Aired on : November 16, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shams Mohmand
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of November 2015
(Aired on November 16, 2015)
Position: Eighth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline:
With the arrival of winter, gas load shedding has started in district Mardan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Due to the load shedding and low pressure of gas, residents of Mardan are facing great problems. A number of areas of the district, especially Rashakai, Toru Mera Talao, Bara Gale, Shakar Dara, Rahman Abad and other are facing acute gas load-shedding. Low gas pressure is forcing the residents either to use wood or buy costly LPG. Household women are in particular suffering from the problem as they have been experiencing difficulty to carry out household tasks. However, besides the power outages, gas load shedding and gas shortage, NADRA (National database and registration authority) centers are not available in some parts of Mardan particularly remote sites, owing to which residents are facing problems in making NIC and registration of other legal documents. However elected MNA from NA-327; Ms. Naeema Kishwar has assured to highlight these problems before the concerned authorities with the hope that these issues will soon get resolved.
Transcription:
Shams: Dear listeners, your host Shams is here with the program Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour). This effort is a part of Young Democrats Academy program, where our MNA Naeema Kishwar from Mardan listens to the problems by her constituents in order to find a solution. The program provides an opportunity to be in direct contact with her. Mrs. Naeema kishwar will be talking to you directly through telephone. Our telephone number is 9230611. If you are trying to contact us through mobile or from outside Mardan, then you will have to add area code which is 0937. For your convenience, we have established some drop boxes at various places in Mardan to receive your complaints. These places are at Nasir Merchant, Zaiton Karyana Marchent, Zarfarosh Shopkeeper, Hujra of Naeema Kishwar and near Danish Public school. First of all we will receive a call.
Caller: My name is Hameedullah and I am from Rashakai. Although load shedding was a serious issue in Rashakai area, but for the last few months, load shedding has decreased to some extent. Now, the shortage of gas is a big problem for us in this winter season. We pay gas bills, yet we are facing shortage of gas. The concerned authority said that the issue of shortage of gas would be addressed soon but so far no practical step has been taken in this regard. Therefore, to avoid protest and demonstration, government must take immediate step.
Naeema Kishor: Nowadays, the shortage of gas or low gas pressure is a problem of many areas including Mardan district. But the government is taking steps in this regard by expanding gas pipelines. Expansion and enlargement of main gas pipe line in Mardan will resolve many problems with respect to low gas pressure. I hope this problem in Rashakai will soon be addressed by the government. Population is increasing day by day while we have old pipelines for supply of gas, which doesn’t fulfill their need for gas.
Caller: My name is Sabir and I am from Bara Gale. I appreciate CRSS for launching this program. Several of our problems have been resolved through this program. The major problem which has made our lives miserable nowadays, is the gas load shedding.
Naeema Kishor: Problem of gas shortage exists throughout the country. If Pak-Iran gas pipeline starts, it will solve the issue of gas shortage in the country. Being citizen of this country, we should also support and help the government to address the existing problems and pay taxes, whereas the government should also initiate mega projects of public interests. Pakistan energy and gas needs could be met through LNG project.
Shams: The government claimed to ensure gas supply in all areas last year. Ms. Naeema, later you talked about LNG project. What benefit LNG project will give to the people of Pakistan as the project has been controversial so far?
Caller: My name is Farhana Naz. I have expertise in stiching and sewing. I need a sewing machine or at least a vocational center should be opened in our area where women could master their skills and their link with the market could be developed. What kind of favor Ms. Naeema can do in this regard?
Naeema Kishor: Ms. Farhana should apply to TMA, a social welfare office or Baitul Mal. In case there is no center in her area, government can open a center and will equip it. She can also acquire the services of local bodies in this regard. As per your question, there is no such issue on LNG, and its rates are yet to be finalized after the completion of legal process with the state of Qatar. LNG is an excellent project and it will solve our several problems. Federal minister for water and power has already briefed the media on it.
Caller: I’m Zarshad from Toru Mera Talao. In this 21st century we are deprived of electricity. Our village is around one thousand feet away from the main village. There is a need of installation of two to three electric polls for the supply of electricity.
Naeema Kishor: Zarshad should put forward an application to the district government, so it can arrange electric polls for them.
Shams: Madam we have received some complaints in our dropbox. One of the citizens who is 33 and belongs to Takhtbhai, has said that the Girl’s College Takhtbhai lacks teaching staff as well as the classes have been overburdened with the students. While the admission of more students is continued, owing to which students are already suffering
Naeema Kishor: It is not possible to enroll extra students in the college; otherwise it will create problems for other students. Secondly it is the responsibility of the concerned department to fill the vacant posts of teachers if needed in the college.
Caller: My name is Abdul Wahid. I would like to say that we experience power outage during prayer times in our village. Particularly in the morning, when students are studying at mosques and they face numerous problems.
Naeema Kishor: Unscheduled load shedding should be avoided. The scheduled load shedding is being carried out throughout the country these days because of energy crisis in the country.
Shams: Madam, it has been observed that for gaining votes in a particular constituency, candidates make fake promises with their constituents to get maximum number of votes in the elections. Before elections, they make voters realize that their unfair demands would also be fulfilled once they are elected. What are the reasons that our political leaders couldn’t guide the nation in right direction?
Naeema Kishor: This is not fair to fulfill the unfair demands of the constituents. Before elections, elected members and politicians make promises with the public but once they are elected, they forget what they had promised with their voters. Unless people are aware, change is not possible in the region.
Caller: My name is Noman. There is no gas pipeline in our village. I requested the MNA Naeema to take necessary steps in this regard. Nevertheless, despite repeated requests, the problem has not been solved.
Naeema Kishor: There is ban on the extension of gas pipeline till 2018; therefore people should not expect this from their elected members.
Field Based Research Report:
Report: CRSS launched this program to identify the problems of local nature. The program provides a platform to the constituents to interact with their elected members’ directly through telephone calls and put forward their messages and complaints. The people of Mardan district appreciate this step of CRSS. People have been found encouraging and a large number of live telephone calls showed the fact that the Constituency Hour show is slowly achieving its main purpose. People were suffering from poor hygiene conditions in union council Gujar Garhi Mardan. However, after this was highlighted in the constituency hour’s show, the condition of cleaniliness has been improved in the said union council.
Respondent: “The condition of cleanliness has improved in our area after the orders of MNA Naeema. In past, the area was neglected by the concerned department and workers to clean the drains and streets, but now the vehicles of municipal corporation visit here on regular basis. It is our responsibility to avoid throwing garbage here and there which gives a bad impression.”
Reporter: Sanubar further added that street lights are not working in the village, therefore these must be replaced.
