Striving for Equal Social Order (Annual Report PNF)

8/14/2019 Striving for Equal Social Order (Annual Report PNF)

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Striving for equalSocial Order

Strengthening Civil Society Networksin PakistanPakistan NGOs Forum (PNF)

Project End Report[July2004-June2006]

By:

Hameed Diplai

Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF)Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)

Pakistan


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Striving for equalSocial Order

Strengthening Civil Society Networksin PakistanPakistan NGOs Forum (PNF)

Project End Report[July2004-June2006]

By:

Hameed Diplai

Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF)Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)

Pakistan


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Striving for Equal Social Order

A PNF Publication

AuthorHameed Diplai

Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF)Secretariat

3-Mary Cottage, F-2/3, Mary RoadBath Island Clifton Karachi

Tel: 021-5873405Email: [email protected]

Balochistan NGOs Federation(BNGOF)

C-5 Kabeer Building, JinnahRoad QuettaCell: 0303-6183958

Email: [email protected]

Sindh NGOs Federation(SNGOF)

Bungalow # C-49G.M.B Colony, Qasim Abad,

HyderabadTel: 022-2-653319

Email: [email protected] NGOs Itehad (SNI)A-2, Zeeshan Plaza, Latif AbadRing Road Peshawar (NWFP)

Tel: 091-241129Email: [email protected]

Punjab NGOs CoordinationCouncil (PNCC)

House # 06, Street 01Nasir Colony, Lajna Chowk

College Road Township LahoreTel: 042-5186932

Email: [email protected] of Rawalpindi/Islamabad NGOs (CORIN)

7-A, Street 10F-8/3 Islamabad

Tel: 051- 2282483Email: [email protected]

www.pnfpk.com

All rights reserved


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Dedication----------

This report is dedicated to the peoplewho are committed with marginalized

people of society who do not haveequal access to job opportunities,

right to religious, right to education,

right to health and right to justice.


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Special thanks for valuable contribution

Mr. Harris Khalique Chief Executive Strengthening ParticipatoryOrganization, Mr. Noor Mohammad Bajeer Secretary Pakistan NGOsForum (PNF), Mr. Ellaheen Baloch Senior Coordinator SPO Karachi,Mr. Rana Shafiq Ul Rehaman Secretary Punjab Coordination Council(PNCC), Dr. Aakash Ansari Chairpersn Sindh NGOs Federation(SNGOF), Mr. Shakeel Waheedullah Khan Coordiantor Serhad NGOsIttehad (SNI), Mr. Siddique Panezai Coordinator Balochistan NGOsFederation (BNGOF), and Mr. Naeem Iqbal Coordiantor Coalition ofRawalpindi/Islamabad NGOs (CORIN).


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Contents of Report.

Introduction

About Report 01

Civil Society in Pakistan 01

Pakistan NGOs Forum 01Mission 02

Goal 02

Purpose 02

Believes 02

Shifting of PNF Secretariat 04

Revision of external Development Context 05

Accountability and Certification Mechanism 06

Strategic planning Workshop 07

Consultation on Youth Policy 08

Feedback on Youth Policy 08

Internal Review of PNF and its Coalescing Unit 09

Nation Wide Consultation on Provincial Autonomy 10

Campaign against Mega Development Projects 12

Debate on Impact of Mega Projects 12

PNF Convention 2005 14

Progress of Coalescing Units 15

Balochistan NGOs Federation (BNGOF) 15

Sarhad NGOs Ittehad (SNI) 16

Punjab NGOs Coordination Council PNCC) 18

Sindh NGOs Federation (SNGOF) 19

Coalition of Rawalpindi/Islamabad NGOs 21

Role of Coalescing Units in earthquake 23

System of Communication & Publication 24Yahoo Email Group 24

PNF Newsletter 24

Other Publications 25

Report on Provincial Autonomy 25

Yearly Planner 2006 25

Constitution of SNI 25

Database of Member Organizations 25

PNF Website 25

Documentation 25

Development of Concept Papers 25

NGO-Government & Media Relations 26Civil Society Campaign to Prevent Damages of

Mega Development Project in Pakistan 26

Exposure Visit of PNF Delegation to India 26

Role of Civil Society in Post-earthquake Situation26

Progress Reports/Minutes/PMF 27

Correspondence/Press Notes 27

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats 28


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Acronyms

AF Aurat Foundation

AKF Aga Khan FoundationBNGOF Balochistan NGOs Federation

CBO Community Based Organizations

CORIN Coalition of Rawalpindi/Islamabad NGOs

EIA Environment Impact Assessment

ESR Education Sector Reforms

HRCP Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

IFIs International Finance Institutes

IT Information Technology

LBOD Left Bank Outfall Drain

MMA Mutehda Muslim AllianceMPA Member Provincial Assembly

NDP National Drainage Program

NGOs Non Government Organizations

NPO Non Profit Organizations

PCP Pakistan Center for Philanthropy

PMF Performance Measurement Framework

PFF Pakistan Fisher Folk

PNCC Punjab NGOs Coordination Council

PNF Pakistan NGOs Forum

PONM Pakistan Oppressed Nation's MovementRBOD Right Bank Outfall Drain

SNGOF Sindh NGOs Federation

SNI Serhad NGOs Ittehad

SPO Strengthening Participatory Organization


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Introduction:-About This Report:-This is the project end report of Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF) on StrengtheningCivil Society Networks. The report highlights the approaches and strategies which

PNF secretariat adopted and evolved during the reporting period to enhancecapacity building of grassroots organizations and advocating real concerns of civilsociety on different issues created by state and other exploitative characters of thesociety. The report also covers entire activities carried out during the period of

July 2004 to March 2006 including dialogues, seminars, conventions, meetings,correspondence, press statements and communication system of PNF.

Civil Society in Pakistan:-Civil society is the range of institutions and organizations that connect people togovernment and the private sector. But unfortunately, such a sector in Pakistan is

counting its last breaths. A strong civil society means ensuring a dynamic,collaborative and beneficial relationship among government, private and non-profit sectors of society that contributes to the well-being of individual citizens.But there are no strengthened relations between different aspects. Everyaspect/segment of society moves/breathing alone. Essential social resources forsustainable livelihood are not easy to get in hand. Academia, lawyers, physicians,engineers, volunteers and development professionals have hundreds of thousandsof issues and constraints that disturb their work, education and create hindrancesto achieve goals and objectives. The scenario helps to understand that civil societyin Pakistan is counting its breaths. People do not have access to resources,education has become commodity and health facilities are going to be acommercial/income generating activities. Drinking water is not pure but itprovided in the form of poison; a mixture of different chemicals which dispose offfrom industries. Communities have no voice in decision making process. Theyeven do not asked in the process of designing and implementation of anydevelopment project in their respective vicinities. They do not have equal accessto job opportunities, right to religious, right to education and right to health andright to justice. This is the society of Pakistan where a rape victim is said to beraped to have Canadian visa. In such a society where Government went out ofbusiness and Non-Government Sector moved in to take over the responsibilities toprovide services to general masses who suffer from the unjust and unfair power

structure of federation of Pakistan.

