تَعارُف

 اِنسَانی حَقُوق کا تَصوّر کَئی سو سَالوں سے اِنسَانی ذِہنوں میں موجُود ہَے اور یہ پُورِی دُنیا کے اَندر معَاشروں میں اِنصَاف، مَسَاوَات اور آزَادِی کو فَروغ دِینے کے لیے بُنیَاد کا کام کرتا ہَے۔

 پَسِ مَنظَر

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی جَڑیں قَدِیم تَہذِیبُوں سے مِلتی ہَیں، جَہاں ضَابطہء اِخلاَق اور اِنصَاف کا مَقصد معَاشِرِے کے اَندَر اَفرَادکی حِفَاظَت کَرنا ہَوتا تھا تاہم، اِنسَانی حَقُوق کا جَدِید فَرِیم وَرک دُوسرِی جَنگِ عَظِیم کے دورَان ہَونے والے مُظَالِم کے بعد تَشکِیل پایا۔ جنگ کی ہَولناکیوں نے بُنیَادِی حَقُوق کی اہمیت بیحد کم کر دی ۔اس کےبعد ایک عَالَمگِیر سیٹ کی ضَرُورَت پَر زوردِیا جو اِس طَرح کِی زِیَادتِیُوں کو دوبَارہ ہَونےسے روکے۔

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کَا اِعلاَمِیہ

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی تَرقِی میں ایک اہم ترین سَنگِ مِیل اِنسَانی حَقُوق کا عَالمِی اِعلاَمِیہ (UDHR) ہَے، جِسے اَقوَامِ مُتَّحِدَّہ کی جَنرَل اِسَمبلِی نے 1948 ءمیں اَپنایا تھا۔ UDHR بُنیَادِی حَقُوق اور آزادِیُوں پر عَالمِی اِتفَاقِ رَائے کِی نُمَائندَگِی کَرتا ہَے جِن کا عَالمِی سَطَح پر تَحَفُظ کیا جانا چاہیے۔ جو شہری، سِیاسِی، اِقتِصَادِی، سَماجِی اور ثَقَافتِی حَقُوق کا اَحَاطہ کرتا ہَے۔

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے زمرے

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کو تین اہم گروہوں میں تَقسِیم کیا جا سکتا ہَے:
 
شہری اور سِیاسِی حَقُوق 
شہری اور سیاسی حَقُوق میں زِندَگی کا حَق، تَقرِیر کی آزادِی، اور مُنصِفَانَہ ٹرَائل کا حَق شَامِل ہَے۔
 اِقتصادِی، سَماجِی اور ثَقافتِی حَقُوق
 معاشی، سَماجِی اور ثَقافتِی حَقُوق تَعلِیم، صِحَت کی دِیکھ بَھال، اور مُناسِب مَعیَارِ زِندَگِی کے حق کو گھِیرےہُوئے ہَیں۔
اِجتماعی حَقُوق
 اِجتما عی حَقُوق مَخصُوص طَبقَات، مَقامی لوگوں یا اَقلِیَتِی بَرادَریوں کے حَقُوق کا تَحَفُظ کرتے ہَیں۔

 دَرپِیش مَسَائل

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے فَروغ اور تَحَفُظ میں پِیش رَفت کے بَاوجُود بُہت سَارے مَسَائل بَدستُور مُوجُود ہَیں۔اِنسَانی حقوق کی خِلاف وَرزِیاں دُنیا بھر میں ہوتی ہیں، آزادِیء اِظہَار پر پَابندِیوں سے لے کر تَشدّد اور اِمتِیَازِی سَلُوک تک۔ نَسَل، جِنس، مَذہب یا جِنسِی رُجحَان کی بُنیَاد پر عَدم مَسَاوَات اور اِمتِیَازِی سَلُوک سب کے لیے مُکَمل اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے حَصُول میں اَہم رُکاوٹِیں ہَیں۔ مَزِید بَرآں، اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی خِلاف وَرزِیُوں کے لیے جَوابدَہِی کا فُقدَان تَرقِی کی راہ میں رُکَاوَٹ ہَے ۔

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی تَنظِیمِیں 
مُتَعدّد سَماجی تنظِیمِیں
مُتَعدّد سماجی تَنظِیمِیں اور اَفراد مُلکی اور بِین الاَقوامی سَطَح پَر اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے فَروغ اور دِفَاع کے لیے کوشَاں ہَیں مثلاً پَاکِستان میں ایس ایس ڈی او (تنظِیم بَراے پا ئیدارسَماجی تَرقی ) ریسَرچ اور ایڈوکیسی پَروگَرامز کےذریعے لوگوں خَصوصاً نوجَوانوں اور خَواتِین میں اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی آگاہی کے لیے سَرگرم ہے۔ اور بِین الاَقوامی اداروں کے ساتھ مِل کر اہم َکردار اَدا کرتی ہَے۔

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے مُمتَاز کَارکُن
مَارٹن لُوتَھر کِنگ جُونِیئر، نے اپنی زِندَگی اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے مَقَاصِد اور مُتَاثِر کُن تَبدِیلِی کے لیے وَقف کر دی ۔