Respondent: “People were facing a number of problems due to the dysfunction of street lights in the village. After local government elections, it has been observed that the elected local members are focusing on this side. However, the problem of load shedding still exists and in case this is resolved, it will help boost our businesses.”
Reporter: Mr. Abdul Majid has said that, in Khas Union Council of Mardan, there is electricity theft and some people are annoyed over inflated electricity bills.
Respondent: “The consumers are heavily fined by the authority and inflated bills are sent to us. When we take these bills to the concerned offices, the WAPDA employees do not cooperate with us properly. There is electricity theft in the region and even some employees are bribed to hide this. Government should take strict action for prevention of electricity theft.”
Reporter: The constituents are also suffering from the lack of gas supply.
Respondent: “Former chief minister Haider Khan Hoti ordered to replace old gas pipeline in the union council and the new pipes were bought, but these couldn’t be excavated in Pirano Dhgha. Without the gas facility, women, children and other people are suffering as breakfast, lunch and dinner is not arranged in time. Similarly in the mosques, people are forced to clean their hands and mouths with cold water which is very difficult for them. Therefore, we call upon the government to setup solar energy system for us.”
Reporter: CRSS has highlighted the problem of lack of gas in Gujar Garhi and we hope that the government soon will take necessary action in this regard.
Respondent: “By the help of elected female representative Naeema Kishwar, the electricity supply has been reached to Jandar Park where seven electric polls have been installed. Similarly gas pressure was low and half of the village was deprived of gas, but now work will soon be started on it.”
Shams: Two more important problems are identified in the report i.e. overbilling and electricity theft?
Naeema Kishor: In main Mardan, there is low gas pressure issue. It is the government’s plan to dedicate 4 inch pipe to CNG filling stations and 6inch pipeline for domestic use and work is continuing on it in Mardan. But there is problem of NOC with some institutions and I hope that the problem of gas pressure in Mardan will soon be resolved. As far as inflated bills are concerned, government and USAID are already looking into this issue and they want to reduce burden on the consumers. Every district has enough development funds; therefore district administrations should launch solar energy projects to overcome load shedding. One other thing to inform the listeners about is that the government has approved a law. According to this law, the minimum daily wage for skilled and unskilled labors working in factories and other places would be at Rs.13000 and the owners are bound to pay this wage to the labor otherwise action would be taken against them.
Shams: We have received two messages in our drop box about the recent earthquake which occurred on 26 Oct. that many private schools have been either damaged or cracked as most of the schools are in rented buildings and still children are forced to study in these damaged buildings putting their lives at risk. Second message is that in some areas, students are involved in repair work of schools damaged in the earth quake.
Naeema Kishor: Government conducted a survey regarding damaged homes and buildings and compensated the owners; both by federal and provincial governments. Now if some people are involving children in repair work of buildings, it is illegeal and parents should not allow their children to do so, because they pay fee. It is high time that people should get united in this difficult hour.
Caller: This is Karim Khan from Shakar Dara, Rahman Abad area. The minister for information Mushtaq Ghani, who was also deputy speaker in past, also belongs to this area. Unfortunately there is no proper road infrastructure, no electricity and no vocational center in Shakar Dara and it is completely ignored by the government. It is a settled area where police is also available but unfortunately media or newspapers don’t even highlight the problems of the area. Women are oppressed and suppressed in the area and they are leading a miserable life.
Naeema Kishor: Women are oppressed because people are not properly educated. If women are given education, skill and opportunities for development, then the situation could change for them. Lack of education, poverty and unemployment are main reasons for violence against women and other social ills.
Caller: This is Naveed from Bijli Ghar, Mardan. I would say that Tehsil Municipal Administration has installed street lights in the area, but most of the electricity cables are exposed and can result in any major incident, therefore the authorities should immediately replace these exposed cables.
Naeema Kishor: We will bring this issue into the notice of concerned district Nazim and he should resolve that.
Shams: We have another complaint in our drop box where a complainant demands that NADRA authority should open its centers at every union council to make NIC (National Identity Card) or renew NIC for the citizens at their doorstep. Many people don’t have access to this facility which creates problems for them. Ms. Naeema, as member of national assembly what role you can play in this regard?
Naeema Kishor: Being member of interior committee, I often bring this issue into the notice of federal interior minister Chaudhry Nisar who is also serious in this regard and trying to increase the number of NADRA offices in the country. There is lack of NADRA centers for females throughout the country and at least separate sections/ portions should be dedicated in each NADRA center to facilitate women. People face problems in making NICs, domiciles and other legal documents, however there are some mobile vans serving people in remote sites making NICs in UCs (union councils).
Caller: This is Awal Khan from Mardan district. My question is about solar system. Whether we should write for solar system to commissioner Mardan or WAPDA is supposed to give us?
Naeema Kishor: For that, first application along with NICs of at-least 15 individuals along with the project proposal should be submitted detailing how the installation of solar energy system in a particular area is possible. At-least 15 individuals will write application to the concerned authority. Similarly government is going to publish advertisement regard solar energy system in Mardan.
Shams: A citizen of Mardan has sent us a complaint saying that one can see garbage here and there, but there is no solid management system to utilize the garbage and trash for fruitful purposes.
Naeema Kishor: People should bring this issue into the notice of concern district member and it is their responsibility to take action in this regard.
Caller: My name is Sher Khan and I belong to Rustom Chargule. I would like to request for the computerization of birth certificate, death certificate and other legal documents like divorce registration. NADRA services center is available, but it is far away from Rustom Chargule and we have to travel for long to access the service.
Naeema Kishor: I will highlight this issue at federal level as well as try to tackle this with NADRA authority.
Shams: Ok, let’s talk about ISPR’s 10th November statement underpinning the need for good governance in the country. This led to a new debate in the country where politicians and senators also issued their statements in response to the ISPR statement. Some people say that democracy is in danger, but we know that there is already injustice, cruelty, corruption and other injustices. Are these not menaces to the democracy?
Naeema Kishor: The statement of Army Chief regarding good governance should not be made an issue. It is a reality that poor governance accompanied by corruption, bribe and other malpractices have put the country on the verge of destruction. Even Supreme Court has said many times that there is no government or rule of law in the country. Our party supports government’s good steps taken for public welfare, but if it doesn’t deliver, then we will oppose it and their mistakes would be pinpointed at all levels. Jamaat Ulema Islam chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman is the only leader in the country who has close watch on key national issues and highlights them at every forum.
Shams: What is your party’s viewpoint regarding FATA reforms? Some sections say that FATA should be merged into existing province while others say that it should be made a separate province. A bill has also been moved in the assembly demanding for merging FATA into the province. Establishment was blamed that it doesn’t want FATA reforms?