Pakistan NGOs Forum:-It is therefore, Government moved a bill in senate to control over the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and limit their work. This bill created severeapprehension in society and representatives of NGOs sat together to evolvestrategy to cope with these steps taken by state. Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF) is


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the result of joint efforts of development professionals and volunteers fromgrassroots organizations. PNFs mission is to create an enabling environment forcivil society organizations working to foster a democratic, just and liberal society.The forum consists of five coalescing networks of NGOs from all parts of thecountry that includes Balochistan NGOs Federation (BNGOF), Sindh NGOs

Federation (SNGOF), Sarhad NGOs Ittehad (SNI), Punjab NGOs Co-ordinationCouncil (PNCC) and Coalition of Rawalpindi/Islamabad NGOs (CORIN).

For more than a decade, PNF has been playing a vital role in highlighting social,

political and economic issues faced by the citizens of Pakistan through dialogues.Since its inception, PNF also stood over against NGO Bill, certification, and othercivil society concerns. Recently, PNF has began to provide a forum to politicians,social activist, development professionals, volunteers, lawyers, academia,

researchers, writers, and media to make a voice to have sovereignty andautonomy. PNF also have initiated working to launch a campaign againstenvironmental damages of mega projects and their negative impact on livelihood.

The participation of local masses in decision making of such mega projects wouldalso be important element of the campaign.

Provincial Coalescing units of PNF have also an important role to embark uponthe local concerns and issues in respective provinces. They made voice againstattacks on NGOs, violation of human rights, gang rapes, organized districtconventions, and discussed NGO integrity.

Mission:-Its mission is to create an enabling environment for civil society organizations

working to foster a democratic, just and liberal society.Goal:-The overall goal of PNF is to enhance the role of civil society institutions ingender-sensitive and environment friendly policy making at local, national andinternational level through research and advocacy campaigns

Purpose:-Strengthened Civil Society Networks to take social purposive actions in order torespond development challenges and issues

Believes:-Community Level:- Setting priorities in accordance with citizens development and welfare needs. Promoting participatory democracy. Ensuring citizens centrality in the development process at all levels.


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Promoting respect for citizens rights, particularly the rights of women andchildren as enshrined in the countrys constitution.

Making all possible efforts for effective information dissemination, servicedelivery and meaningful development interventions.

Fostering greater collaboration and networking among organizations workingtowards common goals.

Promoting the spirit of voluntarism. Devising methodology to include all those people into the planning process of

the programs who are directly involved in them.

Reviewing the impact of organizations programs in collaboration with thecommunity and honing them in line with the needs of the participatingcommunities.

Rethinking organizational mission, methodology and objectives on the basis ofcitizens needs and the demands thrown up by the changing times.

Organizational level:- Ensuring accountability and transparency. Ensuring that the objectives and mission of the organizations are clearly

defined and are being pursued by them.

Holding meetings with full quorum and fulfilling other duties in accordancewith the declared governing rules.

Framing policies that prevent direct or indirect conflicts of interests betweenthe staff and the governing body members.

Keeping the governing body, office bearers and staff from taking decisions thatserve or might be perceived as serving their personal interests.

The governing body structure should be in writing. Providing for smooth lines of communications between the governing body

and the staff.

In case of an independent board, disallowing board members to seekemployment and facilities in the organizations; making mandatory for them toresign from the board should they be interested in the aforementioned things.

Making it obligatory for the governing an independent auditor andmaintaining regular audit reports.

Ensuring that the governing structure has a good grasp of organizationalmatters, that it formulates policies for the organizational at all levels andaccepts its governance responsibilities.

Making sure that the organization members are acquainted with the programsbeing undertaken as well as accounting and governing methods.

Critically reviewing organizational culture and operational methods topromote a greater sense of responsibility, innovativeness and respect fordiversity.

Putting in black and white all policies related to the organizational staff andvolunteers and bringing them in conformity with relevant national legislation,


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Labor Act, etc., to protect the rights of all those associated with theorganizations.

Taking on appropriate procedures to ensure organizational discipline andeffective settlement of differences that may arise among the workers of theorganizations.

Written, transparent hiring and firing rules. Formulating policies for professional enhancement of volunteers and staff to

enable them to fulfill their obligations in the better way.

Devising equitable and impartial methods to assess staffs capabilities,experiences, education and sense of responsibility.

Adopting policies that facilitate higher levels of communication and sharing ofideas among those working for the organization at different levels.

Organizational and Financial Resources:- Adopting accredited accounting and auditing procedures including vouchers

and verification system. Organizing financial matters on proper lines. Appointing trained people to look after financial matters. Getting amounts exceeding 100,000 audited annually by a chartered

accountant. Amount less than 100,000 to be approved by an authorizedofficer and less than 10,000 to be verified by the executive body.

Adopting a precise policy guideline for the employees loans and benefits,putting the policy in writing.

Formulating policies concerning external remuneration and benefits to preventdual receipt of salaries etc.

Adopting cost-effective ways for purchasing goods and hiring services andpreventing such decisions to be influenced by personal interest.

Organizations should frame realistic budgets and monitor expenses regularly. Ifany change in an approved budget is required it should be allowed only afterdue consultation with all concerned.

Taking firm and open action against organization members found guilty oftheft or fraud.

Seeking to harness diverse sources of funding rather than relying on a singlesource.

Cutting organizational costs down to the minimum possible levels. Utilizing funds for the purposes they have been obtained for. Drafting accounts in such a way that they are accessible and intelligible to the

members of the organization as well as communities.

Framing principles at the organizational level that allow for appropriateutilizing of organizational assets.

Ensuring proper supervision of staff functioning and timings. Reviewing program expenses from time to time and allocating resources

accordingly.


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Shifting of PNF Secretariat:-Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF) secretariat rotates after each two years in itscoalescing units. The secretariat remained with Punjab for four year and it wasshifted from Punjab to Sindh province in 2004. The provincial coalescing unit,

Sindh NGOs Federation (SNGOF) decided to handover the secretariat to SPO Sindh office. Presently, Regional Head SPO act as secretary to PNF. In July2004, Shirkat Gah has smoothly transferred secretariat to SPO.

Revision of External Development Context:-In July 2004, the newly elected leadership of the PNF called a meeting of PNFExecutive Council at Karachi. Representatives of the all members networksparticipated and revisited the external development context to determine thepriorities. The following are the major points of discussions:

New local government system is close in nature to the participatorycommunity development approaches, which engage marginalized groups toparticipate in decision-making process of local level. It requires extensivesupport to sensitize the roles and responsibilities of the communityrepresentatives. Majority of the 45000 women councilors are illiterate

The government has taken major steps for Education Sector Reforms (ESR) toachieve 100% literacy by year 2025. For this purpose, major stakeholdersincluding civil society organizations and support organizations providing

financial, technical and human resources

Economic globalization has increased poverty and unemployment. It mayfurther increase in the years to come. It would further increase in the case ofpoor governance by the third world countries.

The government has introduced legislation for the non-profit organizations(NPO). After its approval certification of NGOs will be required for differentcategories of funds.

Number of amendments have been proposed by the Parliamentariansincluding Hadood Ordinance, Blasphemy etc. for which civil society needs tosensitized and mobilized for its approval and smooth implementation

Poverty Alleviation Strategy Paper has been developed by the Government ofPakistan, which needs to be monitored by the civil society organizationstowards the achievements of results.

Communication and IT infrastructure has been developed all over the countryand available at affordable prices to public at large. It includes cable channels,internet, mobile phones etc. which can be used to introduce innovative ideasfor the mobilization and development

Mega projects have been planned by the government for which localcommunities needs to be taken in confidence before their implementation.Through involving directly civil society, in-depth environment and genderanalysis should be carried out.


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Peace and tolerance issues in south Asia, general and in Pakistan particularlyrequires the immediate attention to address them for sustainable developmentand prosper future.

