Judicious allocation of resources is important so that provinces can alleviate poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy.
The conference has been organized by the Department of Political Science, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur in collaboration with Government of Sindh, Sukkur IBA University and some other organizations.
By Sanwal
Khairpur
The speakers at the inaugural session of 3-day International Conference on ‘Democratic Federalism: Governance, Decentralization and Diversity in Pakistan’, held here Wednesday, called for delegating powers to the provinces to strengthen the federation.
The conference has been organized by the Department of Political Science, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur in collaboration with Government of Sindh, Sukkur IBA University, Bhittai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA) Khairpur and Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO) Sukkur.
Muhammad Ismail Rahu, Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Department, was the chief guest of the inaugural session. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur presided over the session while Engr. Prof. Dr. Syed Madad Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Technology & Skills Development, Khairpur and Prof. Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah, Vice Chancellor, Sukkur IBA University were the guests of honor.
Speaking on this occasion, Muhammad Ismail Rahu said that there is need of improvement of relations among the provinces. “Lahore Resolution of 1940 was a landmark development for the rights of the federating units but unfortunately, it has not been implemented,” he said added that 18th Amendment in constitution brought about by PPP government devolved the powers to the provinces.
Rahu said that the local government system strengthens the democracy but the dictators always got shelter in the local government – from Gen. Ayub to Gen. Musharraf.
He said good governance could be ensured by the institutional development, participation of people and trust building.
Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto said that Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur despite severe financial crunch is heading towards right direction in terms of education, research and development. “We have taken drastic measures to curtail the expenditures. It is noteworthy that Rs.230 million had been disbursed among the pensioners which were pending since 2017.”
Dr. Ibupoto told that recently SALU has signed Memorandums of Understanding with national and international organizations and universities in order to carry out joint research, innovation, academic collaboration and linkage.
He said the presence of galaxy of scholars will deliberate on democracy, constitutionalism and governance. “I am optimistic that their recommendations will pave the way for the strengthening the federation and state.” He said that it is matter of high pride that within two months we have organized two international conferences on the core issues.
Prof. Dr. Khuwaja Alqama, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Minhaj University Lahore presented his keynote speech. He said history has great significance in political process. Pakistan was established with the consensus. He quoted the example of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who convened a conference on Atomic Issue of the Country at Multan. The Atomic Scientists were invited to deliberate on this important issue. As result with the consensus the Atomic Program of Pakistan was launched. He said beside democracy consensus approach, acceptance and dignity of humanity are vital elements for strengthening the federation.
Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed Choudhry from Garrison University, Lahore also spoke as keynote speaker. He said in order to strengthen the federation it is essential to delegate the powers to the provinces in real term so the federation could be strengthen.
He also shed light on the significance of local government in Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Nawaz Hakro from Oman spoke on the topic democratic government and development. He said the governance is the extension of authority and it is political process to deliver for masses. It is vital that sense of good governance prevails, and voices of people may be given respect while rule of law is very essential. Moreover active participation of civil society is needed. He said judicious allocation of resources is important so we can control on poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy.
Prof. Dr. Syed Madad Ali Shah and Prof. Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah said that this conference will provide an ample opportunity to the policy makers and it will strengthen the federation. They said that the 18th Amendment is a landmark development for provision of rights to the provinces.
Prof. Dr. Amir Ali Chandio, Chairman Department of Political Science welcomed the guests’ participants, national and international delegates. He said this conference will pave the way for the policy makers to strengthen the unity of the country.
Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences extended the vote of thanks to the guests, delegates and sponsors for the successfully organizing this conference. The shields were distributed among the guests. A large number of teachers, officers, civil society activists and students attended the conference.
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