Naeema Kishor: It is the issue of all people and elders living in FATA. I am also member of reforms committee, therefore I think merging FATA into existing province will not be a good decision because there are eight senators from FATA and in case it is merged, then the people will become deprived of their senators. Majority of FATA people are not agreed with this point and they have demanded that FATA should be made a separate province. It is a clear confession of JUI-F that whatever the people of FATA want, they will back them. But before this, peace and education are the basic requirements in FATA as well as to send internally displaced persons – who are in millions – back to their hometowns in FATA. They need a favorable environment in FATA so that they could start their educational and economic activities there. Reforms are their right and these must be brought.
Shams: Last question, CRSS launched this program to invite elected members so that they may directly share their views with their constituents. What would you say about this effort?
Naeema Kishor: I am also member of information committee in the assembly. Recently we held a meeting with DG radio and we told them to initiate such local programs in regional languages to educate and inform people. In FATA, even Indian radio is listened here; therefore we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners. India radio is being used for propaganda purposes and this must be closed.
Aired on : October 17, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shams Mohmand
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of October 2015
(Aired on October 17, 2015)
Position: Seventh Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline:
“Members of Parliament ought to have cordial relations with their constituents and realize his commitment and responsibilities. The MNA from NA 327 Mardan; Mrs. Naeema Kishwar, Seems to be well aware of this basic fact and it is good to know that she remembers most of the problems and issues in her constituency. Constituents are getting encouraged and number of live calls in the show and complaints through the drop boxes is on the rise. On one hand, she has reiterated her firm resolves to leave no stone unturned to resolves the issues in NA-327 but on the other hand she has stressed the need for the cooperation and fulfillment of the basic responsibilities of all the citizens. She detailed all her efforts for the uplift of her whole constituency during the discussion.”
Transcription:
Shams: Dear listeners, your host Shams Mohmand is here with the program ‘Da Halqe Ganta’ (Constituency Hour). You might know that we talk to MNA from NA-327 Mardan Mrs. Naeema Kishwar once a month. We endeavour to bring her in direct contact with her constituents. We also try to discuss some of the complaints received through the drop boxes in order to find a solution to them. Today she is here once again to answer you and brief us about her efforts in the constituency. I welcome you in the show.
Naeema Kishwar: Thank you very much.
Shams: It is praise-worthy that you find time to face your constituents. Dear listeners, you can also call us on 0937 9230611 and ask any question. First of all I may ask you that we had a program one month ago where some of the problems were highlighted. I really appreciate the fact that you always try to resolve them. Can you please brief us about any such efforts on your part?
Naeema Kishwar: Some of the problems were about transformers that were either overloaded or lying with people without installation. I took up this matter with AC Mardan and I am happy to announce that he issued instant orders to resolve such issues. Problems in the hospital were also reported. I discussed this matter with Secretary Health who promised to help us. It was complained that the use of wheel-chairs and other facilities were charged. Secretary health visited the hospital himself and resolved these issues. One of the most important issues that I am happy to narrate is that I am the member of electoral reform committee for local government. We have proposed the amendment in the constitution that local government election will be held for the vacant seat in the district assembly within 120 days. There are so many other reforms but it is an important one. All the local councilors are worried about their powers. I demand maximum powers to the local government. Rules of business should be made public soon. It is a pity that these bodies are still not functional.
Shams: Powers to the local government were given through an act of the provincial parliament. Is it possible that provincial assembly or chief minister can revoke these powers?
Naeem: It was claimed by PTI that they will devolve powers to the gross root level. But now they are afraid to devolve the essential powers to them.
Caller: Gujar Garhi has the problem of sui-gas. My name is Noor Ul Arifeen. Sui-Gas pressure is often so low and at dawn and dusk, it is absent altogether.
Naeema Kishwar: This matter comes again and again. I take the credit that this issue has been resolved and job number has been allowed to the main pipe. We tried hard and I am personally thankful to the secretary and minister that our request has been accepted. This pipe will be changed from 4 inch to 8 inches. This process will take almost a year. Railway and irrigation areas will also be involved and we are getting an NOC from them.
Caller: This is Hussain Muhammad from Gul Zaman Koto. Our problem is to increase the number of electric cables from two to four. Another matter is that these cables are loose and need to be made tight. Concrete and bricks etc were brought to our street by a candidate before election but unfortunately he failed in the election and now our street is forgotten altogether.
Naeema Kishwar: I had told the AC that our electric cable is worn out and causes loss of power. Moreover, many poles are still wooden and cause accidents. Abid Sher Ali (Federal Minister) replied me on the floor of the house to issue instructions for Mardan. I have been promised to change all the old and worn out cable. The caller also talked about his muddy street. I want to stress that they should vote for the party and not individual.
Shams: Some of problems dropped in the drop boxes are unique in nature. Shop keepers have reported that police officials receive bribes in the shape of food stuff. They just come and snatch things without paying the money.
Naeema Kishwar: It is not a new phenomenon but it is claimed that police behavior has changed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Time has changed and our police should not rob people by wearing a uniform.
Shams: It is also reported from Gujar Garhi that NEPRA has issued a report that there is 70% overbilling by different distribution companies. These are official organizations and what is our government doing to contain this problem. Supreme Court is also stressing this problem. What steps government ought to take in this regard?
Naeema Kishwar: There is great discussion about this issue in Senate and different committees. Government is trying to modify the meter according to the new digital technology. This is an important issue and I have raised it in the national assembly.
Shams: A complainant from Gul Bagh Mardan has reported that load shedding has been increased once again.
Naeema Kishwar: We will inquire about the complaint. It is a policy by the federal government that all those grids with greater loses will face maximum load shedding. We have a complete list about such places.
Shams: What cooperation do you require from the general public?
Naeema Kishwar: We must think about the loses of water and power. We are wasting our valuable resources and must check it.
Caller: This is Hayat from Guli Bagh. I have returned from Madina six years ago but I have never found gas during day time. When will the pipes be changed?
Shams: Naeema Kishwar has already told about the change of pipe.
Naeema Kishwar: He is not talking about that pipe because he resides in a different area. Work is already in progress in his area. I was told in the parliament that there is a huge theft in gas department in the whole country. Just one district in KP province experiences seven billion rupees loss during one month.
Caller: This is Sabir from Balla Garhi. A driver told me that traffic officials annoy us frequently in Buneer.
Naeema Kishwar: Traffic official cannot charge a driver illegally because a written paper must be based on some valid reason. They must report any violation to the high ups in traffic department.