Urban population has been significantly increased during the last decade. Dueto limited resources it has increased Urban Poverty. On the other hand, local

institutions also require support from civil society to sensitize communities tohelp them face new challenges e.g. solid waste management, maintaininginfrastructure etc.

In the light of the discussions, the members took following key decisions:

Although, the interests of the forum are widely varied, it would take directaction on issues like NGO bill, certification and attacks on NGOs. However,

the forum would only comment on issues like water, globalization and WorldTrade Organization. Beside, the forum would work on, foreign policies andregional peace, NGOs related laws and regulations (PNF may takecampaigning, advocacy and research for this), distribution of nationaleconomic and natural resources, citizen rights and privileges, World TradeOrganization and globalization.

With regards to the entities having conflicting legal and geographic status, theforum would consider only those boundaries as valid, which have beenpromulgated by the government of Pakistan.

Two representatives from NGOs of Baltistan would be invited in the nextmeeting to discuss their membership with PNF.

The forum would continue to expand its resource base. All coalition units willprovide estimates of their technical and financial needs so that the forum

secretariat could search for adequate sources. The Forum secretariat will facilitate provision of financial and technical

resources to the coalescing partners. Proposals would be forwarded to AgaKhan Foundation and other donors after consultation. However, coalitionsthemselves can access resources for special activities by themselves withoutcompromising on the forums policies of resource mobilization. Membersshould be careful in this regard.

CORIN would strengthen its relations with donors in Islamabad and provideup-to-date information to PNF secretariat. Coalitions can get information

about donors from PNF secretariat.

Accountability and Certification Mechanism:-In order to discuss accountability and certification mechanisms for NGOs in thecountry, a special meeting of PNF was held on Friday, March 11, 2005 at theStrengthening Participatory Organizations office in Islamabad. The meeting wasattended by all coordinators of the PNF coalescing units along with the secretaryand SPO focal persons for respective coalitions.


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Keeping in view of the implications of accountability conducted by government orany other agency, the participants discussed various other options. At the end, itwas proposed that PNF by itself initiate a process of accountability of its membersand devise procedures that would be seen credible by other stakeholders andtaken as sufficient for funding.

The participants listed following areas where PNF would focus for accountabilityof its members;

Audit/Financial Audit Democratic culture/elections Operational policies/constitutional follow-up Adherence to the code of conduct Registration/renewal Malpractices (kickbacks, commission etc)

Some participants said that coalescing units would need human, financial andtechnical resources to be able to certify credibility of their members. They were ofthe view that in the present situation, it would be difficult for them to undertakemass-scale evaluations of partners. Furthermore, how partners NGOs would reactto evaluations conducted by coalescing units of PNF remains to be seen.

Finally, it was agreed that PNF would begin the accountability process from itsown ranks and analyze its coalitions in the light of above-mentioned areas.

Regarding different issues/problems, diversified opinions of participants were

discussed and unanimously decisions (given below) were taken.

Regarding Budget, participants discussed that, as the allocations made in thebudget are not sufficient to carry out activities therefore PNF budget needs to bereviewed. In this connection it was decided that all coalescing units would submitand discuss a revised budget at the next executive council meeting to be held onApril 8-10, 2005 in Lahore. It would be prepared in line with the presentbudgetary heads. However, the units may suggest reallocations on need basis. Therevised budget would also cater the issue offices and infrastructure of coalescingmembers as it was discussed in meeting.

Regarding reimbursement and adjustments, it was decided that Internal Auditor ofSPO would give a presentation at the next executive council meeting to explainfinancial audit policies and requirements.


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It was shared that some organisations are taking up issues on behalf of the PNFagainst their prerogative. In this regard, it was decided that PNF would write aletter to those organizations who are taking up matters without authorization onbehalf of the institution.

Strategic Planning workshops:-PNF secretariat conducted two-day strategic planning workshops for SNI, PNCCand SINGOF in which the members of the working council of the respectivecoalescing units reviewed their progress identified strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats. The members revisited the objectives and roles andresponsibilities. A detailed discussion held on the role of networks in civil society.The each coalescing unit prepared one-year work plan.

Consultation on Youth Policy:-One of the major events to engage the civil society in policy making was a

consultative workshop organized by PNF in Karachi to review draft of the YouthPolicy on request of the Youth Ministry. During this workshop forty participantsof different development organizations and agencies participated and dialoguedwith the Minister.

Feedback on Youth Policy

Youth policy should be viewed and designed in the broader context of peculiar

social complexities in Pakistan. It cannot be seen and addressed in isolation.

Pre-conditions for effective Youth Policy:

Functional democracy with the rule of law Eradication of feudalism (i.e. Land reforms) Equal and just distribution of resources Promotion of all diverse cultures and languages at all levels Provincial autonomy and genuine devolution of power from federal to

provincial and local level

General Comments:

Vision of document is vague it must be very clear which is a prerequisite for every realistic social policy

Lack of identification of problems and priorities Root causes of the problems are not mentioned and realized The language of the document is also confused and complex The approach is mainly urban-issues based; the rural aspects are not

reflected in the policy document

Inherent self-deceptive approaches should not be amalgamated withthe current policies such as youth policy

Policy has not designed through a participatory process involvingpeople from all four provinces and areas (urban and rural).


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Suggestions:

Political participation of youth in political process must be encouraged Budget for education must be increased and be focused on professional

fields to develop the capacity of youth for competition in free job

market

Centers for information and skills development must be established atall Taluka level cities in the country

Scholarships should be given to youth on merit from higher secondaryto higher professional educational levels.

Small and mid level business loans schemes must be offered andencourage youth for self-employment and small-scale entrepreneurship

Small-scale public libraries must be established at all union councillevel towns to develop reading habits among youth.

For healthy social environment sports complexes, playing grounds,stadiums and public gardens must be established at Taluka level

Corporate sector must be encouraged to develop capacity-buildinginstitutions for youth especially in backward areas and socially

vulnerable sections of society

In addition, all member-networks conducted meetings in each region on Tsunamidisaster. It was decided to donate one-day salary from organizations of provincialcouncil members. In this connection, SNI in collaboration with Joint ActionCommittee collected funds for the Tsunami victims.

Internal Review of PNF and its Coalescing units:-Strengthening the Civil Society Networks to develop their vibrant and responsible

role to address development challenges and issues in Pakistan, PNF consideredreviewing and evaluating its structure, objectives, strategy, successes, and failuresto lay the structural, conceptual and strategic foundation of future work.

Participants of workshop went through the vision of PNF, discussed the desiredand required target image of PNF and gaps between the vision and target image.They also discussed that how the vision could be translated into target image.Previous failures and achievements were discussed in strategic context of PNF. Inthis connection, it was discussed that how the successes could be maximized andgaps could be filled through a participatory democratic process. Participantsstressed upon developing a single and uniform target image to set the directions of

PNF initiatives. Entire discussion facilitated to learned lesions from the review andset out recommendations for future strategy and direction for PNF initiatives and

endeavors.

Objectives:-The workshop was aimed to review the strategy and approaches of PNF anddevelop guidelines for the next year. It was aimed that the review workshop


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would support to evolve a strategy and develop mechanism to make the PakistanNGO Forum more effective.

