progress and bringing development to their countries when they expand the pool of ideas available to them by allowing effective pubic participation in the governance process.

In respect to Pakistan, the1973 Constitution provides for its citizens' fundamental rights, one of which pertains specifically to the Press, Article 19, Freedom of Speech:

Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, commission of or incitement to an offense.

This particular article guarantees the freedom of expression and freedom of the press, but it also talk about the "reasonable restrictions", so that the check could be made on the given freedom of individuals as well as of organizations to avoid any encroachments of rights. The media history in Paksiatn exhibits the bitter realities that whenever the military take over the rule, media had to face certain restrictions. In 1963 the Press and Publications Ordinance (PPO) came into being containing the harshest of laws curtailing freedom of expression and the progressive development of the media and leading to the March 1969 relinquishing of power by President Ayub Khan to General Yahya Khan who imposed martial law. In 1977, General Zia ul Haq ousted Bhutto from the prime minister position and once again imposed martial law under which abuse of journalists became public rather than covert. Journalists were flogged in public at Zia's whim. Not one single law or regulation of any progressive character was created during Zia's rule. In 1988, Benaiz Bhutto as a successor of Zulfiqar ali Bhutoo became a first Women Prim Minster of Pakisatan, She brought with her a new phase of liberalism toward the mass media laws and regulations. For example, Bhutto's government allowed government-controlled radio and television to provide daily and well-balanced coverage of the speeches and statements of its opposition in news bulletins and current affairs programs. Because the print media reaches such a small percentage of the population, this change had a significant impact on the pubic, but was returned to the old, one-sided coverage after only four months because of pressure on Bhutto by her party, the Pakistan People's Party. Specifically, the Ministry of Information no longer required issuance of permits to import newsprint and allowed a free and open system of importing newsprint at market prices.

In1997, when Pakistan Muslim League (N) came in to power , Sharif used many heavy-handed methods to deal with journalists who dared to criticize his government. He put tremendous pressure on independent journalists, using both covert and overt means of retribution. In 1999: General Pervez Musharraf overthrows Sharif, suspends the constitution, and declares martial law; government agents raid the country's most influential newspaper, Jang, because it was too critical of the government. On 1^st March 2002, Pakistan electronic regulatory authority ordinance was promulgated to regulate broadcast media in Pakistan, which was further criticized as it put restrictions on the freedom of broadcast media.

Its worth mentioning here that somehow or the other, the media is somewhere neglecting its positive an effective role to inform the citizen and its now become a tool to harass the viewers regarding the particular happening or event. To expose the dead bodies, to show the blood shed to a large scale can not give the public a food of thought in fact it prevail chaos and disturbance in society. The Television channels are being high jacked by the political parties, the journalist are writing for the particular political parties, the impartiality of the media is begin effected by such policies. The Pakistan peoples party came in third time rule after the general elections 2008, and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani in his first address on 25^th March 2008 to the parliament showed his willingness towards the freedom of media by declaring the Pemra ordinance null and void which was implemented in Musharaff regime to put the jinee of Media in the bottle. In this regard the role of former information Sherry Rehman can not be over looked who did not only allow media to record the regular proceedings of the parliament session but only resigned as she was not being discussed in some decisions related to her ministry. In such situation the media has an imperative role of not only the provision of quick and unbiased information but also to educate people socially and politically. The pessimist role of media being observed now a days, as electronic media isn’t reluctant to show the undressed dead bodies with blood which is no doubt a psychologically a bad effect on the minds of people. It’s the true fact that the people who watch television and who expire web belongs to every age, it is against the dignity of human being to expose violent actions resulted in the form of massive lose of lives in such a inhuman way. No developed county allow to on air such kinds of videos on media. Though the free media is one of the important element to ensure good governance but media need to be well aware of its responsibilities and it should not be allowed to disrespect humanity under the cover of freedom of expression.

Reference:

1. Owais Aslam Ali. Pakistan Press Freedom Report 2000. Available from http://www.oneworld.org.

2. Sarah Chaudhary, Voice of the Nation in Nation:Sunday plus,Vol.25,November 2007, pg 18

3. "Country Profile: Pakistan." Facts on File News Services. Available from http://www.2facts.com.

4. Jabbar, Javed, and Qazi Faez Isa. Mass Media Laws and Regulations in Pakistan and a Commentary from an Historical Perspective. Singapore: Asian Media Information & Communication Centre, 1997.