Shams: You referred to a particular district (Kohat) in KP with maximum gas loss. The biggest reason according to our research is that gas is produced in that area. The residents want legal connections but they are denied this right.
Naeema Kishwar: They should apply for a legal connection but they have resorted to illegal connection. That district receives royalty for gas production.
Shams: A woman has dropped a complaint in the drop box from Zameenabad Mardan. She says that during Eid days, none of the staff member was present in District Hospital Mardan in Gynae ward. The lower staff was performing duty who were not entitled to do so. She has asked you to inquire about this matter.
Naeema Kishwar: I have seen myself that staff is on duty in that hospital. Male staff is not allowed and I will look into this matter that why it happened during Eid.
Shams: It is reported from Mardan Khas that cleanliness is a major concern there. Hides are emitting foul smell after Eid.
Naeema Kishwar: I have raised this issue at various forums. Every government in the provinces had arranged some facilities to the people during Eid except our province. Government did nothing for cleanliness and providing facilities to the general public. Dengue virus is reported from various parts of the province and precautionary measures are to be taken instantly. Weather is changing and we are not taking actions against such diseases.
Shams: Dear listeners, it is time to listen to a report by Afzal Khan Mohmand where he is talking to some local residents in Mardan.
Field Based research Report:
In district Mardan, as compared to other union councils, Mardan Khas Union Council faces greater problems and thus making life miserable for the residents. Zahid Khan is a government servant, who says that local chips prepared for children are causing diseases among the children here,
“Overall food stuff is below quality and the reason is that there is no check on it. People have established local factories at home and preparing unhealthy chips for the local shops to be sold to our children. If you ask the vendor about it then he is helpless because it is easily available in the local market. If it continues this way, then we will be having serious diseases in the future.”
He also added that officials responsible for it do not pay any attention to local fat oil used in the preparation of this unhealthy stuff.
“We do not know where from this fat oil comes. It is sold by kilos and local producers buy it. There is no proper check and no official ever comes to have a look at it. Be sure that our neighboring Kabab seller is so famous although filthy smell is all around his shop. People are eating it so fondly.”
Grey haired Muhammad Shoaib Bacha said that cleanliness is not good in Mardan Khas Union Council,
“Garbage heaps are everywhere. There is a huge pile of garbage in Government School No 3. A vehicle comes every month to take this pile away but it is never clean. Drains are also filled with plastic bags and water spilt out. Committee officials do not come to clean it. When it rains heavily, road is full of water.”
He added that committee does not do their duty well,
“They are careless, the people assigned to take care of street and road lights are not doing their duties well. Lights are on for long hours during day light. It is wastage for all of us because we are taxed for this lavishness.”
Imran Mir is an elder in Mardan Khas who says those unwanted speed breakers are a cause of worry,
“On the road and up to the Ayub khan garage, every shopkeeper has made it a point to have a speed breaker with illegal height. Government should take steps to allow only legal speed breakers according to the norms and criterions. These speed breakers are like walls and patients are also affected.”
He also said that local residents demand that business of hide should be transferred outside the city to give relief to the local residents,
“During Eid, we see hides everywhere emitting foul smell all around. It is prohibited in the cities and we have a certain law about it. Hide and skin business is prohibited in the cities. But nobody follow this law.”
Shams: Dear listeners, welcome back once again in the show. The report identified several issues but I want to talk about the food stuff that is below standard. Local cooking oil is already prohibited by the government but it is still used. What is your opinion?
Naeema Kishwar: Most of the problems reported were answered during the report as well. It is a common problem in the whole country that low quality food stuff is teeming in our markets.
Caller: This is Irshad Khan from Chamtar Village on Nisata Road. Our WAPDA feeder is spread over a vast area up to Charsadda. There is huge power loss and resultantly we face maximum load shedding. When we approach the authorities, we are told about the power theft. But the problem is that theft is not in our village but along the long lines. We should have a separate feeder.
Shams: The problem is that those who pay bills are made to suffer because of the other people who do this heinous act not paying bills?
Naeema Kishwar: That is why I stress that public should help us in this matter.
Shams: But what is the need of so many officials recruited for the same purpose if public is to do the needful?
Naeema Kishwar: You are right and they are doing their duty but you always need public support to do it better.
Caller: This is Kashif from bank road Mardan. I want to say that bakeries in Mardan and Kabab sellers should be compelled to comply with health standards. They are making us ill. We want something good in our old Pakistan and do not want new Pakistan as claimed by the provincial government. We will help them too.
Naeema Kishwar: It is an important issue and is in lime light in the media. Punjab Government has taken strict action against some organizations and hotels including Marriot hotel in Islamabad. Provincial government has put a ban on plastic bags used the shop keeper. Climate change is a new ministry formed at federal level which will deal all such issues. It is a pity that cooked food articles are also served in plastic bags which is perilous for health. We should avoid the culture of fast food and compel our children to eat homemade food.
Shams: Cash money should not be given to the children but homemade lunch may be provided to them.
Naeema Kishwar: Yes indeed it is a serious matter and our children must eat clean and safe food.
Shams: Solid waste management was also reported in the report in Mardan. An old person also said that street and road lights keep illuminating throughout the day.
Caller: Zarshad is calling from Shamanzo. I want to say that we have a hospital in our area where I have never seen any cleanliness activity taking place here. A few doctors are on duty with missing facilities. Please take notice of this matter because we are poor people.
Shams: He says that doctors do not do well and sweeper is acting as dispenser.
Naeema Kishwar: Posts are sanctioned when a new hospital is made functional. Staff must be there but nobody is there to check it. We have to wait for the proper functioning of local government system.
Caller: This is Waseem Sajjad from Razo Baba. The facility of sui-gas was inaugurated by our former MNA but still we do not have gas supply. We request Naeema Kishwar to help us.
Naeema Kishwar: There is ban on new gas connection till 2018.
Shams: I have heard that there is some relaxation in that ban?
Naeema Kishwar: Ban could be only lifted by the prime minister in rare cases. MNAs cannot do anything in this regard.
Caller: Anwar is calling from Bagh e Aram. Problems are too many but I want the attention of the government towards the spurious medicines and commissions by the doctors.
Naeema Kishwar: It is a genuine matter. We have almost 45% unregistered medicines in our markets. I have experienced that myself in the very capital of Pakistan. Government has taken strict action against all such unregistered companies. I have submitted a call attention in the parliament. There is no proper system to check fake medicines. There is only one such organization in Karachi to keep an eye on spurious medicines.
Shams: Health Regulator Authority is there in Peshawar.
Naeema Kishwar: I am talking about the federal level. We have just one organization in Karachi for the whole country. Our medicines are not accepted in foreign countries.
