News
Monday, March 22, 2010
Reforms package to be tabled soon, says SM Zafar
Staff Report
LAHORE: The 27-member parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms has finalised its proposal, which will be tabled as a bill very soon, Human Rights Society of Pakistan (HRSP) Chairman Senator SM Zafar said on Sunday.
He expressed these views during the 29th awards ceremony organised by the HRSP. Elaborating on some of the agreed upon principles, Zafar said the committee had agreed that the power to dissolve the parliament should not rest with the president, as the concentration of power in “one person” results in corruption and many other ills. He said more autonomy has been proposed for the provinces, introducing the concept of a “participatory federation”.
Highlighting some of the fundamental rights included in the proposal, he said, “The state shall provide free education to all children between the ages of five and 14 years,” adding that access to information for journalists has also been proposed. He also appreciated the role of the media in creating awareness among the masses.
Before Zafar’s speech, this year’s awards were given out to Farkhanda Aurangzeb, Dr Muhammad Rashid Chaudhry (late), Ajoka Theatre and Mir Khalilur Rehman Memorial Society. Farkhanda, from Balochistan, was given the award for her academic services, including the founding of a women studies department in the University of Balochistan. Dr Rashid was chosen for his service to humanity by launching projects such as Fountain House. Madeeha Gohar was awarded for highlighting different social issues through theatre, while Mir Shakilur Rehman received the award for his media group’s struggle for democracy and social justice.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk