“When we talk of human rights, one cannot ignore the individual’s right to vote and participate in electoral politics,” says YPP executive director. PHOTO: FILE
“Imagine living in a country where state does not provide security to your family or property, where you’re asked to renounce your faith and women in your family are kidnapped. I live through this every day,” Manoj Kumar, a university student, attending a five-day workshop organised by the Youth Parliament of Pakistan (YPP) told The Express Tribune.
Kumar was part of a training workshop titled Know your Rights, a national human rights programme that ended on Tuesday. More than 40 students from across the country were invited to participate in the exercise. The participants are expected to disseminate information and create awareness groups when they return to their hometowns.
Kumar narrated instances of growing extremism in Sindh. Forced conversions among women from religious minorities have led to a sense of growing insecurity.
“We get harassed but the state does not take action,” he said, “Half of my family has sought asylum in India, but I lack the resources.” Kumar said, “I am ridiculed for being a Hindu and told to change my faith. Why should I? My faith is a personal matter.”
Participants of the workshop discussed issues ranging from religious freedom to gender discrimination. They felt that there was a lack of social willingness to change.
Aisha Malik, a 23-year old reproductive health rights activist from Quetta, said cultural influences were a hurdle to social progress. She said she had met sharp disapproval for her activism. “Women are largely unaware of their rights… The larger issue is that of complacency,” she said. Women tell me to let things be the way they have always been, Malik said.
Sadia Wajid, a political science student from Okara, deplored the majority’s attitude towards politics. “They treat politics as a terminal disease. It is as if we dabble in it once, we will suffer for life,” she said.
YPP Executive Director Bilal Ahmed Rana said while the organisation was apolitical it tried to create awareness regarding the importance of being politically aware. “When we talk of human rights, one cannot ignore the individual’s right to vote and participate in electoral politics.”
Commenting on the sharp rural-urban divide on human rights awareness, Syeda Natasha Anwar from Lower Dir said not just lack of understanding but also a lack of acceptance that plagued the society. “Women just do not vote where I live and the situation will not change unless the government intervenes at various social levels,” she said.
YPP Chairman Abrarul Haq speaking at the closing ceremony, said, “The youth will play a historic role in the coming elections.” He said the YPP hoped to encourage participation in politics among the youth. Every political party has been trying to woo the youth for the coming elections, he said.
The participants will return to their homes today (Wednesday).
Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2013.
COMMENTS (2)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
How could one vote in Pakistan. Some Parties Takes election as their property and never let common people to vote
Thank you Very Much for such an amazing Response from Your SIde. I had hoped the same and You made me feel Good in this regard. I salute your dignity and your honesty to your profession... Always stay happy and Blessed.. Manoj Kumar Panjwani