Caller: My name is Saeed from Tawas Koroona. Our problem is that we do not have enough water for irrigation although we pay land tax regularly. We are helping ourselves through hand pumps and tube wells.
Naeema Kishwar: I have already stressed that we waste water too much. We have water reserves for only thirty days. Look at the canals and streams in our country which have no retaining walls and safety measures. Government should pay attention to irrigation system.
Shams: You mentioned local government earlier and I want to say that rules are not framed for it yet. Allegations are already flowing from various parts of the province. Youth councilors are visiting girl’s schools and harassing the staff. How to keep a check and balance on the use of authority?
Naeema Kishwar: Everything has its pros and cons. It will take time to realize the limit of powers and jurisdiction. The problem is that they still do not know about their rules of business and limits of their powers. We have lady councilors and female schools must be visited by them.
Shams: It is reported from Sheikh Maltoon through the drop box that dramas at PTV are a source of immorality and vulgarity. These drams do not represent the common people but only promote elite class culture.
Naeema Kishwar: I am a member of information committee. We have framed a sub-committee to look at the affairs of PEMRA. It is to look at the rules of PEMRA and the implementation. Yesterday I called the members and criticized it harshly. We identified several advertisements that could not be watched with your families. Even the ad for biscuits is presented with vulgar dancing. We were told that action has been taken against such ads. We are worried about the norms in our society. We have another scheduled meeting next week. We have freehand to deal with PEMRA. Supreme Court had also issued a verdict about PEMRA and implementation of its rules. We are hopeful that it will be reformed soon. We have also stressed to issue certain complaint numbers about the programs by PTV.
Shams: We have received a call during the report. One was by Sabz Ali Khan from Jamal Garhi who said that their road is out of order. It is a 22 kilometer long road.
Naeema Kishwar: All our elected party councilors were called last week and I had a thorough meeting with them. I asked about the priority projects in their respective areas so that we could arrange funds for them. I ask the caller to approach our party councilors who will help them.
Shams: Khan has requested for spray to terminate insects which was a common practice in the past.
Naeema Kishwar: Health ministry has written a letter to the provincial government for this demand.
Shams: Many more have called but we could not connect them because of limited time.
Naeema Kishwar: I am thankful to all of them for calling us.
Shams: It is also requested by a person through the drop box that he is very poor and there is no scheme to help him out.
Naeema Kishwar: I assure him that new survey will be conducted soon to include deserving people in Benazir Income Support Program. I will make sure that deserving people like him are not left out this time.
Shams: Thank you so much for being with us. Dear listeners, Naeema Kishwar is here with us once a month. The important thing is that she remembers her commitment and problems of the constituents. But she also stresses the need for realizing our own responsibilities. We have installed drop boxes at five places where you can register your complaint. It is good bye for now.
Aired on : September 14, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shahab ud Din
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of September 2015
(Aired on September 14, 2015)
Position: Sixth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline:
Naeema Kishwar is the Member of National Assembly from NA-327 Mardan. She dwelt in detail on her efforts to resolve the pertinent issues in her constituency. Her constituents reported during the program that electricity, gas, unemployment, roads and registration are the common problems. She told about her efforts to resolve these issues but also stressed that people should realize their duty as citizens of this country. She also discussed some of the problems identified during the last show and explained her strive to resolve them.”
Transcription:
Shahab: Dear listeners, Welcome to the show, Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour). I am your host Shahab Ud Din on behalf of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). This initiative is a part of Young Democrats Academy program to bring your MPs face to face with you. We are in Mardan with your MNA, Naeema Kishwar. It is endeavored that your problems are highlighted through easy access to your MNA. You can contact us on 0919230611. You have another opportunity to contact us through the drop boxes installed in the constituency where you can also register your complaints. We have already discussed several problems of yours in this program. Haji Kishawar shop, Zait ur Rehmand shop, Zarfarsosh shopkeeper, Nasir oil and Merchant Shop and Danish Public school are the places where these drop boxes are installed. We will definitely talk about your problems if they are reported to us. First of all I welcome our guest MP.
Naeema: Thank you so much.
Shahab: During our last show, several issues were identified and I hope several people might have contacted you. If you could please brief us about the issues that you have solved?
Naeema: Most of the problems reported were about power and gas. We had a meeting in Islamabad about it where top brass in the power department were called. We discussed all the issues. One problem was about a transformer of 25KV. I was told that it is a private transformer and power department cannot repair it. One person reported during the last show that a certain transformer was lying at a private place. The officer in charge called Mardan office during the meeting and instructed the local officials to resolve this issue. Other issues related to Mardan were also promised to be solved on priority basis. My efforts were praised during the meeting.
Shahab: You said that if that is a private transformer then the department cannot repair it. It is strange to learn that people are having private transformers?
Naeema: These devices were bought by the candidates during the last elections. Such transformers are of low quality.
Shahab: When a transformer gets out of order then it takes months to be repaired by the department and you know all this so well. People are forced to buy private transformers.
Naeema: It is our ignorance about the whole procedure. I have changed a score of transformers. We need to request for a proposal by the department for up gradation of the transformers. Many transformers bought by the candidates are still lying at the Hujras (Guest rooms) of many people. I suggested to the department to buy such devices from the private owners. They have promised to find a way out.
Shahab: Then it is true that politicians provide facilities to the people just before election and forget them afterwards?
Naeema: It is an open secret and you know about the rental power scam.
Shahab: It has been reported through the drop box that federal government has ordered the provincial government to take concrete steps for the protection and safety of government schools. But the complainer says that the school in his village has no safety measures.
Naeema: According to National Action Plan, it is the duty of provincial government to make sure the safety of each school. Many of our schools are without four walls and security guards. Provincial government has received huge funds from the foreign donors for security measures. These funds should be properly utilized. Our province receives one billion rupees in access of its share because of security concerns.
Shahab: Another problem in Mardan is that many skilled women have no place and facility to display them.
Naeema: The concerned department/ Local skill department makes meager efforts in this regard.
Caller: I am calling from Gujar Garhi and I want to tell Naeema that electricity is a big problem here. We face power failure for long hours. There is no load shedding in the adjacent area Bughdada. Naeema should make efforts in this regard.
Shahab: What is your name and where are you calling from.
Caller: My name is Sumbal and I am calling from Gujar Garhi. All the people do not have generator and other substitute facilities.
Naeema: I asked about her street because I know my village so well. I wanted to ask her about the illegal connections. Load shedding is a common problem throughout the country but all those areas that have illegal connection face more load shedding.
Caller: This is Murad from Muqam Chowk. Not to mention electricity problem but we have a Girl’s Degree College which is surrounded by private clinics and gas stations. There is so much noise and problems in that area.
