state institutions.
Lauding the efforts of organizers, Senator Saeed Ghani said creating awareness about the problems was a big challenge and the civil society should play its role in this regard. He underlined the need for the community’s oversight on utilisation of budget.
Economist Haris Gazdar from Collective for Social Sciences Research traced out the history of social protection system in the world. “Social protection is linked to a contract between a citizen and the state, which was introduced in 1940s in the Europe where socialist movement was strong and there was also strong capitalism.”
He went on that civil and political rights were made fundamental rights at first and later economic and cultural rights were also included in them. He said that for provision of education, healthcare, housing and food resources were needed and the state devised mechanism to generate those resources through taxation.
Gazdar highlighted in the labour force survey, data of unpaid family members and bonded labour were provided, which were actually not considered as labourers. He pointed out that social housing has been introduced in many countries like Hong Kong, but in Pakistan it was only a slogan.
The social activist said in our society exploitation was still done on the basis of sex, caste and creed. “For example, in Punjab there is a law, which distinguishes between the agriculture tribes and non-agriculture tribes.”
According to him, social protection schemes like Benazir Income Support Programme were helping poor to some extent. “The scheme has improved social status of women.”
In his concluding remarks, PILER Chief Executive Karamat Ali said poor were made poorer due to various policies and economic conditions in Pakistan.
Citing particular articles of Pakistan’s constitution, he said the constitution ensures that all citizens have a right to life to live with dignity. “Under the 18th Amendment compulsory education has become a fundamental right,” he stressed.
“Article 37 says the state would promote educational and economic interests of the backward people. It is an important article with vast scope, which can help make a just society,” he stated.
He added that in a civilised society it was the duty of the state to make arrangements for a decent living of people. “There are about 29 social protection institutions and programmes in Pakistan, including Baitul Mal, Micro Finance, BBISP, Citizens Damages Compensation Programme, Utility Stores, Zakat, NDMA, Social Health Insurance, Workers Welfare Fund.”
In this regard, Karamat said Pakistan has ratified many local and international conventions. “We have signed many obligations including local, international and religious obligations.”