FreedomGaters forming the future by questioning presence
Today, the terrorism-stricken Pakistani society is oscillating in the hands of a dilemma resulting in the physically and mentally crippled manpower, emotionally bruised families and stagnating economy. The society, the common man wishes to breathe in the safe and secure environment. Highlighting current dimensions of public opinion, FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) urges all stakeholders to create a nexus between the public representative and civil society to tackle the current issue of extremism.
Great interest of victims, lawyers and international business community
For good and for bad: property is a basis for human interaction. It serves in a free society and free market as ground for trade, growth and wealth for everybody’s benefit. On the other hand property is misused, encroached, or stolen in case of absence of law and order, people are murdered when defending their and others’ property.
Najam Sethi, chief editor The Friday Times, during the Q&A session.
“First your assumptions must change! Don’t fool yourself! We are no heroes. First we have to pay salaries, run our companies and make profit for the shareholders.” Describing media in this way, award winning journalist and chief editor of The Friday Times, Najam Sethi, opened the eyes of members of the civil society.
FGP Workshop supported by FNF – a friendly atmosphere
Bol! Speak! I have knowledge, and potential, and courage. I have the freedom to speak. Politician does it, academician does it, celebrity does it, then, why shouldn’t I, as common citizen of Pakistan not do it? While famous people get space in media there is an equal place for me, too: cyber space.
Women equally enthusiastic to exercise their right to know
Awareness empowers the common man. Knowing our rights is our first and foremost responsibility as responsible citizens. Making the citizens more active, motivating them to be more vocal and playing their role in ensuring good governance, Liberal Forum Pakistan & Centre for Policy Development Initiative, Pakistan organized two consecutive training workshops on Freedom of Information in Lahore and Islamabad in collaboration with Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit, Pakistan.
Prof. Rasheed Khalid, University of Central Punjab, and Ayesha Javed, Member Punjab Assembly and Member Standing Committee on Education during the Question & Answer session
“What a shame, for all of your life has been waste, not having such knowledge”, shouted the skipper to the drowning philosopher with his vast knowledge but who never had learned to swim. This story of the famous Sufi Jalal uddin Rumi (1207–1273) was one example giving a strong message to the participants of “Communication Skill Training for teachers” in Lahore: It does not suffice to pass on knowledge.
The wall is down. The trenches and fences separating the German people from of each other have ceased to exist 20 years ago. German citizens of the Eastern part of the country could enjoy again the basic right of individual freedom - highly visible one aspect: the freedom of movement shown symbolically by these little cute cars called Trabbis passing the wall and checkpoints. Later Germany reunited and thus granting for each and every citizen these rights in one common constitution.
Rana, the former Nepalese minister stresses to get rid of negative mindset
It’s easier to be vocal while one is not in power. Most of the representatives of the former governments of SAARC countries censure the political and feudal mindset for the deadlock in negotiations in the region for peace and economic stability. “We need to rise above the local, national and regional differences for securing a safer and prosperous future for South Asia. The political point scoring and feudal mindset especially during and after every uncongenial situation pushes countries and the region decades backward.
Individual and organizations interlink in the workshop
A lady hired a cook and provides him money to buy comestibles. One day she came in the kitchen and wanted to know how much rice was left. The cook refused bluntly: “I won’t tell you. You are not entitled to know that. ” Sharing this allegory and asking “Would you let that happen?” one participant of the Freedom of Information workshop in Karachi highlighted one aspect of general freedom of information meaning:
The Cost of the Conflict is a tool that attempts to calculate the price of conflict to human race, not only in terms of deaths and casualties and economic costs by the parties involved but also the social, developmental, environmental and strategic costs of the conflict. These were the pivots around which the concept of FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) exclusive seminar on “Conflict Management” was developed and executed at Embassy Inn Hotel, Karachi.
“Diversity is difference— pluralism is accommodation of diversity while recognition and respect for diversity is called Federalism”, says Dr. Rasul Bukhsh Raees summing up the FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) seminar on Federalism in Islamabad. According to renowned scholar and specialist of federalism, Jami Chandio, there is a urgent need to be accommodative and giving all provinces their rightful share in resources and development costs to avoid and manage the conflicts in a federation.
Dr. Tom G. Palmer
"Global recession together with current fiscal policy has shaken the confidence of the business community"
Liberals discuss the economic concerns with Palmer. Dr. Tom G. Palmer, Vice President for International Programs and General Director, Atlas Global Initiative for Free Trade, Peace, and Prosperity shared the global aspects of recession with the Pakistani economists, businessmen and academia in Islamabad during an informal meeting arranged at FNF office.