پِیش رَفت

 بہت سَارے مَسَائل ابھی تک بَرقَرار ہَیں، لیکن عَالمِی سَطَح پَر اِنسَانی حَقُوق کو آگے بَڑھانے میں پِیش رَفت ہوئی ہَے۔ دُنیا کے مختلف حِصّوں میں مُثبَت تَبدِیلِیاں دِیکھنے میں آئی ہَیں، جہَاں وَکالت اور آگاہی کی مُہمُّوں نے قَانُونی اِصلاَحات کیں ہَیں، جو کَمزور طَبقُوں کے لیے زیادہ تَحَفُظ کو یَقِینِی بناتی ہَیں۔ اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی وَکَالت کے اَثرَات کو پَسمَاندَہ معَاشِرے کی بَڑھتی ہوئی پِہچَان اور شَمُو لِیّت ، تَعلِیم اور صِحَت کی دِیکھ بَھال تک بِہتَر رَسَائی، اور صَنفِی مَسَاوَات کے فَروغ میں دِیکھا جا سکتا ہَے۔

دورِ حَاضِر کے مَسَائل

جَدِید دور میں اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے دَائرے میں کئی اہم مَسائل توجہ طَلب ہَیں ۔ بڑھتی ہوئ عدم بَرداشت، پَناہ گَزِینُوں کا بُحرَان اور بڑے پِیمَانے پر نَقَل مَکَانی اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے تَحَفُظ کے لیے اہم چَیلِنجز ہَیں۔ بے گھر اَفراد کو اَکثر مُشکلات، اِمتیَازِی سَلُوک اور اُن کے بُنیَادِی حَقُوق کی خِلاف وَرزِیوں کا سَامنَا کرنا پڑتا ہَے۔ ایسے جَامِع حَل تیار کرنے کے لیے کوشِشُوں کی ضَرُورَت ہَے جو نَقَل مَکَانی کی بُنیَادِی وَجُوہات کو حَل کریں اور ضَرُورَت مَندوں کو اِنسَانی اِمدَاد فَرَاہم کریں۔
خَواتِین کے حَقُوق
صَنفِی مَسَاوَات اور خَواتِین کے حَقُوق اہم شُعبے ہَیں جَہاں تَرقِی کی ضَرُورَت ہَے۔ نُمایَاں پِیش رَفت کے بَاوَجُود خَواتِین کو اِمتیَازِی سَلُوک، تَشدّد اور وَسَائل اور مَواقِع تک مَحدُود رَسَائی کا سَامنا ہَے۔ خَواتِین کو بَااِختیَار بَنانا اور صَنفِی مَسَاوات کو فَروغ دینا نہ صرف اِنسَانی حَقُوق کو بَرقرَار رَکھتا ہَے بلکہ معاشِروں کی مَجمُوعِی تَرقِی اور بَہبُود میں بھی حِصہ ڈالتا ہَے۔

اِنسَانی حَقُوق اور عالَمگِیریّت

 عالَمگِیریّت، اپنے باہمی رَبط اور تَکنِیکی ترقی کے ساتھ، اِنسانی حَقُوق کے لیے مَوَاقِع اور چَیلِنجِز دونوں پیش کرتی ہَے۔ ایک طرف، ڈِیجِیٹَل دور نے مَعلُومات کے تَبادلے، کارکنُوں کو مُتحرِّک کرنے اور اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی خِلاف وَرزِیوں کو بے نَقَاب کرنے میں سَہُولَت فَراہم کی ہَے۔ سوشَل مِیڈِیا پَلیِٹ فَارمز بِیدَارِی بڑھانے اور پَسمَاندَہ آوازوں کو بڑھانے کے لیے طَاقَتور ٹُولز بَن چُکے ہَیں۔ دُوسری طرف، رازدَاری کے حَقُوق کی خِلاف وَرزی، آن لاَئن ہَراساں کرنے اور نِگرانی کو آسان بنانے کے لیے ٹیکنَالوجِی کا بھی غَلط اِستِعمال کیا گیا ہَے۔

گَلوبَل دُنیا میں مَعِیشَتُوں اور قومُوں کے باہمِی اِنحِصَار کے اِنسَانی حَقُوق پر اَثرات مُرَتّب ہوتے ہَیں۔ اِقتِصَادِی پالِیسیَاں اور تَجَارتِی مُعَاہدے مَزدُورُوں کے حَقُوق، کام کے حَالات، اور ضَرُوری خِدمات تک رَسائی کو مُتاثِر کر سکتے ہَیں۔ یہ یَقینی بنانا بہت ضَرُوری ہَے کہ معَاشِی عَالمگِیر یّت اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے تَحَفُظ، اِستِحصال کو روکنے اور سب کے لیے مُنصِفَانہ اور مَسَاوی نَتائِج کو یَقِینی بنانے کے ساتھ ساتھ چَلتی ہَے۔

نَتیجہ

اِنسَانی حَقُوق ایک مُنصِفَانہ معَاشِرے کی بُنیاد ہَیں، جو ہر فَرد کی عِزت اور فَلاح کا تَحَفُظ کرتے ہَیں۔ جب کہ اِنسَانی حَقُوق کے فَروغ اور تَحَفُظ میں پِیش رَفت ہوئی ہَے، چَیلِنجِز بَدستُور بَرقَرار ہَیں، جِن کے لیے مُسَلسَل کوشِشُوں اور فَعالیّت کی ضَرُورت ہَے۔ یہ حَکُومَتُوں، تَنظِیمُوں اور اَفراد کی اِجتماعی ذِمہ دَاری ہَے کہ وہ اِنسَانی حَقُوق کو بَرقَرار رکھیں اور اِن کی وَکالت کریں، اس بات کو یَقینی بناتے ہُوئے کہ کسی کو بھی اِن کی بُنیادی آزادِیُوں اور حَقُوق سے محرُوم نہ کیا جائے۔