Shahab: It is indeed a big issue when a college will have so many vehicles all around.
Naeema: I know about this problem but all the clinics are privately owned and we cannot do anything about it. It is a crowded place and needs to be redressed.
Shahab: You said that it is a policy statement that there will be more load shedding where power theft is frequent. My question is that there are places where even our police cannot go but places like Mardan can be controlled.
Naeema: The problem is that we have overpopulation in urban areas where at times it is hard to realize who is using an illegal connection.
Caller: This is Sadiq from Bajauro Korona. Gas was sanctioned for our village but still there is no pipeline for us. Our roads are also in bad shape. Our New Nazim is a thief and cannot do anything for us.
Naeema: I would like to suggest to the caller that if any councilors have been elected from our political party in his area, then he may contact him to resolve the issue of bad roads. I do not know why gas connections are not available if it was sanctioned for them.
Caller: This is Arif Kashmiri. I have a question about the car park in the complex (Hospital) where the normal fee is ten rupees but they receive thirty rupees. We have lodged our complaint. Wheelchairs are also costly costing twenty rupees.
Naeema: He is a regular listeners and caller. I do not know why there are charges for the use of wheelchairs. Parking charges is a matter related to the high officials in the hospital.
Shahab: It is also reported in the drop box that private schools are also posing serious problems for us. Mardan Board grants license to these schools but do not bother to confirm whether there are any facilities available in these private schools or not.
Naeema: There is a specific committee for approval who checks all the facilities. It is possible that some of the schools get approval through backstairs influence. I will look into the matter. Private schools cost high fee charges and must provide all the facilities.
Shahab: It is also reported from Gujar Grahi who says that she is a teacher in a private school and receives only two thousand rupees per month.
Caller: This is Farooq from Mayaar. We have a transformer which is not powerful enough for our street. It is often out of order and we collect money to repair it. Mr. Ubaid is our MPA who says that a new transformer has been sanctioned for us. I want to know whether we have to provide the cable and poles ourselves.
Naeema: A transformer is sanctioned along with other accessories.
Shahab: We were talking about meager salaries in private schools.
Naeema: It is instructed by the government that all the government and private departments must not pay wages less than thirteen thousand rupees per month. Private schools ought to pay according to government rules.
Shahab: Wondering if you have raised this issue at the floor of the House? Most of our female sisters with good qualification receive low salaries at private schools.
Naeema: Not only women but men also suffer from it. The basic reason is unemployment in our country. Internship program by the government is a good step after master level qualification. If you remember, such an issue was highlighted about sugar mill where wages paid were so low. We raised this issue in the assembly and government is about to forward a bill in the assembly.
Shahab: Afzal Khan Mohmand has prepared a report about the same issues. Let us listen to it.
Field based Research Report:
This is a local Identity Card Center in Mardan. Nizar Ali is the official on the desk who is asking questions from a young person. But the candidate answers unsatisfactory.
“You have mentioned two addresses in your form. One is permanent address and the other is present address. Why don’t you get a card from your district where you reside permanently?”
Consequently that person has to go without getting his Identity Card. It was tried hard to have a word with him but he slipped away. But another person nearby who had come to get a card for his wife told that now it is very hard to get an Identity Card,
“I wished to get a smart card for my children. I was accompanied my children but so many irrelevant questions were asked. We are illiterate people and cannot understand many questions. I got the form and signed it by a gazetted officer. I was informed that my application has been rejected.”
Asghar Khan cannot get an Identity Card for his wife although all the requirements are met,
“I submitted all the required documents including property and utility bills. We were told that it is enough but yesterday I was called again and blamed that I have taken away the file with me. I was surprised to know that because I did not do that. Now I am told again to get another form and fill it properly.”
Nehar Ali from Mardan says that absence of an Identity Card has deprived them of many facilities,
“We could not receive our Identity cards and are faced with many problems. We cannot get Benazir Income Support Fund if we do not have a national Identity Card. Although many well off people are receiving it.”
Like Asghar and Nehar there are many young men and women without their National Identity Cards. Worse law and order situation in the country is mainly responsible for it. The registration department is ensuring not to issue such cards to those who are not nationals of Pakistan. But there are many people who are suffering without any fault of them. Mukamil Shah is such a person, who is here to get his problem solved,
“The problem was about my name. I was trying to get an English Card but the spellings entered were not correct. The officials behave rudely. I told them that it is your fault and not mine but we have to suffer. We have to go through a hard process to get it correct. We are poor people and cannot spend money on such matters.”
National Identity Card is the right of each citizen of the country. It is required that all the blocked cards should be verified and issued.
Shahab: Valued listeners, you listened to the report about the problems faced by people in NADRA (National Data and Registration Agency) office. What is your opinion about the report?
Naeema: Every picture has two sides and so does NADRA. This department has made the procedure a bit hard. But it is also true that almost five hundred thousand Afghan nationals have been issued Pakistani Identity Card. The issue of blocked Identity Cards has been reported to me frequently. Verification is very tough and hard for the people in our province. I had a meeting with NADRA officials last month and put forward all these issues. I stressed that why blocked cards are not verified. Most of the reasons were wrong entries by the NADRA officials. I demanded to receive complete data. Why verification is so hard for the Pashtoons and not other nationals in the country. The chairman of the committee agreed to hold the next meeting in Mardan to resolve these issues. I also requested for lady staff in the offices because our women find it hard to face a male official. We will discuss all these issues in our next meeting.
Caller: This is Hayat from Sharif Abad. My problem also relates to Identity card. I have four children but my status is shown as unmarried while my wife is declared as married.
Naeema: He should send me his document and I will try to resolve this issue.
Shahab: It is also reported from Baikhel Mardan that there is no facility to get registration document from their village council but have to go to nearby union council.
Naeema: It is the responsibility of the union council and the secretary present there who issue death and birth registration. It cannot be done by another union council. They should discuss this matter with their present district member.
Shahab: Traders from Gujar Garhi have complained about withholding tax. They are protesting about it and declare it unjust. They have requested you to take up this matter with the finance minister.
Naeema: I will seek excuse because this bill was passed by the National assembly. How can our country make progress if we do not pay taxes? We have to increase tax net. This bill got the approval by all the political parties in the National Assembly.
Shahab: But consultation was required to be sought from the traders as well?
Naeema: Every trader belongs to some political party. Traders were also consulted and taken into confidence before moving this bill. But the fact is that nobody is willing to pay tax willingly all over the world. National Assembly has to pass another bill to repel this bill.
Shahab: We have also received a complaint about medical stores and laboratories. Not many people have valid license but nobody takes any action against them. Health Regulatory Commission is the concerned department and it is requested to consult them.