Law Minister receiving certificate after the training on Democratic Values and Parliamentary Procedures
Leaders of tomorrow appeal to politicians to uphold democratic norms and value
This turned out to be a big day for Pakistani children, as they had a parliament of their own in place. Prime Minster Zainab Samantash gave a brief intro of Children’s Parliament Pakistan. The “Children’s Parliament of Pakistan” (CPP) created with an aspiration to inculcate democratic values in the new genera-tion giving children a platform to voice concerns and demands about issues and challenges confronting them.
Dedicated democrat administering the oath– Khalida Mansoor
The sweet words of democracy, equal chances, fair governance, tolerance, inclusion, responsibility and integrity finally began to appear more meaningful to the FNF moderator, Munazza Batool at the training session of the Children Parliament of Pakistan. The teenage members of the Regional Assembly sounded more reasonable and convinced of the basic values for citizens in a democracy than adult citizens and politicians in the country during the plenary discussions.
The educationist’s concerns over questionable text books– Pervez Hoodbhoy
Djim is for Jihad, K is for Kalashnikov. The text books by extremist organizations are more than sufficient to corrupt the tender minds at beginners’ schools. These books with copious notions of violence and terror produce young brigade of militants and suicide bombers. The risks of terrorism in future can be avoided if the strict actions are taken against the publication houses and organizations developing and printing these materials.
Explanations from a scientific view point – Olaf Kellerhoff, FNF Representative
Terrorism & New Wars-the current main topic in Pakistan was accordingly the main interest of Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP) and Future Youth Group (FYG) when members met for their first Liberal Club session at the WOMEN MEDIA CENTER in Karachi. As by this special study circle active liberals intend to increase knowledge and arguments they sought scientific input be-fore going into brainstorming and discussion of solutions. Thus, Olaf Kellerhoff, Resident Rep-resentative of Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF), as a guest outlined the history of wars and background of new wars and terrorism alike.
“Democracy is not what we learn in a day, it is all about our social development. Democratic values and attitudes must be taught at educational institutions by our teachers through setting examples in real life situations. Human beings learn by observation and doing”, says Parshant, the 15 year old minority minister of the Children’s Parliament of Pakistan.
Increasing knowledge and strengthening liberal values in a pleasant way: Watching a movie and discussions in a nice atmosphere
The Liberal Club is a brand-new get-together of Pakistani Liberals to discuss liberal issues and topics. Intended to increase the knowledge of the basis of liberalism and strengthen its values amongst members of Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP) and its friends the brilliant idea of LFP chairperson Anees Jillani now started off to bring his members to excellence. The first of this series was hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF) Pakistan Office.
LFP Chairperson Anees Jillani outlining the future paths of Liberal Forum Pakistan
Sindh is a land of the Sufis. Therefore, talibanization is not possible, according to Engineer Muhammad Rafique, Sindh Provincial Minister of Katchi Abadi Spatial Development, during a Seminar on “Governance and Liberalism”, organized by LFP (Liberal Forum Pakistan) in Karachi. In addition, Anwar Lal Din, Special Assistant Chief Minister Sindh, stressed on the strong will of the Sindhi stakeholders for Good Governance and Transparency. Taking the perspective from the grass root level Rashid Rabbani, Advisor Chief Minister Sindh, talked about various forms of extremism and touched upon constitutional matters from a liberal angle.
Mahboob Sada, President Christian Study Centre, Olaf Kellerhoff and Elke Hoff
“Why don’t you found a party?” Elke Hoff asks when members of different civil society organi-zations discuss in the Islamabad office of the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit the actual situation in Pakistan. The German Parliamentarian and member of the German liberal party, FDP, visits the country for her fifth time. As a member of the Defence committee as well as member of the Subcommittee for Disarmament, Arms control and Non-Proliferation she is very concerned about the recent developments.
Deputy head of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute M.B. Soomro, FNF Representative Olaf Kellerhoff and FNF Program Coordinator Munazza Batool
“Democracy is a bad form of government” provoked Olaf Kellerhoff, Resident Representative of the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF) in a discussion with students in Sindh. Invited by deputy Head of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute (SZABIST), M.B. Soomro, Kellerhoff took the chance to speak in front of almost 200 undergraduates in Larkana. Relating to one question out of the audience he agreed on the deficits of democracy in general but pointed out that history and presence have not brought a better way of governance to light so far.
