Press United to Serve Humanity (PUSH), a Pakistan-based non-profit, non-governmental, and non-sectarian consortium of journalists working for freedom of press and protection of human rights while celebrating Women’s Day demands the implementation of laws for protection of women rights, in letter and spirit. In a statement issued here PUSH said that despite claims discrimination against women still continues to haunt the fairer sex.

A recent report by Human Rights Commission on the eve of Women’s day carries some horrific statistics about women rights violations throughout Pakistan. According to the report during last five years 9670 women were killed only in Punjab for honour killings and property issues.

Of these 1638 women were killed by immediate relatives including husbands, brothers, fathers and other close ones. About 8041 women were killed for property and settling other such issues. About 3379 women were killed for not bringing dowry with them, besides for asking their rights. They were either killed by setting them on fire or by acid throwing. While hundreds of women who are facing Karo kari, other such honour killings and infamous Hudood Ordinance charges in the jails of the country are still to be heard. The situation is the same through out Pakistan.

Though recently Pakistani women had struggled for passage of women protection bill from the assembly and they have succeeded to some extent however opposition from some religious quarters is creating hurdles in the way of its implementation.

PUSH Pakistan salutes women throughout the world and specially Pakistan for their struggle for attainment of their rights and demands the government to come up with practical measures for their protection instead of rhetoric.

About PUSH:
Press United to Serve Humanity (PUSH) is a Pakistan-based non-profit, non-governmental, and non-sectarian consortium of journalists from the print, electronic and online media; that support freedom of the press and desire to offer their time, talents, and skills in selfless and meaningful way to serve the mankind through creating mass awareness.

Supported by the PFUJ (Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists), PUSH is determined to work together with other like-minded civil society organizations, media groups, activists and concern citizens worldwide by publicizing their news stories to global attention and to mobilize action for the implementation of the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

########

For more details, please visit: http://push.pk or send email to: info@push.pk

Email this post

International Women’s Day (IWD) holds significance and is symbolic of women empowerment, female solidarity and equality. This day is celebrated to commemorate women working in the formal and informal sectors despite the numerous cultural and socio-economic challenges encountered in their everyday lives and the courage and perseverance in surmounting these obstacles with determination. It is rooted in the centuries old struggle of women for their rights including the right to participate in society on an equal footing and equal opportunity within the economic domain.

Ghalib Nishtar, President, Khushhalibank whilst acknowledging the entrepreneurial abilities of women said “International Women’s Day has provided us with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the cause of women empowerment, particularly in the context of our country where women comprise nearly half the population. Our own experience within the microfinance sector in Pakistan, which is consistent with  Global  experience has shown that women entrepreneurs demonstrate greater responsibility in terms of enterprise development. ”

The Asian Development Bank Institute based in Tokyo, Japan, conducted a study on the need for making microfinance Institutions sustainable in order to deliver services to the poor. It chose Khushhalibank for analyzing the impact of microfinance Institutions on poverty reduction. Among other findings the study revealed that access to and participation in the Khushhalibank program increased empowerment of women – the degree to which women’s decisions are taken into account in areas such as child-rearing, participation in community or political activities, and financial matters. The bank’s lending to female clients also enhanced their level of confidence and enabled them to contribute positively to the wellbeing of their families.

Year on year IWD is increasing in status and this year it is hoped that Pakistanis will dedicate themselves to the promotion of gender equality particularly greater opportunities within the economic spheres of the economy without which a sustainable growth with equitable distribution of resources cannot be achieved. While much has been accomplished over the years but a lot more needs to be done in order to put into place legal foundations that urge communities to remember that it is the responsibility of all of us to defend the democratic and secular right to live in dignity, freedom and gender equality.

About Khushhalibank: Khushhalibank (KB) is rated as Pakistan’s largest and fastest growing retail microfinance bank operating under the Central Bank regulations. Established in 2000, the Bank is funded by leading international financial institutions as a partnership between public, multinational and private sector commercial financial institutions. KB’s mission is to market financial services tailored for the low income segment in line with international microfinance practices through an extended network operating across the country’s rural and urban divides.

