Civil society for reviving Pakistan Day resolution’s spirit

Although we observe Pakistan Day annually and that the Lahore resolution provided basis for Pakistan’s establishment, current day affairs of the country are in absolute contrast to the spirit of the resolution. Hence, we believe that it is important to remind ourselves that we need to revert to the spirit of Pakistan resolution if we want to steer the country out of present day crisis.

This was observed in a joint statement issued on occasion of March 23 by prominent civil society activists who had gathered at the Arts Council for a press conference on Tuesday.

Among a few noteworthy individuals present at the presser were Piler’s executive director Karamat Ali, Arts Council of Karachi president Ahmed Shah, Sindh Labour Solidarity Committee coordinator Habibuddin Junaidi, Aurat Foundation resident director Mahnaz Rahman, Awami Awaz editor Dr Ayoub Shaikh, senior journalist Muqtida Mansoor, civil society activists Nazim F Haji, Naghma Iqtidar and Umer Farooque.

They demanded to revive the spirit of the Lahore Resolution by signing a new social contract for Pakistan in which deprived sections of the society were given due representation in the parliament and according to the country’s resources. “Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah has provided a clear outline for a new country but it is not being followed. Even after 70 years of Pakistan’s independence people are deprived of their fundamental rights,” read the joint statement.

They pointed out that the society is facing intolerance, religious extremism, it stands divided and these ills are increasing with the passage of time. Disparity in the society has increased, resulting in widespread unrest in the society.

Quoting the Lahore resolution of March 23,1940, Karamat Ali observed that there is no voice for poor and down-trodden people in Pakistan, now no poor can think of reaching the parliament.

He added that there is a dire need to introduce electoral reforms in Pakistan for the suppressed sections including labourers, women and people from Balochistan to be properly represented.

“We are supporters of democracy and will soon launch a Peoples Manifesto, which would be shared with the people in general and political parties in particular,” Ahmed Shah stated.