FNF Administrator Muhammad Anwar honoured Meher Muhammad Khalil and congratulated his wife to have a courageous husband
Meher Mohammed Khalil who was at the wheel in the coach that drove the Sri Lankan cricket team towards safety at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore when it came under terrorist fire on 3rd March 2009, visited Sri Lanka, from 5th to 12th April 2009 on the invitation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited to pay him tribute. The visit of Mohammad Khalil had drawn wide interest among the grateful Sri Lankan public.
Federal Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul and German Ambassador in Pakistan Dr. Michael Koch (right)
A differentiated picture of the human rights situation in Pakistan Olaf Kellerhoff could draw before the ears and eyes of Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul. Furthermore, Olaf Kellerhoff outlined the work of the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung für die Freiheit in Pakistan since 1986. Collaborating for long years with Pakistani partners like the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Society of the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), the Foundation contributing in strengthening the civil society especially in the field of human rights.
Media campaigning is all make-belief yet pragmatic convincing. Liberals must try to win over supporters through the fine combination of thought and technology, summed up Aniq Zafar in the last session of the recent FreedomGate seminar in Islamabad.
After a detailed planning session at FNF office Pakistan, Future Youth Group (FYG) gets a tail wind for its activities in 2009. Mr. Olaf Kellerhoff, the FNF Resident Representative together with his team helped the youngsters to formulate achievable yearly objectives and explained the prerequisites of effective program planning.
“Hamare ghar tashrif laiye!” With these Urdu-words the new Representative Olaf Kellerhoff of the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF) has invited his guests to keep in touch with Foundation for Freedom. Many did so at the reception in February: Around 75 Pakistani partners, Foundation’s friends and members of the liberal family joined the common place to see Regional Director Dr. René Klaff introducing the newcomer.
All living beings react differently in conflict. The reactions of human being are the most diverse when confronted with critical conflict situations. During a workshop of Future Youth Group by Liberal Youth South Asia (LYSA) the focus was on Systems Thinking Paradigm while dealing with the personal, communal, regional and other conflicts. The moderator, Ms. Gulmina Bilal made the participants ponder why and how people turn violent in various circumstances.
Blues of 9/20 of Pakistan
Mr. Horst August, Senior Advisor of FNF, Pakistan Office survives the suicide attack outside Marriott Hotel. Mr. August as head of the project for an interim period of four months, was staying at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad situated in the Red Zone of Islamabad that was believed to be the most protected area in terms of security. After the powerful attack outside the gate of one of the finest hotels in Islamabad, the burning pieces of the truck and the explosive materials containing aluminum powder hit the top floors causing an inextinguishable fire. Later the fire engulfed the whole building.
After being five years in Pakistan as Resident Representative of Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit, Mr. Bochmann prepares to officiate from Bulgaria. While being based in Sofia, he will be in charge of four countries of the region namely Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia and Moldova. Unlike the work in Pakistan, these countries already have established liberal political parties which are the main partners of the Foundation.
Pakistan
The governed have the legitimate right to question the governing bodies and the ruling elite about governance lapses directly affecting them. The right to information ensures the people to enjoy the public utilities they are entitled to under the laws and the constitution in a democracy. In Pakistan this right is protected under Freedom of Information Act 2002. These were the propositions that were discussed during a three day FreedomGate Seminar on Freedom of Information recently in Islamabad.
The statement appears too good to be true. But under the umbrella of FreedomGate Pakistan the Pakistani politicians from liberal, democratic and nationalist political parties and factions sat for three days around a table to listen to each other’s viewpoint. The sessions observed hot debates, argumentation, persistence to hold one’s ground and finally resoluteness to formulate some workable formula that could be acceptable to all the provinces and factions existing in the troubled areas.
Liberal Forum Pakistan gets a tail wind by Mr. Manfred Richter to reorganize itself in terms of thematic and organizational matters during a three day Strategy Workshop held 28-30 July in Islamabad. This strategy Workshop for Liberal Forum Pakistan was meant to streamline the organization and define its concrete objectives for the year 2008. It served to bring all the members of the board and thinking minds around a table to discuss all the internal organizational matters after the transitional phase of LFP during the first half of the year and thematic issues concerning liberals in the current scenario.