Methodology:-This was a one-day exercise, conducted through individual responses, group work

with concrete suggestions, plenary discussions and meta-planning (cards exercise).During the review workshop participants were given colorful cards with concretequestions and after responding the questions on cards, many plenary discussionswere conducted. At the end of the one-day review, all the participants sharedtheir feedback on the whole exercise and recommended various tasks for the nextyear.

Guidelines and priorities:- Quarterly meetings should be conducted on regular basis Financial support should be released on time Agenda minutes should be circulated before any meeting Develop linkages with NGOs and CBOs PNF should focus on specific issues PNF should review its plan of action and activities PNF should learn from its past mistakes and critical experiences Target image must be developed To develop a mechanism to make possible the implementation on decisions PNF should focus to increase its membership. Develop NGO directory Evolve strategy on water issue Communication with previous secretariats. Previous secretariats must be

invited in PNF executive meetings

Removal of ambiguities Capacity building of coalescing units Resolution of internal issues/conflicts of PNF Everything must be documented (Spoken words are silver but written words

are Golden)

Focus on improving the internal management Mistakes have been identified, now during next year paper work should be

completed


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Nationwide Consultation on Provincial Autonomy:-For more than a decade, PNF has been playing a vital role in highlighting social,political and economic issues faced by the citizens of Pakistan through dialogues.The issue of provincial autonomy has been a constant feature of socio-political

discourse in the country with varying opinions and point of views. People ofPakistan, especially from smaller provinces are demanding wider and deeperautonomy since long but the matter still stands unresolved. On the other hand, ithas become a source of conflict between inter and intra-state mechanisms which is

impacting upon every sphere of public life.

In order to gain an in-depth understanding of the perception and realities of civil

society regarding provincial autonomy, PNF organized a series of consultativedialogues with representatives of the civil society. Six dialogues were held inQuetta, Karachi, Multan, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar from June 8, 2005 toJuly 10, 2005 in collaboration with the provincial coalitions of PNF. A large

number of opinion makers, writers, journalists, development professionals,lawyers, politicians, social activists, technocrats, academics, and researchersparticipated in these dialogues and shared their views, opinion and suggestions.

The dialogues were successful in collecting voices on provincial autonomy from allprovinces. The diversity of opinions and maturity of the discussion has addedmore credibility to the process. Although, there was a difference of views amongprovinces with specific context, there were many common parallels as well.

Provinces have different policy positions in certain areas but there was an almostuniversal consensus on the dynamics of politics, democracy and the crises ofconfidence in polity. Following are some of the demands and recommendations

given by the participation of the dialogues.

The issue of provincial autonomy should be resolved on the basis of 1940Pakistan Resolution.

Pakistan must be made a representative, federal democratic state with equalrepresentation of all provinces in federal structure and decision-making bodies.

As proposed in the 1973 constitution, concurrent list must be abolished. Except defense, foreign policy, and currency, the federal government should

hand over all other subjects to the provinces.

Constitutional reforms must be carried out through elected representativeswith equal participation from the provinces.

Council of common interests must be functional and redesigned Senate should be delegated more and decisive powers as supreme national

body for all federal strategic, political and economic decisions.

Direct or indirect interference of any federal agency/government andestablishment must be stopped in formation of provincial governments.

National Security Council is an extra-constitutional body, which must beabolished.


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NFC award should be made on the basis of revenue generation, resourceprotection, scale of poverty, level of human development and past injustices.

The provincial governments will sign all contract with multi-nationalcompanies for oil, gas and other natural resources exploration after approvalsfrom provincial assemblies.

Control on natural and fiscal resources including taxation powers should begiven to the provinces.

In case of control of federal government on oil, gas and other naturalresources production at least 50% of the profits must be given to that

respective province as royalty.

Funds generated through privatization of provincial industries/institutionsshould be given to the provinces where the units existed where as for federalinstitutions 80% of the capital should be equally distributed among all theprovinces and 20% should rest the federal government.

Recruitment in armed forces, state-owned corporations, public sector industriesetc should be made on merit with population and quota allocations.

Local people should be recruited in paramilitary forces - i. e. the Rangers,Frontier Constabulary, etc.

All nationalities must be recognized in the constitution. All indigenous languages like Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto, Balochi, Siraiki, Hindko,

Brahvi, etc should be given the status of national languages of Pakistan.

Political parties must include more elaborate agenda of provincial autonomy intheir manifestos.

Civil society should be strengthened as it would keep a watchful eye onpolitical parties on the one hand, and would educate the masses on their rightson the other.

There must be an all parties conference by PNF at national level to discussways and means to resolve the issue.

Campaign against mega development projects:-Many mega projects are going to be launched in Pakistan particularly in Sindh andBalochistan. These mega developments have many environmental impacts onhuman lives and geography. Before initiating these development projects,Government and International Funding Agencies ignored to conductEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and this caused to increase poverty ratherthan evaluate it. The violation of agreement also observed during project

implementation, like rehabilitation and compensation of damages to displacedmasses.

In mentioned above situation, PNF decided to launch a campaign againstviolation and damages of Mega development Projects. In this regard, PNFplanned to meet with development professionals, politicians, scholars,educationists, and journalists to collect their views and opinions regarding role of


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civil society to prevent the damages of Mega projects in Pakistan. This type ofdialogues would be organised at national and provincial level.

In this connection, during reporting period, PNF Secretary visited all major citiesof Pakistan to meet with development professional, opinion makers, lawyers,

writers, academia, media and other civil society stakeholder. The objective ofmeeting was to collect opinion on development of mega projects. In thisconnection, PNF Secretaries also met with Provincial secretaries of Planning &Development and Social Welfare Departments. Meetings with individual were

also organized in all respective major cities i.e. Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar,Islamabad, Lahore, and Multan. The visits resulted in development of a conceptpaper regarding launching of a campaign against negative impact of developmentprojects on environment and to ensure the community participation in decision

making of such development projects that are funded by international fundingagencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the FederalGovernment of Pakistan.

Debate on Impact of Mega Projects:-A debate on Role of Civil Society to Protect Damages of Mega Projects in Pakistanorganized in Hyderabad. The debate was attended by Hyderabad based lawyers,academia, development professionals, writers, politicians, and activist.

Discussion initiated with comments that Federal Government of Pakistan andinternational financing institutes are entering in mega projects like NationalDrainage Project (NDP), Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD), Left Bank outfall Drain(LBOD), Dams and roads etc. All participants were agreed that these agreements

are caused to increase poverty rather than decrease it. The violation of agreementalso observed taking place during project implementation. Like rehabilitation andcompensation of damages to displaced masses.

The main points of discussion were:-

Comprehensive data should be collected regarding Mega projects (current andcoming). The data should cover the detail of project, its objectives, current

status, total cost, damages, and impact on social, cultural and economicalvalues

Parties must be identified. Whom PNF has to hold dialogues? Meetings and dialogue with international finance providers and share concerns Must be developed a pressure on such issue Need to set apart the watchdog forum and people should be invited from civil

society organisations.

It is necessary to identify who would be motivate and who would bepressurised

Meetings should be arranged with different NGOs working in the areas ofMega Projects (Like TRDP in Thar for Thar coalfield)


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Need to focus more on local officials who are affiliated with internationalfinancing agencies. They are involved in kickbacks and default of designing ofMega Projects

Need to focus on propaganda, advocacy, awareness and publication. Public Interest Legitimacy should be translated into local languages Need to focus on legal aspects Negative and positive impacts of Mega Projects should be analysed Also need to analyse the time of coal exploration. Is this suitable/appropriate

time to explore the coal? Its need to explore these coalfield after 50-60 years

Need to classify the Mega Projects i.e. International Financing Institutes (IFIs)and Government Funded projects. Federal Government of Pakistan fundedMega Projects should also be focused in campaign like currently Governmenthas allotted 1,000 acres land in Thar for construction of cantonment. It mustbe decided that which Mega projects will be included in campaign.