Naeema: Provincial government ought to implement the rules about this issue. We have a female health minister in the Center and I will discuss this matter with her. Fake doctors and medical practitioners in our society is also a grave problem. I will discuss this matter on the floor of the assembly.
Caller: This is Sidra from Lower Dir. All people in our area have got Benazir Income Support Card except my mother. How can I get one?
Naeema: Most of our listeners do not understand this matter comprehensively. They get discouraged and tore the receipt. A new survey is going to be undertaken very soon. The required score was less than 16.4 to get this fund. But most of the people answer wrongly and get a high score.
Caller: This is Sabir from Balla Garhi. Our local hospital has no male and female doctor at duty.
Naeema: I would suggest that local councilors should be consulted to resolve this problem. I will also inquire into the matter. We have to make sure that staff has been sanctioned for this hospital.
Shahab: You talked in detail about fake doctors in our society. Suppose local people lodge a complaint about them with the Deputy Commissioner or elected representatives, will it be solved then?
Naeema: It is under the jurisdiction of district government and they must control it. This is a common problem in our society and no one bothers about it. We also have to make certain that the doctor we are consulting is a qualified doctor. Public ought to report about fake doctors to the MPs and local councilors. We are also to be blamed.
Shahab: Health Care Commission says that we do not have enough officials to raid and check each place.
Naeema: Public should also realize its responsibilities. If we do not identify such people then we are not doing justice to our duty as a citizen of this country.
Shahab: From Mardan Khas, it is reported that for the last two months WAPDA has arrested innocent people while well off people with illegal power connection are roaming around freely.
Naeema: It is wrong to arrest innocent people but everyone declares himself as innocent. I will look into this matter.
Shahab: It is reported from Mardan Nawi Kali that survey has been completed by the gas department but pipeline is still not laid.
Naeema: I have reiterated that there is a ban on new gas connection till 2018 when LNG would be available in the country.
Shahab: You are a part of the federal government. Till now what efforts have you made for the betterment of people in Mardan? What is your future vision?
Naeema: Almost seven months ago, I took up the matter with NADRA officials to appoint lady staff in Mardan. The previous chairman gave orders to appoint lady officials in the department. It is a common problem in our province. There is a female desk in each office now. I also made the same request to DG passport who had agreed to my request. I was told that 72 new offices will be opened and each one will have a female desk. We also faced the calamity of floods recently and I have tried hard to help my people. I am also trying to have a new survey of Benazir Income Support Program to benefit the deserving people. Marvi Memon is our chairwomen for this program who sought my advice for the new survey. I stressed that widows and women beyond the age of forty might also be included. My suggestions were accepted.
Shahab: Are you trying to draw any funds from the federal government for the skilled and artist women in our society?
Naeema: There is a certain board at federal level which grants monthly package to actors, singers and skilled people. I recommend people to this board.
Shahab: Thank you very much for being with us in this program. It is hoped that our listeners are satisfied about our efforts to resolve their problems. It is good bye for now.
Aired on : August 20, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shahab ud Din
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of August 2015
(Aired on August 20, 2015)
Position: Fifth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline:
“Power and sui gas problems are proving to be a menace in NA-327 Mardan that are playing havoc with the lives of local people. Although, the elected MNA from NA-327, Ms. Naeema Kishwar has claimed to have provided twenty five transformers in her constituency, a large number of people complained about it through lives calls and drop boxes. She hopes that the expansion and enlargement of main gas pipeline in her constituency will resolve many problems in regard to low sui gas pressure and new connections. People are getting encouraged to utilize this engagement opportunity (CH) and a large number of live telephone calls testify to the fact that Constituency Hour show is steadily achieving its main purpose.”
Transcription:
Shahab: Dear listeners, your host Shahab ud Din is here with the program Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour). This show is a part of Young Democrats Academy program where our MNA Naeema Kishwar from Mardan listens to the problems by her constituents in order to find a solution. She is very busy and it is often hard for her constituents to have the chance to meet her, so this program provides an opportunity to be in direct contact with her. First of all, I welcome you madam.
Naeema Kishwar: Thank you very much and my warm regards to my listeners.
Shahab: Ms. Naeema Kishwar will be talking to you directly through telephone. Our telephone number is 9230611. If you are trying to contact us through mobile or from outside Mardan then you have to add area code which is 0937. For your convenience, we have established drop boxes at various places in Mardan to receive your complaints. These places include Nasir Merchant, Zaiton Karyana Marchent, Zarfarosh shopkeeper, Hujra of Naeema Kishwar and near Danish Public school. First of all, I may ask you to recall the last program where some of the problems were highlighted. Most of the people talked about roads and electricity. Till now, have you made any effort in this regard?
Naeema Kishwar: The two most important problems identified through these programs are about sui gas and power. We had an assembly session in the meantime and I had tendered a call attention about low voltage and worn out electricity system. The concerned minister has asked the committee to look into these matters. Yesterday, I received a call from MD, Sui Gas Department. I am happy to announce that our main pipe line will be changed from six inches to eight inches from Jundai to Mardan; which will be increasing the sui gas pressure in turn. Job number has been issued yesterday. It is a tedious job and may take time. Another major issue was the reserved seats for women and minorities in the recent local government election. Women had not submitted any application at various places. I took up the matter with election commission and now a fresh date has been announced and reserve seats are allotted. Hajj is also a big issue these days. We have fifty percent private quota in hajj which costs a lot. I asked the authorities to reduce the private quota or to provide the same facilities as provided under government schemes. This issue will be resolved next year. It is agreed upon that 25% quota will be for VIP applicants and the rest will be regular with normal charges.
Shahab: I want to ask you that whether this problem was identified by people or you thought it suitable to take up yourself?
Naeema Kishwar: I am a member of a political party and many workers reported to me that women have not submitted applications for reserve seats. When I approached the election commission, they refused to receive the applications at first but after a few meetings the problem was resolved.
Shahab: It is often alleged that all the reserved seats are allotted to those members who are wealthy and hold some important place within the party. Common workers are ignored.
Naeema Kishwar: This is true to some extent because female wing is not strong in many political parties. You can see that women are not active in politics and so they cannot fill the reserve seats.
Shahab: What is the reason that women are kept aloof from politics?
Naeema Kishwar: Our culture and tradition do not allow many women to join politics. But the good thing is that now we have so many reserve seats for women and it will bring many more into active politics.
Caller: This is Sabir from Bala Garhi. We have low voltage and pressure of power and sui gas respectivily. When we have load shedding of electricity then natural gas also vanishes.