There is a dire need for the promotion of liberal values in the terrorism stricken society of Pakistan where the subsequent prevailing uncertainty and declining economy promises no future to investors. These propositions were debated during the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF) Partners’ Meeting on 2nd August 2008 at Islamabad
during Sixth International Academy for Leadership (IAF) Alumni meeting 19-20 July in Islamabad
Political stability, rule of law, and patience to let the democratic process continue are the fundamental principles for social, political and economic development. These propositions were debated during the two day IAF Alumni Meeting in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by the Director International Academy for Leadership (IAF), Ms. Birgit Lamm, and eminent politicians who are also the alumni, Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Former MNA, Dr. Donya Aziz and Senator ® Sanaullah Baloch.
Group picture of participants
Economic Freedom and Political Freedom influence the pace and outcome of development. Both depend in fundamental ways on rule of law. These propositions were debated during a three day seminar on economic freedom held here under the auspices of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty and moderated by the German expert, Dr Stefan Melnik. The seminar highlighted the manifold relationships between political and economic freedom at a global level and, more specifically in Pakistan.
FreedomGate Pakistan in collaboration with Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNSt) organized a seminar on Media Campaigning & Advocacy Skills 3-6 April in Murree. The seminar targeted the participants from the liberals associated with FNSt partner organizations in Pakistan in one way or the other. Most of the participants were the liberal journalists who joined hands with Liberal Forum Pakistan for highlighting the issues that concern liberals through Media.
Group picture of participants
FreedomGate Pakistan gathered young liberals under one roof in Karachi (15-18 December 2007) to share novel and diverse communication and moderation techniques. The young members of Future Youth Group(FYG) and other partner organizations enthusiastically participated and reciprocated their experiences, visions, and ideas with each other. The trainer, Mr. Tauseeq Haider introduced various interpersonal communication techniques while preparing the participants for public communication and moderating events.
Nasreen Jalil, Vice Mayor of Karachi addresses the seminar
Shehri-CBE (Citizens for a better Environment) recently conducted a well received seminar on city development with the special topic: “Managing Cities: The Transport Dilemma” in the mega city of Karachi. “Shehri” is the Urdu word for citizen. This organization, which has been collaborating with the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNSt) since 1990, strives in the city of Karachi for the interests of the inhabitants and for an active civil society. For a long time the word environment haven’t been meant only environmental issues but also good governance, traffic policy, democracy and effective participating local government.
Dr. Sahiba Wizarat, head of Alpplied Economics Research Centre Karachi, explains the economic situation in Pakistan
Economists and experts finalize Work plan 2008 in EFN Expert’s Hearing
Economic Freedom Network (EFN) Pakistan in cooperation with Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNSt) sat recently with the eminent economists and experts for an Expert’s Hearing on Economic Freedom (EF) Index, Pakistani Edition at Islamabad. Economists from Pakistan and head of the Asian Economic Freedom Network from Bangkok, Dr. Gurowut Numnak discussed Economic Freedom in different fields in detail. Dr. Gurowut Numnak explained the purpose and background of the Asian Economic Freedom Network, which was established some years ago and which combines economic freedom think tanks from all over Asia.
Manfred Richter explains how to lobby and campaign
Members of the liberal organizations and partners of FNSt Pakistan learnt new techniques and skills for successful campaigning. The German expert, member of board of directors and treasurer of Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNSt), Mr. Manfred Richter conducted the seminar for liberal friends on a special request. This activitiy was organized by FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) in collaboration with FNSt.
Ross Mahtani, General Secretary FYG and President LYSA addresses the guests of Freedomgate Video Launch
Liberal youth organization motivates young and first time voters
Pakistani media was impressed, when FreedomGate Pakistan – a liberal network of alumni of International Academy for Leadership (IAF) in Germany – launched a recently self-produced video, to raise awareness in youth of their right to vote. The attention of the young voters was captivated by using youth language and life like situation.
Although by now nobody exactly knows when the national elections will take place in Pakistan, it’s for sure that they will happen soon. Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP) has initiated a series of Media Workshops to improve relations with media and feed them with liberal ideas, where not only the media personnel were invited, but information secretaries and other office bearers of LFP also actively participated. In two days workshop, they strengthened their relations by intensive discussions and exchanged novel concepts of information sharing.
FreedomGate Pakistan becomes active
FreedomGate Pakistan, an initiative of Pakistani IAF alumni, has started a series of seminars similar to the German International Academy for Leadership (IAF). The main purpose is to create more liberal space by conducting seminars establishing virtual platforms to inform about to discuss political matters and to support the existing liberal partners of Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit.
Shehri-CBE (Citizens for a better Environment) got recently tail wind through a strategy consultancy organized by Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit. Shehri is the Urdu word for citizen. This organization, which has been collaborating with the Foundation since 1990, strives in the city of Karachi for the interests of the inhabitants and for an active civil society.