اِنسَانی حَقُوق کی قَدَر کو پِہچَان کر اور مِل کر کام کرنے سے، ہم ایک ایسی دُنیا بنا سکتے ہَیں جَہاں ہر شخص کے ساتھ عِزت، بَرابری اور اِحترام کے ساتھ بَرتاؤ کیا جائے۔

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Umar Farooq is a member of the Youth Network at the Government Post Graduate College for Men, Khanewal. Under SSDO's project intervention, youth across South Punjab were trained on peacebuilding, leadership skills and critical thinking. Now, as part of different Youth Networks, these youth activists are raising awareness on peace and social cohesion on their university campuses.

انسانی حقوق کی آگاہی

**Introduction**

Pakistan's identity as a nation is a tapestry of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities. As we celebrate Minority Day on August 11, it is an opportune moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions of religious and ethnic minorities in shaping the nation's rich heritage. Moreover, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering peace and social harmony among all communities. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of Minority Day in Pakistan and explore actionable steps we can take to contribute to peacebuilding.

**The Significance of Minority Day in Pakistan**

Minority Day in Pakistan holds historical and cultural significance. On August 11, 1947, the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, delivered a seminal speech emphasizing equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. This visionary commitment to protecting minority rights laid the foundation for a diverse and inclusive nation.

This day offers a valuable moment to honor the visionary outlook of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and to recommit ourselves to fostering a society that values the rights and dignity of all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds. 

**How Can We Contribute to Peace Building?**

**Education and Awareness**

Education is a powerful tool for peacebuilding. Schools and educational institutions should incorporate lessons on diversity, tolerance, and respect for all cultures and religions. It includes promoting empathy and understanding through curricula highlighting the historical contributions of various minority communities in Pakistan.

**Interfaith Dialogue**

Interfaith dialogue fosters mutual understanding and empathy among different religious groups. Community-led initiatives, conferences, and workshops can provide platforms for constructive discussions, breaking down barriers, and promoting a shared vision of peace.

**Legal Reforms**

Advocacy for legal reforms plays a crucial role in safeguarding minority rights. Existing laws must be enforced more effectively to protect minorities from discrimination and violence. New legislation should address emerging challenges and ensure equal rights for all citizens.

**Grassroots Community Engagement**

Building bridges between communities at the grassroots level is essential for peacebuilding. Community events, cultural exchanges, and joint initiatives can promote cohesion and friendship between people from different backgrounds.

**Media Representation**

The media wields substantial influence in molding public perception. Encourage media outlets to portray minorities positively and fairly, highlighting their achievements and contributions to society. Responsible and balanced media representation can combat stereotypes and promote inclusivity.

**Government Initiatives**

Government institutions should actively work towards building an inclusive society. Policies that provide economic opportunities, access to education, and healthcare for minorities can foster a more equitable nation.

**Promote Social and Economic Integration**

Promoting social and economic integration is vital for peacebuilding. By encouraging minority representation in all sectors of society, including education, government, and the workforce, we create a more inclusive and united nation.

**Conclusion**

Minority Day in Pakistan is a momentous occasion that reminds us of the strength of our nation's diversity. By celebrating and protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, we reinforce the values of tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence. Active engagement through education, interfaith dialogue, legal reforms, community outreach, media representation, government initiatives, and social integration can pave the way for lasting peace in Pakistan.

As responsible citizens, let us all participate in peacebuilding efforts, not only on Minority Day but every day, to create a brighter and more harmonious future for all. We can only truly build a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan by embracing diversity and fostering a sense of unity.

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Sana Talat is a member of the Youth Network at the Women University Multan. Under SSDO's project intervention, youth across South Punjab were trained on peacebuilding, leadership skills and critical thinking. Now, as part of different Youth Networks, these youth activists are raising awareness on peace and social cohesion on their university campuses.

A Mosaic of Cultures: Celebrating Minority Day and Peace in Pakistan

Children growing up in Pakistan, especially those living in poverty, are most likely to be affected by climate change due to anthropogenic activities. As a result, impoverished children disproportionately face severe health issues, food shortages, and traumas as compared to their economically advantaged counterparts. 

Children are physically weak and require specific niche conditions to survive, and thus consequently bear the brunt of hunger and malnutrition due to changes in food supply following floods and natural disasters. 

Hotter temperatures, severe storms, increasing droughts, loss of lands, poverty, and displacement—in all these situations, children pay the highest price. 

These issues disrupt children’s lives and their futures at the developmental stage of their upbringing, resulting in long-lasting trauma. According to a study in the October 2021 issue of Science, children today are projected to experience twice as many wildfires, 1.7 times as many tropical cyclones, 3.4 times more floods, 2.5 times more crop failures and 2.3 times as many droughts as someone born in 1960. 
Climate change affects all children, especially those who are immunocompromised. It has adverse effects on the mental enrichment of children in their developmental years. Longer and more intense heat waves make it dangerous for kids to play outside, while decreased air quality affects children by increasing the likelihood of asthma attacks, allergies, mental health problems, developmental delays, and changes in their genetic makeup.