Email this post

The first position was bagged by Sadaf Nawaz Khan of Garrison School for Women, Lahore Cantt; Second by Syeda Alvina Mehak of Aga Khan Higher School, Chitral; Third by Hajira Ijaz by Zafar Shaheed Army Public School Malakand; Fourth by Lujane Vaqar Pagganwala of The International School, Karachi; Fifth by Tehreem Azhar by Garrison Army School, Peshawar and Sixth by Azhar Nooruddin Pradhan of Beacon House School, Karachi

On this occasion, Pakistan Coordinator, Munir Moosa Sewani said that Foundation for a Drug Free World has taken the responsibility to educate youth about the hazardous consequences of drugs. He said that around 7 million people are engaged in drug addiction in Pakistan and that drugs are now very common among students in the form of cigarette, sheesha and beetle nuts. There is no such law to ban drugs in public places, transportation and parks. He further added that although many NGOs are working in Pakistan to combat drug abuse, but unless we educate our children, we cannot expect a safe future. He further added, print media has played a pivotal role in raising awareness to curb drugs abuse on several occasions which is applauded. thanked President of Pakistan for doing great in raising issues of drug abuse.

Pascal Cottier, Judy Shervill and Tom Pacquitte said that the issue of drug abuse has been raised by Foundation for a Drug Free World in Pakistan from a grass root level because children are prone to drugs. They further explored that productivity and competitiveness of youth can be enhanced through such activities.

##########

Munir Moosa Sewani
Teacher, Writer, Education Counselor
Social Activist,

Pakistan Coordinator
Foundation for a Drug Free World, USA
munirmoosa@yahoo.com

Email this post

Lead by senior officials of the Ministry of Education, the launch was attended by the Ministries of Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education, members of the academia, representatives of the Non-Governmental Organisations, representatives of donor organisations and specialised agencies of the United Nations.

The bibliography was published as part of the Gender in Education Policy Support Programme, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The programme is to strengthen policy planning and implementation through strategic interventions at the national level.

Presentations were given on the communication strategies that worked for gender projects and CEDAW by UNESCO, UNIFEM, UNICEF and White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Education, Mr. Imtiaz Kazi, stressed that the management, data collection and dissemination were essential elements for informed policy making and evaluation function.

“Such evidence based publications assist the policy makers in making informed decisions by putting the best available evidence at the centre of policy process to mainstream gender into policies and processes,” he said.

He further added that the Annotated bibliography prepared by the Ministry of Education under the Gender in Education Policy Support Project provides a detailed list of research conducted on Gender in Education in Pakistan and is a collection of 125 studies on existing research. “Such publications can be quite useful for research and as reference in future,” he concluded.

The launch concluded with the commitment from the government and various agencies to work for the empowerment of women in Pakistan to ensure equal opportunities and build indigenous capacity in knowledge management and effective mainstreaming in education policy and processes to benefit the education system in Pakistan at all levels.

########

For further information, please contact:

UNICEF Pakistan Education Specialist on 051 209 7791 or mmehreen@unicef.org

Habib-Ur-Rehman
Urdu Press Officer

Press & Public Affairs Section
British High Commission, Islamabad
051-2012828
0302-8566534

For further information about the British High Commission and Britain is available at www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk and about DFID at www.dfid.gov.uk

Email this post

According to the news published in Daily Express, Pakistan’s Urdu newspaper on March 03, 2010, the officials of Bhawana police station in Chiniot, Punjab had tortured in public five persons namely Riaz, Wajid Kumhar, Zeeshan Lohar and Sharif Lohar, who are accused of involvement in a robbery at rice truck. The eyewitnesses said the accused persons were stripped in the public and then tortured by Bhawana Police Station sub-inspector Obaidullah Kaliar and constables including Muhammed Afzal, Sajjad and Sarfraz brutally.

