Meetings of the Aman Ittehad Provincial Committees

Summary

.

Meetings of Aman Ittehad’s advisory committees were held as per the following details:

The following is a synopsis of discussions and key decisions taken:

Focus-focus-focus

Every meeting stressed the need to FOCUS. The following emerged as the most critical and urgent which will be the Ittehad’s focus in the next 4-5 months:

• Shaping a social contract on the principles of the 1940 Lahore Resolution: This will be done through a series of People’s Assemblies. A framework for debate will be drafted by the national secretariat with assistance from Dr. Pervez Tahir. It will draw on the Peoples Resolution and stress key issues such as separation of religion and state. The national secretariat will share the draft for comment/finalization on the google group. Deadline: 15 November 2010.

The number and venues of the People’s Assemblies will be decided by each provincial committee. The process of organizing and holding the Assemblies will give due importance to expanding the base of Aman Ittehad and introducing it to as many more citizens as possible. The culmination of the public debate through the People’s Assemblies and the adoption of the social contract will be done on 23^rd March 2011.

• Annual Solidarity Day: The Solidarity Day will be observed each year. The next will be held on Saturday 1^st January 2011. The event will project the Peoples Resolution and also highlight the Balochistan issues. Ideas will be invited on making the Solidarity Day even more successful than the previous one.

• Citizen Charter of Demands – Post-Flood Rehabilitation: Dialogue with affected communities in different parts of Pakistan will shape a Citizen Charter of Demands. This will be projected by the Ittehad through press conferences and also sent to various stakeholders.

• Aman Ittehad Provincial Conventions: With a view of expanding the outreach and diversity of Aman Ittehad and projecting its messages, a series of at least four provincial conventions will be organized in each province. More conventions may be possible.

Structure

There was broad-based agreement on the decisions taken at the Murree meeting (30 July-1August 2010):

• continue functioning as a loose structure
• establishment of the national advisory committee that is tasked with giving strategic direction
• establishment of provincial advisory committees drawn from the members of the national advisory committee that will take a lead role in coordination and implementation of activities
• restricting the number of individuals from any one organization to a total of three in the national advisory committee (since the provincial is drawn from the national the same rule applies)
• Omar Asghar Khan Foundation to formally serve as the national secretariat for at least one more year, ie, upto 30 July 2011
• A media liaison committee consisting of Ali Asghar Khan, Khawar Mumtaz, Naeem Mirza and Irfan Mufti to ensure regular press statements are issued on behalf of Aman Ittehad

The national secretariat will develop a format for a database of all individuals/organizations associated with Aman Ittehad. Data will be gathered with assistance from the following focal points:

• Punjab : Irfan Mufti and Mumtaz Moghul
• Sindh : Jaffar Memon and Moneeza Ahmed
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa : Rakhshanda Naz and Mumtaz Tanoli
• Balochistan : Saima Gul, Raziq Fahim and Lal Jan
• Islamabad : Mumtaz Tanoli
• FATA : Naveed Shinwari
• Gilgit Baltistan : Mumtaz Tanoli
• AJK : Mumtaz Tanoli
• Punjab

Lahore, 14 October 2010

Eighteen participants attended the meeting of the provincial advisory committee in Punjab held in Lahore from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Many contributed to organizing this meeting with lead responsibility taken by Mumtaz Mughal and Irfan Mufti.

Ali Asghar Khan and Rashida Dohad presented the background of Aman Ittehad and the discussions of the Murree meeting held on 30 July-1 August 2010. The participants at the meeting in Lahore endorsed the discussions and decisions taken in Murree, and made the following suggestions:

• Focus & Priority Concerns

The 2010 floods have changed the context in Pakistan and have affected the lives of its citizens. As the country begins the rehabilitation process there is an urgent need for a Citizen Charter of Demands to influence the state’s response and policy priorities. Public monitoring of the flood rehabilitation is also critical.

Floods can be made the point of focus that underscores many of the issues included in the Peoples Resolution. For example, the Ittehad can focus on the role of the provinces in flood management and response after the 18^th Amendment. The provincial autonomy demanded in the Peoples Resolution has not happened as yet — there is a need for continued public debate on provincial autonomy.