Zamurrad Awan
Lecturer
Kinnaird College for Women, Lhr
zamurredawan@yahoo.com

Women in Politics by Zamurrad AWan

Women in Politics

Pakistani society from its outset exhibits the patriarchal mind set with the dominance of male members over their women folk. The cultural obligations of Pakistani society predominantly supported the conservative elements; consequently women participation in social, economic and political spheres was substantially curtailed. Before going in to the details of women political status in Pakistan it would be worth mentioning that the women struggled for their rights even in Europe to whom we idealize in regard of liberal society. April Carter in his book “Politics of Women rights” reveals that prior to the First World War (1914-1918) women were fully involved in household work. By the end of the Second World War (1939-1945) however women role underwent a complete transformation. In 1960 the doors for the higher education were opened up for them that was the time when in Europe, women started participating in economic, social but political spheres.
The history of women participation in Pakistani politics started from the days of Pakistan movement, when these women worked day and night along with their male colleagues with the unflinching commitment and reposed full faith in their leader Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. However, their participation could not ensure them about their future in the new social and political settings of an independent state. After 1947, though the Pakistan attained its independence from the colonial rule, however, women continued to play a role that of a second fiddle to their male counter parts. After independence, in the first constituent assembly there were only two women to represent all the women of Pakistan. Paradoxically, when the second constituent assembly was constituted not even a single woman was given representation in it. Similarly, in the process of the framing of the first constitution of 1956, not a single woman got opportunity to represent the women of Pakistan. In 1956 constitution the female suffrage and right to vote for women on the general and reserved seats was accepted but the Martial law was imposed in 1958 and the first constitution was abrogated. However, under the strenuous pressure of a prominent organization ‘All Pakistan Women Association’ with other newly constituted women NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) Muslim Family Law Ordinance was promulgated in 1961. Ulema started a massive agitation against MFLO but the ordinance was welcomed by the civil society. In 1965, Ayub Khan decided to hold national elections in which Fatima Jinnah emerged as his opponent. Ironically despite his modernist pretensions he acquired the services of certain ulema and entrusted them with the task of issuing disparaging statements against the women leadership in an Islamic state. The election results witnessed massive rigging in polls and Ayub Khan unexpectedly won the elections, though apparently he became the president but he lost the credibility. The women candidate for such a prestigious office demonstrated how active the women in Pakistan were; moreover, it infused a new lease of life among the women activists thus the struggle for their equal status was greatly re-enforced.
In 1970 elections, women participation was not only encouraged by the political parties , establishing women wings to further motivate women in polls. The political parties included the women related issue in their manifestos. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto assumed powers in 1971, who had a liberal approach towards women empowerment. During his election campaign he mobilized women section of society to come out of their houses to cast their votes. But when the constitution making assembly was formed, only three women had been included to represent the women of Pakistan. In 1973 constitution Article 25, 27, 32, 34, and 228 ensured non-discrimination on the basis of gender but unfortunately it failed to emancipate women. In parliament, 10% seats were reserved for women; all high posts of executive and political level were opened up for women. However, the number of women seats in parliament was very small in comparison to their proportion in population.
Amrita Basu in her research paper “Women Political Parties and Social Movement in South Asia” stated “the Zia regime (1977-1988) was engaged in far-reaching programs of Islamization that sought to rescind women’s rights and reduce their public visibility.” He constituted discriminatory laws against women with the full support of religious political parties in the form Hudood Ordinance, Law of Evidence, law of Qisas and Diyat, which marginalized women in social, economic and political spheres. These laws targeted the women section of society to appease the conservative mind sets in government, consequently women role was confined in every field of life. The ambivalent stance of the Political parties in Pakistan towards women empowerment marginalized them from the rest of the society. Therefore they remained dependent on male members, in matter of their participation in social, economic and political spheres. However, this regime created such circumstances which led to setting up of the women organizations like Women Action Forum, Shirkat Gah etc. These organizations subsequently played pivotal role against women policy of discrimination against women. They made oppressed women aware of their rights and provided them a platform to launch struggle against government’s biased policies.
From 1947 to 1980 the women activism remained quite marginal. In fact the women who participated in politics belonged to the political families, having male relatives already active in politics. Thus those women didn’t represent the middle and lower class women and were not motivated enough to put forward the demands of women section to the Assemblies. Because of patrilineal structure of society the women from middle class found it almost impossible to enter in politics and if few of them managed to succeed; they worked as a rubber stamp to their male counterparts in politics. The same case happened with Benazir Bhutto who was elected as a Prime Minister of Pakistan twice. She faced the Criticism of Mullahs on women leadership during her government. It’s ironical to say that she was assassinated on 27 December 2007 in Rawalpindi on the land where the people called themselves Muslims however Islam strictly condemn the women beating. This was a murder of human rights, women rights both.
In regard of women status in Politics we need to change the mind sets of society. Thought to bring a change is not easy itself and changes are not easily acceptable and mostly they face resentments but this dream can become the reality if we try to educate our society and if we present the true picture of religion by interpreting the Islamic jurisdiction over the women participation in every field whether it is economic, social or political. In this regard we need to provide equal opportunities at par with men.
Zamurrad Awan
Lecturer
Kinnaird College for Women, Lhr
zamurredawan@yahoo.com