Coalescing units of PNF must be re-activated and re-organised

All Mega Projects must be enlisted with details of features Need to point out the external funding mechanisms. Need to point out the role of IFIs Need to develop a strategy regarding lack of information Need to focus Education and Health along with Mega Projects The first step of campaign should be Information for all Establish an information cell in PNF secretariat All Mega Projects funded by Government, IFIs and International Corporate

Sector like oil and Gas companies should be included in campaign.

Identify and mobilise potential/expertise of individuals Focus on lobbying with electronic and print media Identify and point out steps for legal efforts and street struggle Arrange visits of sitesPNF Convention 2005:-During the reporting period, CORIN organized PNF Convention 2005 onDecember 29, 2005 in Islamabad. The convention was attended by more than500 delegates from all over Pakistan. In this regard, all coalescing units took activepart and sent their nominations to PNF secretariat. Provincial networks arrangedtransportation for their participants and CORIN was responsible for lodging &boarding arrangements. The convention was one day task and it followed by

presentations. All provincial networks highlighted their major concerns on megaprojects in respective province.

The slogan of convention was Rights of Indigenous People on Local Resources.Some 450 participants from overall country attended the convention andexpressed their opinion and views. During the convention, all provincial networkspresented their major concerns over mega projects. Sindh NGOs Federation


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(SNGOF) highlighted the Role of Corporate Sector in Oil & Gas Fields in Sindh,Punjab NGOs Coordination Council (PNCC) focused on State, Agriculture andSmall Farmers, Serhad NGOs Ittehad (SNI) enlightened People Rights on Water,Forests, and Electricity. Balochistan NGOs Federation (BNGOF) presentedGawadar Port and Rights of Local People whereas Coalition of

Rawalpindi/Islamabad NGOs (CORIN) highlighted Environmental Impact of NewMuree Project on Local People. The convention followed by question answersession and theater performance. Participants also discussed future strategy of PNFand they unanimously passed some resolutions on major concerns.

Following are some of the resolutions and recommendations given by theparticipation of the PNF convention 2005.

Forum agreed that rising of Kalabagh dam issue by Government (and such typeof other water issues) is meant to divert peoples attention from affects ofrecent earthquake and weak stance of state to mitigate the worst situation of

earthquake. Forum demands to put a sight on disputed project in favor ofcommon interest of general Public of Pakistan and do not initiate any projectwhich even is not accepted by single province.

Forum demands to stop bombing and military operations in Balochistan andresolve their political and democratic demands through dialogues.

Forum demands that all type of natural resource in all provinces like Oil, Coal,Gas, Granite, Forests etc must be determined through unanimously anddemocratically accepted formulas which give economic rights and royalty ofprovinces to local representative governments.

This convention condemns the role and exploitive attitude of multinationalcorporations like British Petroleum in Badin and demands to protect resourcesand employment of local people.

Pakistan NGOs Forum supports all movements which are struggling in favor oflocal people to have command over rights, identity and resources.

This convention points out that without any consideration handing over ofsignificant natural assets to multinationals and to deprive local communitiesfrom their historical rights is step forward to an immature and insecure future.

Forum demands to take concrete steps regarding provincial autonomy whichgives provinces complete authority and command over health, education anddevelopment project.

Pakistan NGOs Forum demands that all ethnical, religious and nationalminorities must be given complete democratic, religious and intellectualfreedom.


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Progress of Coalescing Units:-PNF as an institution comprises of five members as following:

BNGOF: Balochistan NGO Federation

SNI: Sarhad NGO IttehadPNCC: Pakistan NGO Coordination CouncilSNGOF: Sindh NGO FederationCORIN: Coalition of Rawalpindi-Islamabad NGOs

Balochistan NGOs Federation (BNGOF):- The major focus of the provincial network of Balochistan was to build the

capacity of 150 members through trainings in different programme planning

and management areas. The network secretariat has engaged IUCN to discussprospects of an advocacy campaign about alarming water scarcity in the

province.

BNGOF mainly focused on developing networks of the member organizationswith Takhleeq Foundation and Aurat Foundation.

BNGOF actively took part to initiate a debate on NGO Accountability andRelations with Government, Media and other Stakeholders. BNGOF alsofocused on Gawadar Issue by organizing round table dialogue.

BNGOF organized its working council meeting on regular basis during thereporting period.

BNGOF organized an all partys dialogue on GAWADER PORT issue. Dialoguewas attended by all stakeholders of civil society including politicians, socialworkers, lawyers, educationist, students, and representatives of internationalorganizations, CBOs, NGOs, and human rights commission.

Regarding amendment in constitution, BNGOF drafted an amended version ofconstitution which was proposed to be presented in provincial council forapproval.

One day District Conventions conducted in 17 Districts which were attendedby 40 member organizations in each district. During convention, electionprocess also held in district chapters. Besides, elections, participants discussedlocal issues of NGOs and CBOs and highlighted their concerns about megaprojects and their impacts on environment.

Sarhad NGOs Ittehad (SNI)


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In addition to regular meetings of Working Council of the network, SarhadNGO Ittehad acquired Donors Directories from AKF and distributed tomembers on discounted price. The network encouraged other district levelnetworks to organize self-initiated events. The secretariat offered its moralsupport to local artists who are facing problems and threats from religious

elements.

Protest meeting held to condemn attack on AKF offices in Chitral and otherNGOs in NWFP that was attended by more than 250 people

SNI amended its constitution which encouraged the participation of womenand non-Muslim minorities in working council of SNI. 4000 copies ofamended constitution of SNI printed and circulated among member

organizations

SNI initiated relief activities for flood victims and ensure proper distribution ofrelief items. SNI also organized a music show in collaboration with Radio

Pakistan to raise funds for tsunami victims and collected Rs. 30,000 rupeeswhich deposited in the account of Radio Pakistan. SNI also activelyparticipated in strikes called by MMA and PONM (Pakistan Oppressed

Nations Moment) against inflation.

During the reporting period, all coalescing members took up local issues likeSNI took stand on news item that NWFP Government banned theorganizations, which are working in schools on advocacy and awareness. SNIkept the issue on Internet and made correspondence with Government

Education Department and other officials but Government Officials repudiatedsuch news item and SNI dispatched such repudiation to newspaper forpublication.

Regarding conflict in District Dir, SNI has formed a facts finding committee toresolve the issue between Civil Society organizations in District Dir.

Blue Venus (an organization) selected on one of the vacant seat of the workingcouncil of SNI.

According to a decision of working council, SNI made correspondence withUNDP regarding their requirement of certification.

SNI launched a hunger strike for gaining attention of UNHCR on the effecteesliving in camps and drafted a letter to its head office. A press note was alsoreleased on humiliation of holy Quran.


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SNI hold a Joint press conference with SUNGI development foundation tocondemn the act by which women folk banned to participate in local election2005 in Districts Batgrama and Kohistan. As a result some 77 women inrespective areas submitted their nomination forms

SNI formed two members committee to assess donor funding in NWFP. Theobjective of assessment is to analyze the reasons he donors are pulling outfrom province.