• Preamble and values

It was suggested that the discussion in the Murree meeting should be used to draw out the preamble. Moreover, participants endorsed the following values discussed in Murree:

• Rejection of all forms of extremism and violence
• Celebrating plurality and diversity
• Promoting equity
• Non-violence

• Activities and Timeframe

The experience of the public debate through People’s Assemblies that formed the Peoples Resolution was very enriching. Drawing from it, the Aman Ittehad should support People’s Assemblies to help shape a Citizen Charter of Demands for post-flood rehabilitation.

A framework, process and timeframe should be designed for the Citizen Charter by the national secretariat and shared for comment on the google group. Feedback on it will be requested so that a final framework is developed before the end of October 2010. This can be done after it synthesizes recommendations from all provincial committees.

The framework should draw on the on-the-ground experiences and knowledge of all associates of the Ittehad that are working in the flood-affected areas. The Ittehad’s strength is its base within people – it must continue to strengthen its roots within people. The design of the process should include a strong element of expanding the outreach of Aman Ittehad, and continually diversifying its base. It should also be an opportunity of introducing Aman Ittehad and its purpose. The provincial committee will suggest number and venues of the People’s Assemblies.

Public debate on the Citizen Charter should link with other key issues from the Peoples Resolution discussed in the Murree meeting. This includes the role of provinces post-18^th Amendment and public finance spending, accountability, etc. The debate should also enable exchanges within regions and include various groups, especially the youth. Public monitoring can be supported through tools such as Web TV. The media should be used to effectively project citizen voices and issues.

An advocacy strategy for the Citizen Charter should be developed in which strategic moments are optimally used like at the government’s planned donors’ conference towards the end of November 2010. The Ittehad should also use the Charter to broker a dialogue between citizens and the state. Following the People’s Assemblies, provincial conventions should be planned – which will be an opportunity to validate the Citizen Charter. It was suggested that three conventions should be held in Punjab – covering northern, central and southern Punjab. The activities of the Ittehad can be leveraged by linking them with ongoing initiatives like the Campaign Against Debt and 16-Day Campaign Against Violence.

The success of the Solidarity Day on 1^st January 2010 was inspiring. It was suggested that this should be an annual review and renewal event on 1^st January.

• Structure

Aman Ittehad should continue as a loose structure. It should be a forum in which there is an opportunity to bring together individuals and organizations that are working on various aspects of the Peoples Resolution in a manner whereby the sum of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The Ittehad’s structure must not overwhelm its content. It must give greater attention to maintaining optimal momentum of activities.

The profile of the Ittehad must continue to represent the diversity of civil society. There must be concerted efforts to ensure that representatives of the business community, artistes, etc. are involved in the Ittehad.

Communication on the google group has been effective but improved moderation was requested. Additionally, the group email of the National Advisory Committee (which includes all the provincial committees) was commended which should be used for business-related communication like time of meetings, etc. All content messages should be on the google group. A media liaison committee was endorsed consisting of Irfan Mufti, Khawar Mumtaz, Naeem Mirza and Ali Asghar Khan.

A database of individuals and organizations involved in Aman Ittehad will be compiled. The national secretariat will provide a format for the database. The following names were recommended for addition to the provincial committee: Fauzia Viqar, Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Mumtaz Moghul and Naseem Zehra. The provincial committees will take a lead in providing the data and also maintaining contacts with associates. The focal points will be Irfan Mufti and Mumtaz Mughal.

It was suggested that organizations that have more than two individuals present in the national advisory committee will decide on two names that will be retained and withdraw the names of remaining colleagues. The organization will select the individuals and notify the national secretariat accordingly.

• Next steps

The next meeting of the provincial committee will be held on Monday, 2 November 2010.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Peshawar, 16 October 2010

Fifteen participants attended the meeting of the provincial advisory committee in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held in Peshawar from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm. Many contributed to organizing this meeting with lead responsibility taken by Khwendo Kor and Rakhshanda Naz.

