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CCEP stresses creation of constitutional awareness among masses
INP
ISLAMABAD: The participants of annual national conference titled “Pakistani Democracy: Potential, Promise and Performance” have urged collaborative efforts for creating awareness about constitution among the citizens of Pakistan.The conference was organised by Centre for Civic Education (CCEP) in support with the National Endowment for Democracy here at a local hotel. During the first day of the conference, a meeting of the citizens’ group on constitution was also held.The meeting was attended by members of civil society including Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Director IA Rehman, University of Karachi Director Dr Jaffar Ahmed, University of Haripur Vice Chancellor Dr Nasser Ali Khan, National Endowment for Democracy Programme Officer Wilson Lee and other leading scholars and practitioners of law and politics.In the first session, the participants held a discussion on electoral reforms in the context of current political situation in Pakistan. They also demanded electoral reforms in order to conduct free and fair elections in the country. CCEP’s documentary on election finance was also screened. Speaking on the occasion, Rehman lamented that starting from the colonial era the electoral process has always been a tool used to benefit certain members of society and expressed hope for this to change. He further highlighted the importance of making Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and political parties accountable before the law.The participants were of the view that fully autonomous, accountable and vibrant election commission would be helpful for conducting free and fair elections. The participants emphasised introduction of financial reforms in order to improve electoral process in the country. They also suggested various means for bringing about positive changes in electoral process. One of the participants suggested that civic education desk should be established in each public sector organisation and department for better understanding of the constitution.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk