Civic liberties: Global Day of Citizen Action observed in city

Importance of civic space, need to protect of freedom of expression discussed

PESHAWAR: Global Day of Citizen Action was commemorated by social activists and a group of NGOs at an event organised at Peshawar Press Club on Saturday.

According to a press release, the session was organised to heighten awareness about threats to freedom of expression and civic space. Global Day of Citizen Action is celebrated on May 16 to heighten awareness about the importance of citizen action and civic space. A series of events are held in over 60 countries.

According to the press release, representatives from Blue Veins, Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network (PCSN), Tribal NGOs Consortium, Women Action Forum participated in the event.

Speak out

During the event, participants were informed about the importance of civic space and the need to protect it.

“According to the speakers, civic space exists when individuals and organisations have the freedom to speak out, organise and take action,” stated the press release. A large number of participants were asked to give their opinion on civic matters and recommends suitable means of safeguarding the rights of citizens. “Participants were told that fundamental rights allow them the liberty to form groups and to join organisations,” the statement added.

Journalists, political activists, lawyers and teachers who attended the event pressed the government and stakeholders to respect the rights of citizens and not undermine them.

Democratic values

Speaking on the occasion, Blue Veins representative Qamar Naseem said social activists and NGOs must act effectively to preserve democratic principles.

“They must act in accordance with obligations under the declaration on human rights defenders,” the statement quoted Naseem as saying. “All restrictions to human rights should serve as exception and must be vital for the protection of society as a whole. All nations must strike an appropriate balance between the duty to protect people and the responsibility to guarantee freedom.”

Shrinking boundaries

University of Peshawar Area Studies Centre Director Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan said freedom of expression is a rare commodity in Fata.

“There are many restrictions on what we read, what we see and where we get our information from,” the press release cited the director as saying. “I hope someday the government will listen to its people. It is important that the rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are respected and protected.”

PCSN Coordinator Taimur Kamal said it was unfortunate to see social activists, journalists and human rights defenders in Pakistan being intimidated and harassed. “The civic space is shrinking at an alarming pace,” he added. National Awami Party K-P President Mukhtar Bacha said civil society organisations have the right to participate in public policies discussions and to criticise and offer solutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2016.