Mumtaz Tanoli and Rakhshanda Naz presented the background of Aman Ittehad and the discussions of the Murree meeting held on 30 July-1 August 2010. The participants at the meeting in Peshawar endorsed the discussions and decisions taken in Murree, and made the following suggestions:

• Focus & Priority Concerns

The 2010 floods have brought widespread devastation. The situation deteriorated further due to the inadequate and dismal state response to the calamity. The political leadership also failed its people at this critical time.

Actions to promote ethnic or linguistic divides in the province should be resisted. For example, the provincial government’s suggestion of making Pushto the official language of the province is a negation of its diversity.

Focus on conflict-affected areas like FATA is urgently needed. A political strategy needs to be developed for the area. Citizen voice should be raised on the issue of innocent lives lost due to drone attacks. Citizen opposition to the local and foreign Taliban based in FATA should also be highlighted. It is also important the people of FATA are given due respect and importance as equal citizens of Pakistan. Discriminatory laws like the FCR should be abolished.

• Activities and Timeframe

Aman Ittehad should monitor the aid received for post-flood relief and rehabilitation. Allocations on the basis of political patronage should be exposed. The Ittehad should also bring together those affected by the floods and help them formulate a People’s Charter of Demands which should be adopted and advocated from the Ittehad’s platform.

Due to preoccupation with flood relief since August 2010, peace efforts have more or less been suspended in the province. It is important to reactivate and further build the momentum on peace. A press statement condemning the brutal murder of the Islamic scholar, Dr. Mohammad Farooq, should be issued by Aman Ittehad. The Ittehad should also organize a reference to pay tribute to his consistent and bold efforts to promote peace and tolerance in the country.

The base of Aman Ittehad should be expanding by reaching out to others. Students at the Peshawar University offered to host discussions on campus.

Aman Ittehad’s agenda should also be integrated into other ongoing efforts. For example, CAMP’s initiative FATA Youth Forum which is about to begin will involve FATA’s youth in peace and reconciliation efforts in and outside FATA. This will provide important opportunities to Aman Ittehad to reach out to young people in FATA.

Diverse financial base for activities should be ensured. Support from local philanthropists should be given higher preference.

• Preamble and values

There are some who consider that war will achieve peace. This is in conflict with the values that we need to articulate and practice in the Aman Ittehad.

• Structure

The role of the provincial advisory committees should be coordination and implementation. In addition to Mr. Naveed Shinwari, the committee recommended the inclusion of Dr. Said Alam Mahsud (Amn Tehreek) and Ms. Zubaida Noor. FATA should have its own coordination committee, and not be linked with the KPK advisory committee. Khwendo Kor and Rakhshanda Naz will be the focal point for liaison in KPK.

• Next steps

The national secretariat will compile and share the summary of minutes from all provincial advisory committees. It will also design a database format for Aman Ittehad.

Sindh

Karachi, 17 October 2010

Fifteen participants attended the provincial committee of Sindh held in Karachi from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm. Many individuals contributed to organizing this meeting, with lead responsibility taken by Zubair Gillani, Ayesha Tammy Haq and Sahar Ali.

Ali Asghar Khan and Rashida Dohad presented the background of Aman Ittehad and the discussions of the Murree meeting held on 30 July-1 August 2010. The participants at the meeting in Karachi endorsed the discussions and decisions taken in Murree, and made the following suggestions:

• Focus & Priority Concerns

Aman Ittehad has a broad palette – it must define a tangible focus. It must not be elite-focused. Amongst the suggested priority issues is the separation of state and religion. Aman Ittehad while speaking out boldly must use a strategic approach to reduce possible resistance and extend acceptance of its position.

Rule of law is also a critical issue that Aman Ittehad should focus on. It is important that the judiciary should be strengthened. The social contract based on the 1940 Resolution should also be given due priority. Issues that have been addressed by the 18^th Amendment should be noted.