After the media took notice of the incident the Punjab government has ordered inquiry into the incident after suspension of few officials. However PUSH demands a proper justice to the victims and protection of their rights under UN universal declaration of Human Rights to which Pakistan is a signatory and bound to follow it in letter and spirit.

“The brutal torture of the accused by Bhawana police officials is violation of human rights Under the UN UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.” PUSH said.

“Article 5 of the declaration clearly states that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment while as per Article 7, all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.”

PUSH demands all rights to the accused persons, to which they are entitled under the above articles of UN declaration, besides PUSH also demands checks and balances system to discourage the law enforcement agencies from misusing their powers.

About PUSH:
Press United to Serve Humanity (PUSH) is a Pakistan-based non-profit, non-governmental, and non-sectarian consortium of journalists from the print, electronic and online media; that support freedom of the press and desire to offer their time, talents, and skills in selfless and meaningful way to serve the mankind through creating mass awareness.

Supported by the PFUJ (Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists), PUSH is determined to work together with other like-minded civil society organizations, media groups, activists and concern citizens worldwide by publicizing their news stories to global attention and to mobilize action for the implementation of the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more details, please visit: http://push.pk or send email to: info@push.pk

Email this post

One of the highlights of this website is that it is structured in lines of CRC monitoring framework, and will be helpful for government institutions as well as for civil society organisations to monitor the compliance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to take immediate actions and informed measures for the protection of children in Pakistan.

Readers will find in-depth information on many child rights issues on this website such as articles, researches, videos and information on the existing legal framework for protection of children’s rights. There are many factors identified on this website that highlights child rights violations. It also highlights that the legislative framework which regulates child rights at the domestic level is outdated, lacks crucial details and does not fully incorporate international standards for protection of children. More worryingly, there is a weak enforcement of the existing laws and policies in force.

Children almost represent half of country’s populations and rights of children are upheld in the Constitution of Pakistan and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC). Pakistan had ratified UN CRC in 1990. It basically means that Pakistan is committed and obligated to taking the necessary legal, administrative and other measures to implement the Convention.

The understanding and practice of children’s rights is an important element for living in a democratic society that values diversity and is committed to equality and social justice for all. It is important to address the neglect and apathy that we have towards our children and make essential investments in their lives.

This website is an initiative of Child Rights Legal Centre, which has also launched its programme on March 3, 2010. The Centre offers services and plans to assist the Government of Pakistan and Civil Society in building their understanding on the International Law and Standards on child rights, and facilitate the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Centre has established an e-forum for online legal advice, and shares the compilation of child rights laws for easy access to child related laws. Information can be accessed at http://www.crlc.info

###########

Child Rights Legal Centre
House 112, Street 110, G 11/3, Islamabad
Tel: (92-51)2221657, 2221628
Fax: (92-51)2221628
Cell: 0333-5112478

Email this post

Consumers have been receiving calls from various mobile and landline numbers, informing them of their lucky draw wins. Later, they are asked to deposit or pay varying amounts of money in bank accounts or otherwise. They repeatedly use Unilever brand names that are household names across Pakistan to authenticate their criminal attempt.

Unilever spokesperson clarified the position and advised people to be cautious about believing in such hoax calls. Consumers are asked not to deposit any cash amount on the request of unscrupulous element. Unilever takes no responsibility in any case of monetary or other loss to people resulting from participating in fake schemes/activities. A legitimate Unilever consumer promotion would not ask for a cash contribution and the company would be generally looking for proof of purchase of its products in order to redeem the prize.

Unilever is proud to be the largest FMCG manufacturing company in Pakistan that has a successful track record of its operations in the region for the past 62 years. At Unilever, we meet everyday needs of nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Lux, Sunsilk, Lipton, Brooke Bond, Rafhan, Energile, Surf Excel and Walls are some of the brands that come under the flagship of Unilever Pakistan.

###########

For media enquiries, please contact:

Mansoor Abbas
Media Executive
Syntax Communications.
Mob: +92 300 2124963
Tel: +92 21 34557220-21
Fax: +92 21 4557219
House# 133 – Block B, Sindhi Muslim Cooperative
Housing Society Karachi – 74400 Pakistan

Email this post

The PFUJ regretted that way the Punjab government has implicated the TV Channel team in a false case of harassment, creating hindrance in the official functioning, it has exposed the true face of the government that it does not believe and also it has no respect for the right of people to know, democratic norms, civilization, transparency, good governance and sincere to resolve the genuine grievances of the people who are suffering at the hands of the officials.
The PFUJ pointed out that almost three weeks a ago a team of News-One after getting a formal approval and with the constant of the Rawalpindi Benazir Hospital administration covered the plight of patients which was also aired live.

The media team made live coverage based on the sentiments of hospital visitors, relatives of patents as well as patients about their views pertaining to medial facilities being provided at the hospital.

Not only this, the News-One team also aired the point of view of the staff, including nurses, doctors, para-medical staff about the allegations of the patients and their attendents.

The Medical Superintendent with the help of other staff rushed to the spot and forcefully restrained the media team from continuing the live coverage. The whole episode was watched by thousands of the TV viewers. Subsequently, the News-One crew was manhandled, disgraced and forcibly pushed out from the hospital.

The team of the News-One moved a written complaint to the concerned police, as well as to the government for action against the hospital MS, and other staff for their high headiness but no action was taken therein. Even the issue was raised in the Punjab Assembly and Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on the flour of the house announced that government would take action as per law against the excesses of Benazir Hospital administration. So much so the Punjab Chief Minister also publicly took notice of this incident and declared that hospital administration would be taken to task.

Contrary to such assurances and tall claims of the Chief Executive of the Punjab after three weeks the Rawalpindi Area police on the complaint of the MS of the hospital registered a case against News-One Director News and others on charge of different provisions of Pakistan Penal Code.

This act of the Punjab government indicates that it has no respect for people problems, freedom of press, and resolving of the people’s problems and that it believes in supporting and patronage of lawbreakers and that it was not with law-abiders, the PFUJ argued.

“Every government functionary is supposed to perform his duty as per laid down charter and likewise it is the moral and professional obligation of the media persons to expose those functionaries who are not performing their duties as per cannons of law,” The PFUJ asserted.

“Exposing the offenders abusing their official authority is not a crime from any yard-stick of law and standard, but act of preventing from revealing such acts is a serious crime.

The salience of the big bosses of the Punjab government is also a very sad and condemnable and exposes the tall claims of “good governance in the Punjab”, the PFUJ added

The PFUj demanded immediate withdrawal of the case registered against Director News One TV and other members of the crew forthwith and warned that if case was not withdrawn by March 2, the PFUJ and its affiliated unions would be constrained to launch protest till the acceptance of their demands.

########

Shamsul Islam Naz
Secretary General

PAKISTAN FEDERAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
12-Nazimuddin Road, F-6/1
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone Office +92(0)51 2870220-1
Facsimile +92(0)51 2870223
Cellular +92(0)300 8665523

Email this post

In a statement issued here on Sunday, the PFUJ pointed out that TV crew of a renowned channel was maltreated by a group of lawyers in Lahore. The PFUJ termed the incident very unfortunate and a black spot on the face of lawyers who are themselves known as “custodians of civilisation.”.

Referring to recent incident in Lahore in which lawyers, without any provocation and justification, attacked the Geo media team, damaged camera and manhandled other members of the team and prevented them from discharging their professional assignments, the PFUJ said it reflects immaturity among lawyers “who are themselves supposed to fight and struggle for rule of law.”

According to the details, in act of hooliganism, lawyers tortured a Geo correspondent and Anarkali Police SHO on the premises of the District and Session Judge Court on Thursday. It is said that Smanabad police arrested two people who happen to be brothers of a women lawyer in a case.

ASI Akram of the Samanabad police produced before a court where Ankarali police Naeem Anwar Bajwa and Inspector Zaheer of the Islampra plice were also present in connection with different cases. In the meantie, a group of lawyers attacked the Anarkali SHO and Islampura police inspector, who had nothing to do with the Samanabad arrests, threshed them severely. Lawyers also ripped their uniform, official documents, abused and threatened them with dire consequences. A Geo team rushed to the spot but the lawyers did not let it cover the incident and instead threatened it and deprived Geo News Correspondent Asim Nasir of his card. Lawyers also ripped the camera bag, abused and violently pushed the Geo News correspondent and cameraman.”

“By disgracing the professional persons, the lawyers have not only committed a serious offence but also indulged in creating impediments in the working of media “, the PFUJ argued.

The PFUJ regretted that soon after the “joint movement of the democratic lovers, including media persons, civil society and lawyers, the lawyers have now become intolerant and are frequently involved in scuffles with police, mediamen and ordinary citizens.

The PFUJ said lawyers were undoubtedly one of the organ and had been in the forefront against the dictator Gen Pervaiz Musharaf and for the independence of judiciary.
However, in some incidents, they even physically tortured media persons, police and other people without any rhyme or reason.

“Media played a vital role in the success of lawyers’ movement for restoration judiciary and now incidents of torture against media persons by lawyers have become order of the day,” the PFUJ asserted.

The more unfortunate aspect is that despite such a bad trend, senior lawyers, bar associations, bar councils are playing the role of a salient spectator and they are yet to take serious notice of such uncalled for and brutal acts on behalf of lawyers which is nothing but classic example of “professional misconduct.”

The major concern in this whole episode is that neither Chief Justice of Lahore High Court nor Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan have taken any notice of such negative and indecent acts of lawyers, thus creating a very bad precedent of “discrimination” and policy of “ignorance” over excesses of lawyers and negation of Constitution of Pakistan which clearly lays down that every one is equal, to law, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, etc.”

“In such a scenario, the PFUJ is justified in demanding that Supreme Court should take notice of “lawyers excesses” and their conduct to take law into their hands and to ensure a conduce environment for media persons for discharging their professional assignments which is in line with the fundamental rights provided in the constitution for freedom of press and people’s right to know.”

#########

Shamsul Islam Naz
Secretary General

PAKISTAN FEDERAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
12-Nazimuddin Road, F-6/1
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone Office +92(0)51 2870220-1
Facsimile +92(0)51 2870223
Cellular +92(0)300 8665523

Email this post

It seems that the outgoing finance minister has lost faith in the government to implement economic reforms and take concrete steps for good governance.

Acceptance of resignation proves that rulers are in no mood to address suffering of masses by raising much needed money through proper taxation. It continues to prefer dangerous and humiliating practice of carrying the begging bowl, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that Tarin has not only demonstrated courage by tendering resignation but also tried to absolve him from some highly controversial economic decisions of the government.

“Resignation isn’t enough; he should inform nation about all the controversial economic decisions including speedy and silent implementation of rental power projects,” he demanded.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that Tarin was visibly frustrated over non-implementation of some promises while government was worried about political cost of imposing taxes on sectors that are enjoying unjustified exemptions and relaxations.

Bringing holy cows like planters, realty tycoons, and professionals into the tax net will remain a dream during current government, he said.

Some individuals would continue to earn billions and pay few thousands in taxes which show their insensitiveness to others. It also proves inefficiency of tax collection mechanism.

The developments are enough to believe that there is no relief for poor in sight who will continue to face challenges like lack of good governance, budget deficits, devaluation of currency, worsening law and order, sliding investment, dwindling confidence, reduced collections, cuts in public sector development funds, and depleting services, he said.

###########

Dr. Murtaza Mughal
Cell: 0321-5157671
Web: www.pew.drmurtazamu ghal.org

Email this post