District convention conducted in five districts in Hazara region. Theseconventions facilitated bringing out the basic issues and problems of CBOs.These conventions were organized with the support of Social Welfare Officersand all organizations in respective areas were invited to attend the convention.This supported to communicate SNI message at large.

Some unknown people in District Swabi accused a non-Muslim family andattacked on temple in district Noshera. SNI condemned such acts and formed afacts finding committee to assess and analyze the situation.

Punjab NGO Coordination Council (PNCC) The PNCC has facilitated elections in Sialkot and Rawalpindi districts. They

have also initiated Tahsil level networks of the PNCC members organizations

in order to establish strong grassroots linkages with civil society of Punjab atlarge. This process has been completed in 28 Tahsils of Punjab and remainingnetworks will be set up by June 2005. In order to further strengthenedlinkages with local media, the provincial Secretariat of Punjab has established a

media-cell.

Keeping in view of the need to engage the wide range of civil society inPakistan, PNCC continued to expand its membership during the reporting

period. The membership process has been completed in 65 Tahsils and eightdistrict networks have been formed to create more effective linkages betweenCBOs and PNCC at local level.

The PNCC have organized regular meetings and PNF secretary attended oneof the meetings. For ensuring the more participation of CBOs in Punjab NGOCoordination Council, PNCC is in process to shift strategy downward from

District to Tahsil level in order to establish strong grassroots linkages with civilsociety of Punjab at large. Membership has been completed in 65 Tahsils and08 networks have been formed. PNCC has formulated an assessmentcommittee who has made responsible to ensure the implementation onbylaws. PNCC has received an invitation from Jalandhar FormersCooperatives to visit Indian Punjab. In this regard, PNCC is visiting IndianPunjab in May 2005 with a diversified delegation comprising NGOsrepresentatives, Journalists, Advocates, Retired Civil servants, and different


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technocrats. The visit aimed to compare the developmental approachesbetween east and west Punjab. Besides, PNCC has started a research regardingcivil society organizations and NGOs.

In Punjab, Provincial Advisory Council has been formed by PNCC to resolveinter organizational conflicts. PNF Secretary Chairs the Provincial AdvisoryCouncil.

PNCC organized two provincial council meetings and one of them wasattended by PNF Secretary. In the meetings, a provincial advisory council wasformed which would be chaired by PNF Secretary. The objective of thiscouncil is to resolve and keep an eye on inter organizational conflicts. It wasalso decided in the provincial council meeting that if any office bearer wouldnot attend three meetings continuously, his/her membership would becancelled, the organisatin will than again have to renew the membership as perPNCC constitution.

PNCC has received nominations/applications from SPO,Aurat Foundation, ASRResource center and Karitas for the reserved seats of provincial council.Elections for said seats are planned after local government poll and alsoelections for the seat of Finance Secretary would take place after localgovernment elections.

Regarding flood situation, PNCC facilitated and played a role of bridgebetween local CBOs and Islamabad based NGOs. It resulted in development oflinkages. PNCC also provided lists of flood-hit areas to Oxfam, ActionAid

Pakistan, and CRS.

Draft constitution of PNCC has been drafted and membership is increasingwith the formation of networks at tehsil level. PNCC has finalized the workplan for district convention in 34 districts.

Aurat Foundation selected PNCC as member for its CCWR project and PNCCcoordinators selected for its district chapters of Project. The project is beingimplemented in 20 districts by AF.

PNCC has completed formation of Tehsil networks in 14 Districts. By thismembership has been reached up to 1185. PNCC also has set up mechanism forelection at tehsil level. According to this mechanism, formulation of at least 10organizations in a tehsil is necessary for holding elections.

Regarding four reserved seats for NGOs in provincial council, PNCC receivedfour applications from Aurat Foundation, ASR Resource center, Sudhar and


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Karitas and all four organizations were selected on reserved seats in provincialcouncil of PNCC.

During the reporting period, Provincial Advisory Council of PNCC remainedengaged in resolving inter-organizational conflicts of NGOs and CBOs.

Sindh NGOs Federation (SNGOF) Sindh NGO Federation conducted a Provincial level Convention successfully. SNGOF took up local issues like protection of rights of the fishermen and Left

Bank Outfall Drainage project. In result, a project is redesigned to save localpeople from negative impacts

SNGOF successfully mobilized the civil society of both rural and urban Sindhon multi-dimensional issues negatively affecting the sustainable development.

It included the protest against Kalabagh Dam, Thal Kanal, Master DrainageProgram and the role of military operations in Balochistan. It has alsodeveloped the database of 180 members organizations.

Sindh NGO Federation demonstrated to protest against Kalabagh Dam, ThalKanal, Master Drainage Program, Dr. Shazia Case, and military operation in

Baloachistan. SNGOF completed preparing database of 180 memberorganizations. Commemorated the Health, Water, and Kashmir days withDistrict Government and organized 4 seminars and 1 workshop against divisionof Hyderabad District. BNGOF facilitated 22 member organizations in

developing networks with Takhleeq Foundation and Aurat Foundation.

SNGOF took stand against division of Hyderabad District and organizedseminars and workshops with different stakeholders including political and

religion parties, trade unions and businessmen. Dr. Shazia case also focused indifferent regions of province Sindh. SNGOF also highlight the issue likeprotection of rights of the fishermen and Left Bank Outfall Drainage projects.

In relation to getting proper share in employment, royalty and basic facilities,SNGOF has launched a campaign against 13 multinational companies. In thisregard, SNGOF have organized 12 demonstrations and token hunger strike at

Khaskhely oil field of British Petroleum, Press Club Karachi, Hyderabad, andTando Jam. SNGOF also took part in voter education campaign to educategeneral masses in forth coming Local Body Elections.

SNGOF organized two district conventions at Hyderabad and Badin. PNFSecretary attended both events. Participants of both events discussed theinjustice and ignorance of areas in term of sustainable development by


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multinational companies and negative impacts of mega projects onenvironment.

In relation to getting proper share in employment, royalty and basic facilities,SNGOF has launched a campaign against 13 multi national companies. In this

regard, SNGOF organized 12 demonstrations and token hunger strike atKhaskhely oil field of British Petroleum, Press Club Karachi, Hyderabad, andTando Jam.

SNGOF also took part in voter education campaign to educate general massesin Local Body Elections and organized 05 events in District Hyderabad andTando-Allahyar.

SNGOF staged token hunger strikes on basic human rights in collaborationwith Action Aid and one against the illegal arrest of Mr. Zahid Bhurguri MPASindh Assembly and Mr. Ghulam Qadir Chandio MPA Sindh Assembly andMember of Executive council of Sachal Sami Welfare Association. SNGOF alsohold token hunger strike against issuance of National Identity Cards to illegalimmigrants i.e. Behari, Bangali, Bermi and others.

SNGOF demonstrated a protest in collaboration with Pakistan Fisher folkForum (PFF) against illegal arrest of Mr. Mohammad Ali Shah president PFF.

During the reporting period, SNGOF coordinated with different networks tostrengthen the civil society networks. This resulted in an increase inmembership up to 303 members.

A one-day seminar on Good Governance was organized by SNGOF. SNGOFdelivered a lecture on protection of villages from mafia at Hyderabad.

SNGOF in collaboration with World Sindhi institute and World SindhiCongress staged protest in London in connection with getting proper share inemployment, royalty and basic facilities.