33 million people, including approximately 16 million children, have been affected by 2022’s heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan, which have brought devastating rains, floods, and landslides. More than 400 children have been killed in the floods, while approximately more than 16 million affected children are without homes and access to safe drinking water while living in unsanitary and unhygienic conditions.

Children are ringing alarm bells about climate change and how it is detrimental to their health and well-being. As a failure on the part of older generations whose activities have sparked these changes, it is the collective responsibility of all relevant stakeholders to ensure that children do not lose their childhood due to disasters and are able to reach their full potential. This can be achieved by addressing climate change leading to reduce food insecurity and adopting responsible policy initiatives to safeguard the lives and future of children in Pakistan.

   
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By
**Sanam Shabbir**

Sanam Shabbir is a student at the Women University Multan. She was trained on citizen journalism and climate change awareness under SSDO’s two-year project: “Youth for Civic Action and Reporting on Climate Change through Citizen Journalism in Pakistan”, funded by the Commonwealth Foundation.


Growing up in a Warming World: The Effects of Climate Change on Children

**Change Begins from Within: Sustainable Behaviours for a Greener Tomorrow**

The World Environment Day is celebrated each year on 5th June. This day raises awareness about the current environmental problems. The main motto of this day is: “Invest in our Planet”. 
It's a bitter fact that we have damaged the balanced environment of the Earth, so now it is our duty to regain it. I simply believe that the first step we take forward should be the step we take as individuals. It is not necessary to join a social campaign or group to work on this. You can start this by working on your own.
 Things to do:
•	Don't forget the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle.
•	Avoid single-use items like plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc
•	Conserve water
•	Make your Earth green
•	Educate yourself and others
It is well-said, "Look after the land and the land will look after you, destroy the land and it will destroy you."

by
**Anusha Mumtaz**
Women University, Multan

**Celebrating World Environment Day: A Call to Preserve Our Planet**

World Environment Day is a momentous occasion celebrated globally on June 5th each year. It serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the planet we call home. This special day offers an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with nature, acknowledge the environmental challenges we face, and take decisive action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
It serves as a rallying call for individuals, communities, and governments to come together and address pressing environmental issues. It emphasizes the urgent need to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development practices. It is a time to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and the delicate balance of ecosystems upon which we rely.

Through collective efforts, we can make a significant impact. By reducing our carbon footprint, embracing renewable energy sources, adopting eco-friendly practices, and promoting environmental education, we can create a positive change. Planting trees, cleaning up polluted areas, and supporting conservation initiatives are small yet meaningful steps that contribute to a greener and healthier planet.
As we celebrate Environmental Day, let us remember that our actions today determine the world we leave behind for future generations. It is a day to renew our commitment to preserving the environment, prioritizing sustainable practices, and inspiring others to join the global movement for environmental protection. By working together, we can build a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all. Let us embrace this day as a catalyst for change and take action to safeguard our planet, for it is our greatest legacy.

By
**Khadija Masood**, Physics Department
Women University Multan


**Climate Change: Our Responsibility, Our Job to Fix it**

The environment of today's world is facing many challenges including climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. We have changed our lifestyle so much in order to create ease for ourselves. But in doing so, we forgot that we are playing with nature's beauty. Almost 2-3 centuries ago the climate was clear and the environment was pure. But now, we have damaged our whole ecosystem. The causes of environmental challenges include human activities such as industrialization, transportation, and urbanization. These activities have led to increased emissions of greenhouse gases, air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. The effects of a bad environment can be seen in many ways. Climate change can lead to rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods. The flood rate has been increased and so has its intensity. We can change the environment for the better by taking individual and collective action. Some ways to do this include using public transportation or walking instead of driving, conserving water, recycling and reducing waste, using environment-friendly products, and reducing the use of plastic.  We can also support policies and initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental protection. It is important for individuals, communities, and governments to work together to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future. It is also equally important for them to take action to address these challenges and protect the environment for future generations.

By
**Arooba Fatima**
Women University Multan

_The students are part of SSDO’s Youth Network in Multan and are promoting peacebuilding and social cohesion on university campuses, after being trained on critical thinking, leadership skills and peace by SSDO._


World Environment Day 2023: Youth Voices and Perspectives

Mapping Girls Youth- Vulnerable to Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
SSDO conducted a mapping activity with Government Vocational Training Institute, Mandi Bahauddin, under the IOM-supported project “Strengthening Response to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan.”
The activity aimed to understand the risks and vulnerabilities faced by young girls, identify potential threats related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and explore ways to strengthen awareness, prevention, and protection mechanisms.
Empowering young people with knowledge and awareness is a vital step towards safer migration and a future free from exploitation.
#SSDO #IOM #HumanTrafficking #MigrantSmuggling #YouthEmpowerment #SafeMigration #AwarenessAndPrevention


Mapping activity at Government Vocational Training Institute, Mandi Bahauddin

Mapping Youth Vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
SSDO conducted a mapping activity with youth in Mandi Bahauddin, under the IOM-supported project “Strengthening Response to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan.”
The activity aimed to understand the risks and vulnerabilities faced by young people, identify potential threats related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and explore ways to strengthen awareness, prevention, and protection mechanisms.
Empowering young people with knowledge and awareness is a vital step towards safer migration and a future free from exploitation.
#SSDO #IOM #HumanTrafficking #MigrantSmuggling #YouthEmpowerment #SafeMigration #AwarenessAndPrevention