Aman Ittehad is a platform through which citizens can voice their concerns and engage with the state. At present, the 2010 floods and its aftermath is the primary concern of people across the country. The post-flood situation is a possible generative theme that helps people build demand on the core issue of transforming the state. Aman Ittehad can help people form a Citizen Charter of Demands on post-flood rehabilitation. This could include issues around land ownership that are likely to arise. Government policies or recommendations for it could be reviewed during this process.

The Ittehad should demand an end to terrorism and clearly make the following demands: (a) stop all forms of support to terrorists; (b) support deweaponization; (c) create public opinion against talibanization.

• Preamble and values

Aman Ittehad has provided public space for debate and dialogue – this in itself could be the identity of the Ittehad. It must clearly state that it is pursuing a political process. It must reclaim the word “politics” from politicians. It must work like a citizen movement, define its focus and select possible short term successes. Aman Ittehad may also find that its evolution may lead to involvement in mainstream politics at some time by some Ittehad associates

• Activities and Timeframe

The People’s Assemblies has been very successful in drawing people into the Aman Ittehad process and to provide public space for debate. The Citizen Charter on Floods should use the People’s Assemblies process. Moreover, new media — digital tools — should be used to get people involved electronically.

Aman Ittehad must reach out and engage more citizens. It must involve specific groups, especially the young. The People’s Assemblies must be used to identify effective partners as well as extending the presence of Aman Ittehad.

• Structure

A database of all those associated with Aman Ittehad needs to be set up. The national secretariat will design a format for the database and send it for review by 25^th October 2010. Aurat Foundation and WE Journalists will be requested to assist in information collection in Sindh. Moneeza Ahmed will coordinate collection of this data.

The Ittehad must continue as a loose structure as decided in Murree. The decision that Omar Asghar Khan Foundation should continue to serve as the national secretariat was endorsed. The committee to liaise press statements was also endorsed.

It was decided that the provincial committee’s role would be general liaison and coordination of activities. Activity-specific meetings will include a broader representative group that can contribute, support, and participate in planned activities.

• Next steps

Members from Karachi will meet more regularly to generate greater momentum.

The national secretariat will compile and share the summary of minutes from all provincial advisory committees. It will also design a database format for Aman Ittehad.

Balochistan

Quetta, 18 October 2010

Seventeen participants attended the meeting of the provincial advisory committee in Balochistan held in Quetta from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. Many individuals and organizations contributed to organizing this meeting with lead responsibility taken by the College for Youth Activism & Development.

Ali Asghar Khan presented the background of the Aman Ittehad and Rashida Dohad shared the discussions of the Murree meeting held on 30 July-1 August 2010. The participants at the meeting in Quetta commented that the issues and themes that emerged in Murree are fundamental, and commended Aman Ittehad’s moral courage to identify them. The meeting endorsed the discussions and decisions taken in Murree, and made the following suggestions:

• Focus & Priority Concerns

Each issue identified in the Peoples Resolution is fundamental. Aman Ittehad should focus on the most urgent issues first. This includes public mobilization/debate to shape a social contract based on the 1940 Resolution.

Aman Ittehad’s focus on Balochistan was appreciated. Fear is so pervasive in the province that even activists are afraid to speak up or attend the funeral of victims of target killings. Target killing on ethnic or sectarian basis should be rejected – wherever it happens: in Quetta, Karachi or any other place. Marginalization and deprivation are root causes that lead to target killings. Talibanization should also be a priority focus of Aman Ittehad. It must stress the need for uninterrupted and continued democracy. Any positive tribal role in reducing violence should be supported. The role of intelligence agencies should also be highlighted.

The 2010 floods have brought into sharp focus the demands included in the Peoples Resolution. This issue is of primary importance to ordinary people. It provides an opportunity to raise questions about flood management – in terms of whose interests and assets were protected or sacrificed. Post-flood issues have also been highlighted like flood and water management and construction of dams including the Kalabagh Dam on which there is urgent need for public debate and a position that represents the interests of all people of all provinces. The impact of droughts should also be included in discussions on flood management.