Book Review: " Pakistan: Sovereignty Lost" by Khurram Iqbal Awan & zamurrad Awan

Pakistan:Sovereignty Lost

Pakistan: Sovereignty Lost

By Shahid ur RehmanMr.Books, Islamabad

ISBN: 969-8500-01-4

252 pp. Rs 395.00

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Reviewed by Khurram Iqbal Awan & Zamurrad Awan

zamurredawan@yahoo.comM.phil, political Science

Government College University Lahore

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Foreign Dept is a matter of serious concern when u especially look the situation in to a national security paradigm. It does not only determine the internal condition of a state but also vibrantly communicate the international settings of a that particular state. The real problem arises when the heavy external borrowing could not be used appropriately, therefore no productivity could be ensure.such type of situation leave a deep impact upon the sovereignty of a an independent state.

Mr Shaid ur Rehman, a veteran journalist known for his economic and diplomatic reports, has beautifully figure out the the details of loans which has been miss-used by the governemnt of Pakistan. He said pointed out that the Pakistan contracted loan of worth $80 billion, however $70 billion has been repaid and $ 35 billion yet has to repay. the highly criticised point of the government strategy is that the government of Pakistan in different point of view keep on asking for resheduling or dept relief without realising the heavy burden on Pakatan’s economy in future.
while defining the history of indeptedness in Pakistan, writer shifted the blamed from economic to political decisions, as he said “it’s a national tragedy that not a single Pime Minister, President opr a a military ruler , in the peiod of 59 years, honourably left his office.”In 1947 the first loan was sought by Quaid-e-Azam, worth $2billion immediatelty after independence from the United States, as Pakistan was unable to meet their expenses being a newly born country.anopther request was claimed under the signature of Liaquat Ali khan after the after two days of his assasination, which was really a susopecious act as US envoy Avra Warren met to LiaquatAli khan, four days back and asked for Pakistan to contribute towards Middle East defence. Liaquat made the contribution contingent on a Kashmir solution and not on $2 billion. In fact, Liaquat was broaching a joint defence with Iran and Egypt, against the western bloc.

Shahid ur Rehman tells that in 1952 Wheat was importated to Pakisatn From US with the signs of “Thank you America” hanging from the animals’ necks. that show the serious sign of soveregnity lose in Pakistan, at the same time India on such an aid didnt show any gratituide to the US. Moreover, Writer consider Ayub Khan hihgly responsible to grant the Badaber Base to US to get economic assistance, which add insult to the injury.Shahid ur Rehman reveals that 1989-90 was the first financial year during which debt repayment came first in the federal budget, getting ahead of defence and development (P.74).

Writer veilout that Since 1990, Pakistan is paying $39 million every year to encash one National Highway Authority bond worth $22 million and “nobody knows when, how and why these bonds were issued” (P.84).During 1988-99, loan packages were concluded with IMF by caretaker governments and later signed by prime ministers Benazir and Nawaz Sharif governments the most suprising reality is this, there is no accountablity on these debts.

Every new governemnt didnt try to deal with trhe issue of hight debt crisi , moreover they put t he3ior 100% effort to hide the real view of Pakistan economy from their country man.In 2002 Mr Shuakat Aziz, the then finance minister reportedly told the Paris Club that he would be unable to go back to Pakistan, if he did not get debt relief. The Musharraf government has repaid $27 billion ($20.5 billion principal and $6.5 billion interest) and has reduced the debt by $1 billion. It indicates the borrowings by the military-led government.Shahid ur Rehman figure out that the total external debt of Pakistan is now 54% GDP.

Writer clearly tells that the forign assistance is a serious matter which should be dealt intelligence. if the country take such issues causually then the country would be subservient to out side powers and lending agencies by creating perpetual dependence on them. the same happend to Pakistan.Though, the writer by using original source matrial make a view of debt history of Pakistan but at the same time he has figured out the present scernario with the implications of weak economy on Paksiatn in future.