Mapping activity with youth in Mandi Bahauddin

Mapping Youth Vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
SSDO conducted a mapping activity with students at University of Rasool, Mandi Bahauddin, under the IOM-supported project “Strengthening Response to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan.”
The activity aimed to understand the risks and vulnerabilities faced by young people, identify potential threats related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and explore ways to strengthen awareness, prevention, and protection mechanisms.
Empowering young people with knowledge and awareness is a vital step towards safer migration and a future free from exploitation.
#SSDO #IOM #HumanTrafficking #MigrantSmuggling #YouthEmpowerment #SafeMigration #AwarenessAndPrevention


Mapping activity with students at University of Rasool, Mandi Bahauddin

Mapping Youth Vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
SSDO conducted a mapping activity with youth, Mandi Bahauddin, under the IOM-supported project “Strengthening Response to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan.”
The activity aimed to understand the risks and vulnerabilities faced by young women and girls, identify potential threats related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and explore ways to strengthen awareness, prevention, and protection mechanisms.
Empowering women with knowledge and awareness is a vital step towards safer migration and a future free from exploitation.
#SSDO #IOM #HumanTrafficking #MigrantSmuggling #YouthEmpowerment #SafeMigration #AwarenessAndPrevention


Mapping activity with youth, Mandi Bahauddin

Civil society organisations are essential partners in bridging the gap between policy and practice

Migration has long shaped Pakistan’s social and economic landscape. Millions of Pakistanis are living and working abroad, supporting their families back home, contributing to foreign reserves, upgrading their lifestyles and developing the international connections. However, irregular migration, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, exploitative recruitment practices and limited access to justice continue to expose vulnerable people to exploitation.

Migration management is not limited to border management and immigration control. It includes human rights, labour migration, socio-economic opportunities and access to social protection and justice. Pakistan needs to transform its efforts in migration governance from fragmented and partial approaches to a more integrated, comprehensive and coordinated one that will respond to the needs and expectations of migrants and their communities.

A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is needed to address the challenges. Government institutions design and implement policies and legislation, the parliament reviews and monitors laws, international organizations can provide technical support. Civil society acts as a liaison between government and communities. Effective coordination among stakeholders is vital to ensure that policies addressing migration-related challenges are developed and implemented in a way responsive to people’s needs.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are uniquely positioned to work with affected communities because of their proximity, ability to listen and contextual understanding. They can play a significant part in identifying emerging issues, gaps in the implementation of policies, raising awareness about regular migration channels and supporting vulnerable groups including victims of trafficking and smuggling. They can also help with rehabilitation and integration of returning migrants. CSOs involvement ensures that the voices of those not always heard in consultations are considered in policymaking.

The establishment of the Civil Society Alliance on Migration by the International Organisation for Migration could bring together various organisations to formulate collective action to address issues related to safe, orderly and regular migration. Its success will depend on whether C-SAM can move from being a consultative body to an operational platform for a collective approach to policy dialogue, sharing of information and good practices and joint actions to work in collaboration with other state institutions to curb trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.

There is already a precedent for such cooperation. In 2023, National Police Bureau under the leadership of Director General Dr Ehsan Sadiq hosted a working group on anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling that involved national and international organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, International Organisation for Migration, the International Labour Organisation, Sustainable Social Development Organisation, International Centre for Migration Policy Development and IRARA. It helped establish partnerships and synergised the efforts to address TIP. The C-SAM network, through its thematic working groups, can build on this platform by engaging government institutions and working on concrete deliverables in the areas of prevention, victim support and policy implementation.

Migration governance is a complex, multidimensional process that cannot be shaped effectively in isolation or through top-down approaches alone. Migrants, their families and host communities must be recognised as equal partners in decision-making, with meaningful opportunities to shape policies, influence interventions and hold institutions accountable. They should not be treated as passive recipients of services or institutional goodwill.

Legal and institutional mechanisms are in place in Pakistan to address organised crime associated with migration. These include the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018. These laws align with the framework of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, supplemented by its two relevant protocols. Together, these international instruments provide a foundation for strengthening national legislation, cross-border cooperation and victim protection.

This year, Pakistan has developed the National Action Plans 2026-2030 to Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons that could help in aligning national strategies with those of communities. While law enforcement is an important aspect of migration governance, there is a need for collective action in terms of prosecution, prevention, awareness, victim support, research and access to justice through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.

These plans can translate policy commitments into measurable results through clear responsibilities, timelines, indicators and regular reviews. The civil society can support oversight through thematic working groups. International organisations and development partners can provide technical assistance, capacity-building and advocacy support, guided by national priorities, accountability and migrants’ rights.

On the legislative front, the policy makers can play a significant role not only for enacting robust legal and policy framework but also for oversight on its implementation. The provincial legislatures need to be engaged in migration governance as well as it cuts across various sectors, including labour, education, health, social protection, child protection and law and order. An innovative move in this direction was the establishment of Pakistan’s first-ever Special Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling in the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab in 2023. The initiative was undertaken with the support of Sustainable Social Development Organisation, the British High Commission and the US Mission in Pakistan.

Effective implementation of the legal and policy framework on human trafficking and migrant smuggling depends on the coordinated efforts of state institutions, law-enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, provincial governments and civil society organisations. The Federal Investigation Agency, particularly its Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling Wing, has a central role in investigating offences, dismantling criminal networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The Ministry of Interior is instrumental in providing policy direction, facilitating inter-agency coordination and overseeing relevant law-enforcement responses. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development can contribute to protecting migrant workers, promoting ethical recruitment practices and addressing vulnerabilities associated with overseas employment.