• Preamble and values

Discussions in Murree should be used to draft a preamble including the following values:

• Believe in the indivisibility of peace
• Believe that the rights of all citizens are equal
• Reject all forms of extremism, violence, and discrimination

• Activities and Timeframe

The suggested focus on Balochistan was discussed in detail. The following actions were suggested:

• Aman Ittehad should help build public opinion on Balochistan at the national level.
• Solidarity Day should become an annual event and at the next Solidarity Day – Balochistan should be specially featured in the Aman Ittehad statement. Specific demands should include: (a) cessation of the military operation in the province; (b) condemnation of target killings and kidnappings; (c) urgent and immediate action to recover the disappeared

The opportunity provided by the 2010 floods to extend public debate on the Peoples Resolution and expand its constituency of support for it must be optimally used. Aman Ittehad must engage with various stakeholders including political parties. Suggest citizen post-flood policies on livelihood restoration. The national secretariat should develop a framework for public debate by 25^th October 2010 and get feedback on it so that it can be finalized by the end of October 2010.

Aman Ittehad provides the space for dialogue and it must be used to express differences in opinions to improve mutual understanding and accommodation. Need to connect with other peace movements and efforts, locally, regionally and internationally.

Aman Ittehad should project citizen voice through people’s assemblies or other means to demand that the state must assert itself and protect the interests of citizens and not work on the behest of other powers. It should engage with political parties even though many behave like CBAs (collective bargaining agents) — protecting their own interests with other power brokers.

Aman Ittehad should articulate and project its positions on various issues through various means including published documents, articles, etc. It should creatively use the media for this purpose. The limits, interests and capacities of mainstream media underscore the need to also use new media.

Implementation strategies must be location-specific. For example, there may be some activities that may not be appropriate for implementation in Balochistan.

• Structure

Aman Ittehad is a platform in which citizens that share a commitment to peace and non-violence have gathered. Its approach, pace and strategies in the past year have contributed to its success. These should be continued. The efforts to ensure diversity of the Ittehad’s profile are also very important and must be continued. The decision to continue functioning as a loose structure was endorsed alongwith the decision that Omar Asghar Khan Foundation should continue to serve as the national secretariat.

Aman Ittehad must continue to reach out to more and more people and also organize people within districts. It should use strategies that allow effective engagement of women, youth, religious minorities, and other groups. Aman Ittehad must connect with people that will become the force of a movement. Individuals will emerge in leadership positions as Aman Ittehad continues its efforts and actions.

A database of individuals and organizations involved in Aman Ittehad will be compiled. The national secretariat will provide a format for the database. The focal point for this in Balochistan will be Saima Gul. She will be assisted in this task by Lal Jan and Raziq Fahim.

• Next Steps

The national secretariat will compile and share the summary of minutes from all provincial advisory committees. It will also design a database format for Aman Ittehad.

Capital

Islamabad, 25 October 2010

Nine participants attended the meeting of the advisory committee in Islamabad held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Omar Asghar Khan Foundation’s office.

Ali Asghar Khan and Rashida Dohad presented an update on the meetings of the provincial committees held in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta. The following are key discussion points:

• Focus & Priority Concerns

The social contract should be a priority. It should be based on the 1940 Resolution. The failure of the state and its inability to respond to disasters such as the 2010 floods should be weaved into the debate on a social contract.

Aman Ittehad should also focus on separation of religion and state. It should consider a petition or parliamentary resolution calling for detaching the Objectives Resolution from the Constitution of Pakistan. Aman Ittehad should also consider a campaign against Article 2A. Popular campaigns on issues such as deweaponization should be pursued.

The 18^th Amendment should also be reviewed in terms of its content as well as its implementation experiences. For example, the devolution of labour/social security to the provinces may in fact be against the interest of workers.

Aman Ittehad must also campaign for the shift from the security to a welfare state which should also define the role of the military.

• Preamble and Values

The Aman Ittehad should state clearly that it is involved in a political process. The preamble should be drafted by drawing on the discussions held in different Aman Ittehad meetings. A draft should be circulated for comment and finalization.

• Activities and Timeframe

The suggestion of an annual solidarity day was endorsed. The next Solidarity Day should be observed on Saturday 1^st January 2011.