Regarding capacity building of member organizations, SNGOF facilitated andarranged training events for its 35 member organization. SNGOF alsoorganized two events on Local Government Elections and its affects with 40member organizations. Some 30 Lady Councilors and 50 General Councilorsof SNGOF member organizations elected in recent Local Government

Elections.

Coalition of Rawalpindi-Islamabad NGOs (CORIN) In addition, the constitution has been reviewed and revised and membership

fee is increased to Rs. 1,000/year.


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In addition to celebrating Womens Day, two other activities were undertakenby the CORIN including protest on Mukhtiaran Mai case (sexually victimizedby a tribe in south Punjab), rally on Dr. Shazia case (raped by a military officerin SSGL, Balochistan).

CORIN released a press note to condemn about attack on AKF offices inChitral

Secretary of CORIN represented in PCP consultation on Promotion ofPhilanthropy in Pakistan

CORIN commemorated National Womens Day on February 12, 2005 byorganizing a seminar jointly with other groups. They also organized a seminarand rally on the occasion of International Womens Day on March 8, 2005.CORIN held a demonstration on Iraq war in Rawalpindi, protest onMukhtiaran Mai case, and organized rally on Dr. Shazia case. CORIN

organized a reference for Ms. Shehla Zia. In addition, CORIN have developeda PNF membership form and shared in regular meeting. CORIN preparedconcept of retreat/shared visioning exercise.

CORIN held a demonstration to protest on Mukhtiaran Mai, Dr. Shazia case,and against Iraq war.

CORIN held a press conference to raise voice against Margala Hills TunnelProject. Many other activities were carried out by CORIN including fund

raising, blood donation, press conference and press release regarding burn caseof Ms. Fozia and meetings to discuss the current situation of NGO-Government relations in Pakistan. In this regard, a consultative dialogue onNGO-Government relationship & NGO-Civil Society Discourse also organizedby CORIN

CORIN hold a press conference and released a press note on Ms. Fozia burncase. Regarding this case, CORIN organized a meeting and arranged blooddonation for the burn victim.

Regarding Margalla Hills Tunnel Project, CORIN held a press conference andarranged a walk to raise their concern on the project and the environmentalissue liked with this project.

CORIN also organized a meeting to discuss PNFs reaction on Mushrafsstatement on NGOs. In follow up of this, in collaboration with SPO, CORINorganized a meeting to discuss the current situation of NGO-Government

relations in Pakistan and arranged a consultative dialogue on NGO-


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Government relationship & NGO-Civil Society Discourse at Envoy Continental.CORIN organized a retreat for its member organization to develop anunderstating and made clear the concepts of civil society networks. CORINalso had a meeting with AKF-Pakistan to discuss the capacity buildingcomponent for PNF and its coalescing units.

CORIN is planning to organize a consultative conference on NGO-Government relation and NGO-Civil Society Discourse at national level.CORIN is also planning to design and hold capacity building program for PNFcoalescing units in collaboration with AKF-P. Exposure visit to indigenousminorities of Indus on river Indus, downstream Chashma Barrage, to see Kihalswith flood in Indus and election for shifting the CORIN secretariat is alsoplanned.

CORIN organized a Riding for Education Campaign. The objective ofcampaign was to sensitize people of Pakistan and India regarding education.An Englishman collected on Lac pound sterling through charity and startedriding on horse in said countries to aware people regarding education. CORINorganized entire riding in Pakistan.

CORIN is responsible for publication of PNF Khabarnama (PNF newsletter)and manage yahoo email group of PNF. In this regard, CORIN edited andcompiled recent edition of PNF Khbarnama (PNF Newsletter) and posted 30-40 messages of net users on yahoo email group of PNF after appraising andunderstanding of such messages.

Regarding flood situation in Dera Ghazi Khan, CORIN drafted an appeal andcirculated in Islamabad based NGOs and international donor agencies. During the reporting period, CORIN started election process and set a criterion

for regarding taking part in election.

Role of coalescing units in earthquakeAll developed and develop less countries are helpless against forces of nature.There is chain of disasters like tsunami in Indonesia and Thailand , hurricaneKatrina and Rita in America and now mountain tsunami in Pakistan which created

havoc in capital city Islamabad, Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control,Northern areas, NWFP, Punjab on both sides of the border, and other adjoiningareas. A terrible and massive earthquake severely hit Pakistan early SaturdayOctober 8, 2005. Due to this horrible mishap, hundreds of thousands people losttheir lives and millions are still in critical condition. Hundreds of families are

trapped in collapsed houses and lost their breaths under heavy debris. Many werehelpless to sleep outside their destroyed homes in chilly weather. Many historic


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villages wiped out and beautiful homes, buildings and cities turned intograveyards and ruins.

Rescue operation and massive relief operation went under way and people fromall over the parts of country donated with open heart and demonstrated solidarity

with victims of severe earthquake. Alongside state mobilized relief funds, manynon-government and non-profit organizations, networks, welfare trusts, politicaland religious parties, nationalists, NGOs, individuals and other professional andvolunteer bodies of civil society initiated to actively participate in this noble causeand joined hands with victims by collecting donations and contributions from

over all country. It was observed that citizens from over all Pakistan donatedgenerously without any difference of caste, class and religious and many youthsregistered their names for relief work at affected sites.

In this connection, provincial networks of Pakistan NGOs Forum (PNF) alsoinitiated relief operation in earthquake areas and established relief camps to

mobilize donations and contributions.

In wake of the disaster resulting from the earthquake, all coalescing unitsestablished relief camps to collect relief goods for earthquake victims. SNGOFcollected goods from Hyderabad, Thatta, and Badin and transported the goods toearthquake-affected areas through SPO Sindh Region. BNGOF also collected reliefgoods of millions and distributed through SNI in affected areas of NWFP. SNIfocused on resource mobilization and collected contribution of Rs. 48,000 fromits District chapters. SNI also collected relief goods of Rs. 8.9 millions. PNCCcollected and distributed Rs. 15 million in cash, 125 tents, and transported 15

trucks of different relief goods. PNCC have designed a model of tent house whichhas separate kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms of size of 12X12. Expenses onmodel tent house are estimated Rs. 150,000. CORIN also contributed a lot inform of relief goods and tents. They transported 13 trucks of 7000 Kg flour and

2500 tents. Secretariat office of CORIN represented NGOs in InternationalDonors Conference in Islamabad in connection with relief and rehabilitationprocess in earthquake affected areas of NWFP and Azad Jamu & Kashmir.

System of Communication & PublicationEmail group on YahooPNF Secretariat and its coalescing networks set up another advance and effectivemode of the communication among development agencies and civil societyorganizations which was yahoo email group entitled pakistan_ngo_forum, sniand pncc_punjab. Some 130-140 messages used to post on these yahoo emailgroup of PNF, PNCC and SNI which ensured proper flow of information to civilsociety and other development agencies.


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PNF NewsletterPNF has published three issues of the newsletter i.e. January-March 2005, July-September 2005 and October-December 2005. The editorials of newsletter wereabout disasters resulting from earthquake in Pakistan and tsunami. Newsletters

also highlighted different activities of coalescing units and PNF Secretariat.Interviews and concerns of coalescing networks coordinators and PNF Secretarypublished in newsletters. Some articles were also published which provided a richamount of organizational knowledge to grassroots organizations.

Other PublicationsReport on Provincial Autonomy: PNF also published a comprehensive reporton series of dialogues on Provincial Autonomy. The report covered entireproceedings and conclusion of series.