The Ministry of Human Rights, Social Welfare and Labour Departments, child protection authorities, police, Prosecution Departments and relevant district administrations also have important responsibilities in victim identification, protection, legal assistance, rehabilitation and reintegration. Immigration authorities and border-management agencies can strengthen the detection of fraudulent travel documentation and irregular cross-border movements, while the judiciary ensures due process, adjudication and accountability in accordance with the law.

Civil society organisations are essential partners in translating legal commitments into meaningful protection at the community level. They can help identify vulnerable individuals, report emerging risks, raise awareness about safe and regular migration, facilitate referrals to relevant authorities and support victims through trusted community networks. Stronger inter-agency coordination, timely intelligence-sharing, specialised investigations, effective prosecution and survivor-centred protection must go hand in hand with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Meaningful inclusion of civil society at the national, provincial and district levels is essential to complement law-enforcement efforts, strengthen public trust and bridge the gap between state institutions and affected communities. Victim protection, assistance and rehabilitation are essential to an effective response to TIP and SOM. Young people often face heightened vulnerabilities and require accessible, age-appropriate and gender-sensitive support.

A survivor-centred approach should prioritise victims’ safety, dignity, informed consent, confidentiality and individual needs. Relevant government institutions must establish clear referral pathways and coordinated case-management mechanisms to ensure timely access to safe shelter, medical and psychosocial care, legal aid, education, vocational training and livelihood support. Rehabilitation and reintegration services should protect survivors from stigma, retaliation, re-trafficking and further exploitation and enable their meaningful participation in decisions affecting their recovery.

Civil society organisations can complement government efforts by identifying and referring victims, facilitating access to essential services, advocating for survivors’ rights and monitoring protection gaps. Stronger partnerships among government institutions, CSOs and international organisations are essential to institutionalise survivor-centred procedures, accessible complaints and feedback mechanisms, and effective monitoring of assistance.

Academia has a vital role in preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling by educating young people about safe migration and fraudulent recruitment. The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, has taken an important step by introducing a mandatory course, Introduction to Migration. The initiative should be replicated across universities and colleges in Pakistan to promote informed decision-making and protect students from exploitation when pursuing education and employment opportunities abroad. Academia and CSOs can conduct research to document the experiences with migration governance, issues, challenges, and formulate recommendations for policymakers and programme designers.

Through their trusted community networks, CSOs can provide people with reliable information about legal migration pathways, recruitment procedures, workers’ rights, contractual obligations and the responsibilities of overseas employment promoters. They can also help communities identify fraudulent recruitment practices, understand exploitation risks and access appropriate support. Migrant Resource Centres supported by ICMPD provide counselling and guidance on regular migration opportunities. CSOs can extend these efforts to underserved communities through local outreach, awareness sessions and referrals. Their role is equally important in supporting returning migrants with access to services, reintegration opportunities and protection mechanisms.

Published in [The News](https://www.thenews.pk/tns/detail/1443461-strengthening-migration-governance)

Strengthening migration governance

The only simple criterion that could be used in considering any restructuring proposal would be whether it would make government more responsive to the people and give more control to the people over the decision-making process and resources available to them. If redrawing the provincial boundaries is a solution, let’s start with Islamabad. Islamabad can be granted provincial status with an elected democratic government run by a Chief Minister. This will definitely require greater constitutional, administrative, financial and political discussion, but might be an opportunity for developing a new form of democratic, decentralised governance. The possible discussion could be about establishing an elected governance structure for Islamabad without losing its federal capital status. However, a case could also be put forward for a larger proposal to include Islamabad and its economically and geographically linked neighbouring areas to become a separate federating unit. Any such proposal must be subject to constitutional review, institutional consultation, public discussion and careful consideration of administrative and financial feasibility. The Provincial Finance Commission should be strengthened and constitutionally entrenched to guarantee the regular and equitable transfer of funds from provincial governments to district and local governments, thereby ensuring meaningful fiscal decentralisation.

The goal is to have an elected institution that truly represents the citizens and serves through meaningful political, administrative and fiscal decentralisation. Allocation of resources should be based on the National Finance Commission and Provincial Finance Commission in such a way that resources are channelled to the third tier of government that provides the services. Meanwhile, robust financial oversight and transparency, performance tracking and independent accountability tools must also be put in place to guard against the misuse of public resources. Policing and the offices of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner should also operate within a clearly defined framework of democratic accountability, while preserving professional autonomy, administrative continuity and the rule of law. The objective should be to ensure that administrative institutions serve citizens rather than remain detached from the communities they govern.

If such a model were to be considered, its effectiveness should be assessed against clear and measurable indicators, including the quality of service delivery, municipal management, education and healthcare provision, infrastructure development, public safety, revenue generation, financial transparency and citizen satisfaction. Evidence generated through such an experience could provide valuable lessons for informing and shaping broader administrative and governance reforms across other parts of the country as well.

However, this approach should not be confined to Islamabad. The future creation of any new administrative or federating units elsewhere in Pakistan should be accompanied by strong, empowered and democratically accountable local governments. Creating smaller provinces without simultaneously strengthening districts, municipalities and community-level institutions would risk merely shifting the locus of centralised power rather than achieving meaningful decentralisation. Genuine administrative reform should therefore place effective local governance, fiscal empowerment, institutional accountability and citizen participation at the centre of any restructuring process.