Strategies/action plans need to be devised to create a dialogue on the separation of state and religion, and also reduce the expected resistance to it. Recourse to the judiciary must not be at the cost of weakening the political process. Aman Ittehad should engage political parties in this process. The Ittehad must be clear and bold. While respecting individual religious freedoms, it must clearly demand that the state must be separated from religion. It appears that the present context provides more space than before to raise this issue.

Aman Ittehad should establish and project its identity, especially through the media. The media committee set up was endorsed. However, it was recognized that the space available in the media is very limited. Social networking or web-based media should also be optimally used.

People’s Assemblies should be used for the purpose of dialogue, however, quality and not quantity should be considered.

Provincial conventions should be organized in the coming months leading to the Solidarity Day with a view of introducing the Ittehad and expanding its outreach.

A meeting with trade unions and the press will be organized to introduce Aman Ittehad, its objectives and the Peoples Resolution.

• Structure

The national and provincial advisory committees were endorsed. It was agreed that the role of the national committee was that of setting strategic direction and provincial committees will take lead responsibility of coordinating and implementing activities. It was suggested that those organizations that have multiple individuals in the national committee should ensure a maximum of three individuals from a single organization.

Mumtaz Tanoli will facilitate the creation of the database in Islamabad.

• Next Steps

The national secretariat will send out the minutes of the provincial meetings along with a summary of discussions. It will also draft a preamble and send it out for comments.

• Develop implementation strategies and action plans
• Devise ways of improving coordination and collaboration

This report documents the discussions and decisions of the meeting. It is structured around the three broad categories of the meeting’s programme:

• Review Aman Ittehad since July 2009 and define future opportunities and challenges

• Draw out priority themes from the Peoples Resolution and identify citizen actions against each

• Discuss internal structure and coordination mechanism

Please follow the link below to view/download the meeting report.

An Aman Ittehad Meeting

Established in October 2009, the Aman Ittehad is a broad-based citizen coalition striving for peace and stability in Pakistan. In March 2010 it adopted a Peoples Resolution – an agenda for peace and Pakistan civil society’s response to extremism and insecurity.

Transformation of the State

• Separation of religion and state

• Detach the Objectives Resolution and remove Article 2A from the Constitution

• Shift from a security to a welfare state

• Shift from national security to human security

• Formulate a social contract through extensive public dialogue

• Promote equality among citizens

• Reduce military spending

• Promote a foreign policy based on trade

• Promote a foreign policy based on principles of non-interference

• Promote a foreign policy that will bring peace, security and disarmament in South Asia

• Support supremacy of the parliament that effectively represents citizens’ interests

• Ensure parliamentary oversight on military spending

• Make defence procurement transparent and open to public scrutiny

Democratic Federalism & Provincial Autonomy

• Uphold the supremacy of the parliament

• Policies and laws must have parliament’s sanction

• Support autonomous provinces

• Respect citizen right to determine new provinces

• Restructure provinces based on citizen demands and aspirations

• Support the implementation of the 18th Amendment

Rule of Law, Justice & Accountability

• Repeal all discriminatory laws including the Blasphemy Law and the Hudood Ordinances

• Increase public access to justice

• Support the independence of the judiciary

• Support transparency and accountability through public access to public information

Religion & Extremism

• Build public support for the separation of religion and the state

• Reject religious extremism and amplify progressive voices

• Promote inter-faith harmony

• Counter extremism in all its forms, especially among the youth

• Promote religious, eth nic and cultural tolerance

• Resist the misuse of religion in the name of politics

• Reject misuse of religion to spawn militancy

Cultural Diversity

• Celebrate diversity

• Promote cohesion and tolerance, especially among the young

• Reclaim space for cultural expression and celebrating cultural activities

Human & Livelihood Security

• Enhance public finance spending on education and health

• Help citizens assert their right to health, education and livelihood

• Advocate minimum standards of quality education

• Support social security for all workers, especially contract workers

Balochistan

• Express solidarity with the people of Balochistan – implement a bold campaign

• Speak up against kidnappings, torture and target killings