An Incomplete Guide to the Issues in Resource Distribution in Pakistan
Discussion Paper National Finance Commission: An Incomplete Guide to the Issues in Resource Distribution in Pakistan published in cooperation with Lead Pakistan The paper addresses the issue of resource distribution in Pakistan; and examines the distribution of fiscal and Natural resources between federal and provincial governments.
Group photograph
Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNSt) partner organization, SPARC, Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child conducted a 2nd Training on “Child Rights and Child Protection Issues in Pakistan” for the university students from all over the country from 23rd to 25th June 2007 in Islamabad. The basic aim of the workshop was to make the target group aware of child rights, international and national laws, special skills to deal with violation of child rights and enable them to “Break the Silence”
Training the Trainers
Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNSt) partner organization, SPARC, Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child conducted a special Master Training on “Child Rights and Child Protection Issues in Pakistan” for CRC Heads to convey the knowledge of child rights, international and national laws and special skills how to deal with violation of child rights.
FNSt & Lead Pakistan strive to create awareness about
National Finance Commission Award
Friedrich Naumann Stiftung (FNSt) Pakistan together with LEAD Pakistan organized a book launching ceremony of “National Finance Commission: An Incomplete Guide to the Issues in Resource Distribution in Pakistan” on 4th June 2007 in Islamabad.
Dr. Salman Shah
Having in view the increasingly problems of services in the water, energy and telecom sector the International Institute of Islamic Economics (IIIE) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized a seminar on “Policy Framework for Public Utilities Management”.
For the past five years, the steadily growing network of Pakistani International Academy for Leadership, Gummersbach Alumni have been getting together annually to discuss ideas. At each of these annual meetings a need to more formally organize themselves and become a more “visible force for change” was expressed.
As a political advocacy group, it will not be incorrect to state that FNSt’s partner Liberal Forum Pakistan is sensitive to the political pulse of the country.
The delegation
with Dr. Gerhardt
A delegation of seven liberal Pakistanis hailing from FNSt partners in Pakistan visited Germany on the invitation of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF). The delegation comprised of senior members of Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP), Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) as well as a leading liberal journalist of the country.
; "FreedomGaters forming the future by questioning presence")
; "Great interest of victims, lawyers and international business community")
; "Najam Sethi, chief editor The Friday Times, during the Q&A session.")
; "FGP Workshop supported by FNF – a friendly atmosphere")
; "Women equally enthusiastic to exercise their right to know")
; "Prof. Rasheed Khalid, University of Central Punjab, and Ayesha Javed, Member Punjab Assembly and Member Standing Committee on Education during the Question & Answer session")
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; "Rana, the former Nepalese minister stresses to get rid of negative mindset")
; "Individual and organizations interlink in the workshop")
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; "Dr. Tom G. Palmer")
; "Law Minister receiving certificate after the training on Democratic Values and Parliamentary Procedures")
; "Dedicated democrat administering the oath– Khalida Mansoor")
; "The educationist’s concerns over questionable text books– Pervez Hoodbhoy")
; "Explanations from a scientific view point – Olaf Kellerhoff, FNF Representative")
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; "Increasing knowledge and strengthening liberal values in a pleasant way: Watching a movie and discussions in a nice atmosphere")
; "LFP Chairperson Anees Jillani outlining the future paths of Liberal Forum Pakistan")
; "Mahboob Sada, President Christian Study Centre, Olaf Kellerhoff and Elke Hoff")
; "Deputy head of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute M.B. Soomro, FNF Representative Olaf Kellerhoff and FNF Program Coordinator Munazza Batool")
; "FNF Administrator Muhammad Anwar honoured Meher Muhammad Khalil and congratulated his wife to have a courageous husband")
; "Federal Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul and German Ambassador in Pakistan Dr. Michael Koch (right)")
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; "Group picture of participants")
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; "Group picture of participants")
; "Nasreen Jalil, Vice Mayor of Karachi addresses the seminar")
; "Dr. Sahiba Wizarat, head of Alpplied Economics Research Centre Karachi, explains the economic situation in Pakistan")
; "Manfred Richter explains how to lobby and campaign")
; "Ross Mahtani, General Secretary FYG and President LYSA addresses the guests of Freedomgate Video Launch")
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; "Group photograph")
; "Training the Trainers")
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; "<small>Dr. Salman Shah</small>")
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; "<small>The delegation <br>with Dr. Gerhardt</small>")