Published in [The Nation](https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Oct-2026/pakistan-s-missing-link-part-2)

Pakistan’s Missing Link (Part-2)

After 78 years of Pakistan as an independent state, it is time to look back and question the achievements of democracy, such as freedom, dignity and meaningful participation for all the citizens of the country. The history of democracy in Pakistan has been largely defined in terms of national and provincial electoral politics and power struggles for roughly eight decades, with local-level politics still in the doldrums and underutilised.

A democracy is not just about periodic elections; it is about people having an impact on decisions that shape their lives in everyday affairs, whether it is education, healthcare, clean drinking water, sanitation or local development and public safety. The governments at local levels are the nearest tier of government that immediately responds to these basic needs of citizens.

Under Article 140-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, every province shall have a local government system that shall by law provide for the devolution of political, administrative and financial responsibility and authority to local governments’ elected representatives. It also establishes that the Election Commission of Pakistan shall hold local governments' elections periodically. Unfortunately, the situation of establishing local government and its functioning has remained inconsistent throughout political and democratic history. If somehow elections were ever held in any of the provinces, the true devolution of power was never transferred to local tiers.

Nevertheless, one such important effort to reform local governance was made by the then government of General Pervez Musharraf in 2001. The Devolution of Power Plan brought a three-tier system of governance at the local level, including district, tehsil and union-level institutions. It aimed to involve citizens in decision-making and to increase the participation of elected representatives in local administration and development. This 2001 framework showed that substantial administrative devolution was possible, and it is generally believed to have delivered too in Pakistan. It also provoked a lot of discussion at the local level about the role of elected representatives in development planning, service delivery, community participation and public accountability.

The idea of decentralisation, however, has lost its fervour since the second tenure of this devolution plan. All mainstream political parties, including PML-N, PTI and PPP, introduced new local government legislation time and again and held intermittent elections; however, the decentralisation of power process never achieved its true sense. Despite the repeated promises made by successive governments, the lack of political will to decentralise political, administrative and financial power to the local level is indicative of a structural preference for centralised governance over participatory governance.

Resultantly, throughout the country, either local governments are not present or they are relatively very controversially created and operationally very weak. Therefore, citizens have become distrustful of democratic institutions and doubt that these institutions can do justice to the public interest. This challenge is more pronounced in Islamabad and Punjab, where stable, empowered and continuously operating local government institutions have yet to be realised.

The ongoing discussion on new provinces, administrative units and more powerful local governments is a great opportunity to rethink the governance of Pakistan. Politicians, policymakers, technocrats, civil society and other stakeholders in Pakistan are debating the redrawing of the boundaries of new provinces, the division of administrative units into smaller ones, and the strengthening of local governments, or a combination of these options, with the fiscal devolution principle. Another question that has come up in the debate is whether administrative boundaries in Pakistan should be redrawn or whether the administrative, political and financial system should be brought in line. It is indeed a governance quandary. There is now a growing demand for more responsive institutions, which is being discussed by business representatives, lawyers, academic experts, civil society organisations and governance experts. Meanwhile, there are also fundamental variations on whether there should be any new provinces or administrative bodies and on their shape, size and strength. Reducing the size of the provinces is a topic of debate for some, while empowering existing provinces by strengthening local governments is a topic for others. Therefore, the political leadership, technocrats, governance experts, business and professional communities, academia, civil society and, most importantly, citizens should play a meaningful part in deciding on the type of governance structure that can provide better service, accountability and public participation.


Published in [The Nation](https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Oct-2026/pakistan-s-missing-link-part-1)

Pakistan’s Missing Link (Part-1)

KARACHI: A ‘Sindh policy dialogue’ called for stronger coordination to counter terrorism and extremism.

The provincial policy dialogue was held here on Wednesday to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in Sindh, with participants calling for stronger legislation, parliamentary oversight and coordination among government institutions, law enforcement agencies and communities.

The dialogue was organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), with the support of the British High Commission and in collaboration with the Sindh Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (SCECVE) and the Sindh Home Department.

Parliamentarians, Home Department officials, representatives of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), law enforcement agencies, civil society, experts and other stakeholders attended the session.

Participants reviewed terrorism and violent extremism threats, existing mechanisms and institutional gaps. They stressed the need for effective implementation of laws, parliamentary oversight and improved coordination among relevant institutions.

Additional Inspector General of CTD Sindh Zulfiqar Larek said strengthening non-kinetic measures was essential to counter terrorism and extremism.

He said joint efforts by law enforcement agencies and other institutions had contributed to a significant decline in terrorist incidents in Sindh, while several potential incidents had been prevented through timely action.

However, he emphasised that sustained progress required greater participation by society and local communities.

Brigadier Inam-ul-Haq (retd), briefing participants on SCECVE’s strategy, said the centre was focused on preventing extremism, rehabilitating vulnerable individuals and facilitating their reintegration into society.

He said work was under way on a comprehensive national communication policy with the participation of the federal government and all provinces.

A five-year strategic plan for Sindh had also been developed, focusing on a province-specific counter-extremism policy, research, capacity building, community engagement, positive narratives, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Parliamentary leaders and members of the Sindh Assembly said the province already had several laws relating to counter-terrorism and related areas, but their effective implementation and oversight remained a major challenge.

They stressed that countering terrorism required more than security operations and should also address the social and ideological factors contributing to extremism, protect young people from extremist narratives and counter misinformation and negative propaganda.

Participants also called for stronger district-level peace committees to help identify and address local disputes and emerging extremist tendencies at an early stage.

