Increasing accountability: K-P spent 4% of its revenue on education, says govt

SDPI launches baseline studies and AWAAZ programme as part of efforts to strengthen democracy.

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Friday said his government has spent 4% of the provincial gross domestic product (GDP) on education, the highest in the country.

Speaking at the launch of baseline studies and AWAAZ programme organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Hussain stressed education was a priority for the Awami National Party (ANP). “Besides constructing new schools, the government has invested in training teachers in the province. We have also established eight new universities.”

Hussain said the developed world had progressed because of democracy, and deplored how politicians were unduly ridiculed in the country, adding that the attitude must change.

He said there was a stark contrast in people’s demands of late. Instead of asking for education and health, all everyone wants is security now.

Divulging details of ANP’s performance on streamlining security, the information minister said the police force has doubled in strength from 40,000 to 80,000, while their salaries have also been increased. However, while Hussain reiterated that the government pays Rs3 million to the families of martyred policemen as monetary compensation, many bereaved families in the past have complained otherwise.

SDPI Technical Specialist, Irina Mosel said AAWAZ is a five-year accountability programme, which seeks to strengthen the democratic processes in Pakistan by making it more open, inclusive and accountable to citizens. It is supported by the Department for International Development (DFID), UK and managed by leading civil society organisations in Pakistan.

Sharing findings of the baseline study on the participation of women in politics, SDPI Research Officer Safwan Aziz said that despite the rights given to women by the constitution, their participation in the political process remains negligible.

Their participation is largely determined by male family members, basic education, political knowhow, availability of resources, and a safe and supportive community environment, added Aziz. According to him, suspension of the local governance system has been a major impediment to women’s political participation at the grassroot level.

The study also provides evidence that violence against women is considered socially acceptable and they are expected to withstand physical and psychological violence without complaining.

Presenting the findings of a baseline study on the status of public service delivery in K-P and Punjab, SDPI’s Fayyaz Yasin said: “Public service delivery does not seem to be on the priority list of public office bearers.”

Findings showed that nearly 93% of the respondents in an area, where the study was conducted, obtain drinking water through private arrangements. Over 65% of the respondents have complained of the absence of doctors at public hospitals.

Commenting on the study of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Pakistan, Hamza Abbas of the SDPI said the urban population prefers formal dispute resolution forums, whereas people in rural communities consider jirgas and panchayats to be more effective. The study recommends improvements in accordance with local laws and international commitments.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2013.