Yearly Planner 2006:During the PNF Convention 2005, a yearly planner for2006 published with slogan of PNF Convention 2005 Rights of IndigenousPeople on Local Resources.

Constitution of SNI: One of the coalescing partners of PNF, Serhad NGOsIttehad (SNI), amended its constitution and printed 4000 copies. Printed versionof constitution covered history of SNI, profiles of present and previouscoordinators and secretariat offices, election mechanism and network organ gram.Constitution circulated among member organizations of SNI.

Database of Member Organizations:A database format was designed in connection with gathering of informationrelevant with member organization of coalescing units. All coalescing networksstarted compiling database format in district conventions in respective districts anduploading of same format on PNF Website was decided to provide online accessto organization to become members in respective provincial networks.

PNF website:During the reporting period, PNF secretariat went into an agreement with

freelance consultant regarding developing material for website. In this regard, PNFSecretariat contacted all provincial networks and collected all relevant informationand provided to consultant. Consultant, in this regard, visited demo and suggestedsome important links on home page of website. PNF website is capturing all

relevant information about creation of PNF, its coalescing units, PNF publicationsand photo gallery. Link of directory of support organizations also developed onhome page. In this regard, PNF secretariat was granted permission from NGORC


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to keep NGORC online directories on its home page. Cyber dialogue is one ofaspect of PNF website where visitors would have opportunity to be part of onlinediscussion on different social concerns relevant with civil society. The URL of PNFwebsite is www.pnfpk.com

DocumentationDevelopment of Concept papersDuring the reporting period, PNF secretariat developed many concept papers tostrengthen the civil society networks and to develop close linkages with other civilsociety organizations.

Concept Paper: NGO-Government and Media RelationsThe concept paper was aimed to develop working relations with state personnel

and Media representatives as an image of NGOs could be built. This conceptpaper also described that development of relation would support to highlightpractical approaches in line with addressing the issues at grassroots level.

Concept paper: Civil Society Campaign to Prevent Damages of MegaDevelopment Project in PakistanThe concept paper was aimed at development of vibrant and responsible role ofcivil society on public issues, Integrate all random and scattered efforts of variousquarters of civil society on this issue in uniform direction with collective one voice,Initiate dialogue with IFIs to influence their financial support policies regarding

mega development projects in Pakistan, create space for indigenous communitysvoice regarding articulation of policies about mega development projects,Influence media to play more responsible and vigilant role regarding megadevelopment projects, Sensitize public opinion to question non-participatorypolicies regarding mega development projects to prevent damages, and Motivatelegislatures to develop their effective and responsible role in this regard and getthem involved in the campaign.

Concept Paper: Exposure Visit of PNF Delegation to IndiaThe concept paper was aimed to provide exposure to member organizations ofcoalescing units of PNF. The exposure visit to India was supposed providing anunderstanding of mechanisms and strategies regarding developing linkages withState departments and making integration with Government to foster ademocratic, just and liberal society. The exposure visit to India also was supposedto provide an exposure and opportunity to learn new techniques, strategies, andmechanisms which would support and strengthen the civil society networks inPakistan.


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Concept Paper: Role of Civil Society in Post-Earthquake SituationThe concept paper was aimed to be part of rehabilitation process to make it moreaccountable and credible. The concept paper provided justification thatIndigenous communities of local areas, civil society and representative ofdemocratic institutions like local government assemblies, provincial assemblies,

national assembly and senate had never been taken in to confidence during entireprocess so concept paper recommended that role of civil society should be morestrengthened and elected representatives needed to lead the entire process ofrelief, rescue and rehabilitation. the concept paper was also described that role ofcivil society in post-earthquake situation would facilitate to ensure accuracy insituation analysis process, accountability and Transparency in relief andrehabilitation process, Establishment of all kind of records at the local level, ensurecitizen rights especially women, children, minority and other marginalized groupsof the civil society, Entitlement/ compensation to the victims, Dispute resolution atthe local level through formation of Masalheti Committees, Legal help toaffected people and establishment of effective judicial system, Exploitation ofhousing sector/ reconstruction through local bodies, Resettlement plan throughconsultation and degradation of Natural Resources and Good governance/decision making by the elected people.

Progress Reports/Minutes/PMFDuring the report, PNF secretariat regularly produced quarterly and six monthlyreports and shared with coalescing networks and partners. These reports provide agist about PNF and its coalescing units performance and activities. These reportsalso highlighted the serious problems and issues relevant with civil society andpreventive measure taken by coalescing units. During the period, PNF secretariat

also produced Performance Measurement Format (PMF) which provided a richknowledge about PNF and its history and achievements. PNF secretariat alsoproduced minutes of PNF Executive Council meeting organized quarterly. Besides,minutes and reports of different events like debate on role of civil society toprotect damages of Mega projects in Pakistan, review report, Debate on GawaderPort issue, Open discussion on NGO-Government and Media relations and somany other events documented properly.

Correspondence/Press NotesDuring the reporting, PNF Secretariat keep close liaison with print and electronic

media, district government, international donor agencies, grassroots organizations,community based organizations (CBOs), politicians, scholars, writers, socialscientists and development professionals. During the entire course, PNF received

many letters which responded timely.

Besides, PNF secretariat efficiently responded the serious concerns of civil society.In this connection, PNF secretariat released press statements and condemn police

attack on journalist rally in Lahore on international day of freedom of press,


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Police attack on Asma Jhangir, Chairperson HRCP Pakistan, misbehavior of ZilaNazim Multan with Civil society organizations, President General PervazMushrafs allegation on NGOs, environmental, social and political impact ofconstruction of Kalabagh Dam, environmental impact of New Muree Project onlives of human and geography, murder of Development Professional Mr. Qaiser

Rasheed and strongly condemn publication of blasphemy cartoons in Europeancountries.

PNF Secretariat also responded immediately to the ARY-TV Channel on its

program views on news and shared civil society concerns. The programtelecasted baseless critical comments against NGOs and program did not telecastthe comments and feedback of NGOs. Correspondence also made with BritishPetroleum against their exploitative attitude towards sustainable development and

ignorance of local people in Badin district. Some international donor agencies setout criteria for funding and NGOs and CBOs said to be certified by PakistanCenter for Philanthropy (PCP). In this regard, PCP also described a difficult

criterion which small CBOs and NGOs could not qualify. In this regard, SNIprovide documentary proves and PNF Secretariat drafted a letter to UNDP andshowed its concerns and fears.Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

Strengths Weaknesses Voluntarily commitment to resolve

problems relevant with civil society

Discussion over provincial andnational issues; focuses political affairsand works for rights of marginalizedcivil society.

Increasing membership Transparently budget sharing District, Provincial and National

conventions of coalescing units

Regular Executive Councils Meetings Information Flow to coalescing units Consultation on Youth Policy and

Provincial Autonomy

Dialogues and discussion on internalmechanism of PNF and NGOAccountability

Fund raising for PNF

No implementation on decisionstaken in its executive council meetings

No effective campaign and follow upon civil society concerns

No uniform image of PNF No implementation and refresher on

code of conduct

No development of Database Weak monitoring mechanism No feedback mechanism Unclear strategic directions


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Opportunities Threats Space for network to build an image

of NGOs

Donors interest in network Donors interest in Capacity Building Willingness to resolve inter-

organizational conflicts

Integrity in relief and rehabilitationwork

Financial Assistance Volunteerism Intern-provincial conflicts Undemocratic behavior of State International cultural conflicts

Documents

Striving for Equal Social Order (Annual Report PNF)