At the conclusion of the dialogue, the participants agreed to enhance cooperation among parliament, government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society, academia, religious leadership and local communities.

They also called for stronger implementation of existing laws and parliamentary oversight, alongside greater emphasis on preventive measures, community engagement, rehabilitation and positive narratives to promote lasting peace and stability in Sindh.

News Published in [Business Recorder](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40438800/stronger-coordination-linked-to-strengthen-counter-terrorism-efforts)

Stronger coordination linked to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts

Capacity Building Workshop of Parliamentarians of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Counter Terrorism Framework, Legislative Responsibilities, and Engagement Practices

Two-day National Dialogue on Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight, Institutional Capacity, and Stakeholder Coordination on the Countering Terrorism Framework

Event on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons held in Islamabad

Provincial Dialogue on Curbing Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons in Pakistan - Lahore

Punjab Youth Summit Lahore

Let’s create a world where safety is a right, not a privilege

- Responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision making at all levels. 
- Parliamentary development through capacity building at all levels. 
- To engage people and civil society organizations in carrying out democratic accountability such as election observation, voters’ education, civic education, etc.
- Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.



Democratic & Just Governance

- Work with various stakeholders including state institutions, communities, media, youth and civil society actors and organizations to reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
- End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against marginalized sections of society including, women, transgender, children, persons with disabilities and religious minorities.


Promoting Peace & Social Cohesion

- Public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national and provincial policy reforms and international obligations. 
- Effective, accountable, and transparent public institutions.
- Protection of right defenders and whistle-blowers.
- Declaration and delinking of the conflict of interest.


Transparency and Accountability

- The rule of law and equal access to justice for all. 
- Non-discriminatory legislation and policy formulation for sustainable and equitable development.
- Non-arbitrary decision making by public functionaries.  
- Accessible, fair, and efficient legislation, administration, and adjudication.


Rule of Law & Access to Justice

- Non-discrimination of women, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities in the public and private spheres.
- Elimination of violence against women, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
- Elimination of harmful practices, sexual and physical exploitation of all forms, including trafficking in persons against women, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities. 
- Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies.
- Effective participation of women, transgender persons, minorities and persons with disabilities and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making. 
- Reforms to give women, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities equal rights to economic resources as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources, in accordance with national laws.
- Adoption and strengthening of policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of all women, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities at all levels.


Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

- Eliminate all harmful practices against children, such as early and forced marriage, child labour, child trafficking. 
- To ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to development and effective learning outcomes. 
- To ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary so that they are ready for primary education.
- Meaningful and child-led participation in decision making that impacts their lives and wellbeing.
- To ensure child-safe and child-friendly society.
- To recognise children’s right to play.  


Child Protection and Child Rights Governance 

- All people attain the highest possible level of awareness of sexual and reproductive health.
- Engagement of multiple stakeholders and community in ensuring quality in care initiatives for maternal, new-born, and child health.
- Nutrition awareness at the community level people- particularly women, girls, and children to transform and improve their lives for better involvement in the household and outside. 
- Engagement of different stakeholders and communities to improve water quality, wastewater treatment, drinking water, and open defecation through awareness raising and local engagement support. 


Health and Wellbeing

- Capacity building of youth on leadership skills including life skills constituting of critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, communication, self-awareness and confidence, personal management, and interpersonal skills.
- Behavior changes initiatives to build resilience against extremism, violence, and conflict and promoting peace, conflict management and democratic values.
- Cultural understanding, diversity, pluralism, empathy and social cooperation and cohesion.
- Enhancing thematic learning of youth on constitutionalism, good governance, rule of law and social accountability.
- Providing opportunities of internship and volunteerism to youth to understand social initiatives for sustainable development in country. 


Youth Development and Employability 

- Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in Pakistan
- Advocacy to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Spreading education and awareness and building human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
- Promoting mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.


Climate Change and Environment Protection 

- Collaborating with relevant state departments:
- To control and combat transnational organized crimes such as Trafficking in Persons, Especially of Women and Children; the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air; and the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking of Drugs and Firearms. 
- On developing and amending of domestic criminal offences (participation in an organized criminal group, money laundering, corruption, and obstruction of justice).
- The adoption of new and frameworks for extradition, mutual legal assistance, and law enforcement cooperation.
- And the promotion of training, collaboration, coordination and providing technical assistance for building or upgrading the necessary capacity of national authorities.
•	Localising the global efforts to combat the transnational organized crimes through partnership and collaboration. 


Capacity Building Workshop of Parliamentarians of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Counter Terrorism Framework, Legislative Responsibilities, and Engagement Practices

Two-day National Dialogue on Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight, Institutional Capacity, and Stakeholder Coordination on the Countering Terrorism Framework

Event on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons held in Islamabad

Provincial Dialogue on Curbing Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons in Pakistan - Lahore

Punjab Youth Summit Lahore

Let’s create a world where safety is a right, not a privilege

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Mapping activity at Government Vocational Training Institute, Mandi Bahauddin

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Children in the Federal Budget 2026-27 : A Rapid Analysis Through a Child Rights Lens

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SSDO_Practice Note 05_From Compliance to Resilience_Pakistan’s Path in AML-CFT Governance

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National Dialogue on Enhancing Parliamentary Engagement and Institutional Capacities for Counter Terrorism (CT) and Countering Terrorist Financing (CFT) in Pakistan

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