Naeema Kishwar: Sabir is a regular listener and caller. You know that when there is power failure, then many people start generators consuming natural gas in the pipe lines. Unless we resolve the shortage of electricity, we cannot resolve the issue of gas pressure.
Shahab: You are sitting in the national assembly and how can you discuss the supply of gas to Swat and other areas when the supply could not be made sufficient to a place like Mardan?
Caller: This is Tajdar from Bala Garhi. We have low voltage of electricity along with sui gas problem.
Naeema Kishwar: I think he is sitting with Sabir because they have the same problems. I asked a question during this session in the national assembly that how much gas we waste in KP province. I was told by the concerned minister that almost six billion rupees loss is faced in some of the districts of our province. Our people also resort to illegal gas connections.
Shahab: Who is responsible for this loss or theft?
Caller: This is Hammad and our only problem is paucity of electricity.
Shahab: It is a pity that we already have shortage of electricity and our people are burning grid stations and other installations.
Hammad: Yes indeed, it is a lamentable fact that people are making this problem worse for themselves. They should not resort to violence.
Shahab: Thank you for calling us as we are discussing the same issue.
Naeema Kishwar: Hammad has enough sense to condemn such an action. When you burn down the grid station, then you will have power failure for days. It is a vicious trend to damage national property. We have discussed this matter quite often in the assembly.
Shahab: Discussion is no solution to the problem. Your voters are stealing power and gas. Why can’t you make them comprehend that it is a vicious practice?
Naeema Kishwar: It is a sorry state of affairs. The minister of power and gas mentioned the names of those areas where power theft is frequent and many of our MPs got annoyed.
Caller: This is Hamza from Gujar Garhi. We have the problem of sui gas. We do not have sui gas connection.
Naeema Kishwar: this caller is from my own area and I know where to supply gas connections. I will look into this matter.
Shahab: It has been complained through the drop box that overhead bridge has not been completed as yet. Consequently heavy traffic use link roads which have been badly damaged.
Naeema Kishwar: This matter is discussed in every session by the members. We had called the chairman of NHA during the last session. There are some reasons for the delay. One reason is that the extension was proposed in the basic project. When it was undertaken….
Caller: This is Nawab from District Shangla. Our problem is that as we are students and we should be given concession in the admissions.
Naeema Kishwar: When the plan was changed, it was agreed upon that the provincial government will bear the extra cost. But provincial government has not provided the agreed funds, so work cannot be restarted. Change in the plan was the demand of the people.
Shahab: But local people ought to be taken into confidence while starting a project. The problem is that provincial and federal governments blame each other. What can people do in this situation?
Naeema Kishwar: After the promulgation of 18th Amendment, many departments are not the responsibility of provincial government.
Caller: This is Arif Kashmiri from Kurak. My question from my MP is that if there is any plan to have hospital for burnt patients in Mardan.
Shahab: It is a good question because we do not have a burnt center in the whole province.
Naeema Kishwar: Work is going on to establish a burnt unit in the province now. We even did not have a unit for drug addicts but now – through my efforts – the federal government has agreed to establish a rehabilitation and treatment center for drug addicts. There will be a separate ward for female patients.
Shahab: It is time to listen to a report by Afzal Khan from Mardan. Let us listen to the report.
Field Based Research Report:
People demand all those facilities from the government that can make their lives easy. But it is a common practice with our MPs to work for the welfare of their own constituency and do not consider the welfare of people outside their constituency. The result is that deprived people complain about it. Similarly, Gul Kareem, who is local political elder in Rural Mardan, says that they have no sui gas supply with other developmental projects, “Although, we have sui gas supply till Bakhsahli area but we are left out although we are living in the center. For a long time, no road, lane or bridge has been constructed for us. The most important problem is power failure. The officials allege that we resort to illegal connection. But why such people are not arrested or stopped? “
He added that in 85 union councils, Rural Mardan union council is the largest one with 2800 registered voters. He said that after the construction of Katlang Road, their fields have become barren because of shortage of irrigation water,“Katlang road is defective because no lane was constructed along with it. All the existing lanes were destroyed when the road was constructed. Consequently, our fields receive no irrigation water. This is not our loss alone but it is a loss of the whole country. Our MPA or MNA has not tried to do something praise-worthy here. If any progress has been made in Mardan, it was only at some particular place and not the whole of Mardan.
Sher Rehman is a student of political science who laments the fact that they do not have enough schools and colleges,
“Atif is our education minister but he has a grudge against our area because we did not vote for him. He should behave like an education minster. We have only twelve teachers in our high school that are not sufficient. “
Along with problem in education sector, this area is devoid of health facilities as well. Local people have demanded health facilities, “When we take our child or women for injection, then we have to travel a long distance. We need a basic health unit in our own union council. Our people do not make any effort to have a basic health unit here. Our MPA and MNA are requested to provide a BHU to us.”
Shahab: Dear listeners, welcome back after the report where people identified several problems in Mardan. It is strange to know about self help in a school at a place like Mardan. You are a part of the federal government while provincial government has declared emergency in education.
Naeema Kishwar: You should not seek a reply from me because I belong to Jamiat Ulma Islam. It was told that at the very constituency of our education minister, local people have hired private teachers in a government school. I will bring it into the notice of the concerned MNA.
Caller: This is Amjad from Hoti. We are faced with a severe problem of clean drinking water. We are not supplied water at proper time. The officials dealing with the water system do not perform their duty well.
Shahab: I think you are in good terms with the MPs but masses are suffering.
Naeema Kishwar: People should elect the right kind of person. These problems could be resolved at local level as well if their elected member is the right person.
Caller: This is Nazar Muhammad from Gujar Garhi. We have a higher secondary school under construction. We request to complete it soon.
Naeema Kishwar: I have constructed a girl school in that area and work is in progress on a higher secondary school for girls. It will be completed soon.
Shahab: Can you give a time frame?
Naeema kishwar: It will be completed this year I am sure.
Shahab: It was told in the report that women have no hospital or health unit.
Naeema Kishwar: I have told you that their district councilor can resolve this issue for them. A mother care center is must for each union council and all we need is a strong and committed local councilor to bring it home.
Caller: I am Zarshad from Mera. We have the problem of electricity. We have no arrangement to get electricity.
Naeema Kishwar: He should write me an application because they have no poles and cables.
Shahab: It is also mentioned in the drop box that Jalala area has no transformer for so many days.
Naeema Kishwar: I have told you that when we ask the department to help us, then they send us private people to repair the damage. They get money from us but do not remove the fault permanently. That’s why we have requested for a workshop in Mardan where all such problems will be solved. At present, we take our transformers to Nowshera to get them repaired. I will consult AC about this problem.
Shahab: It is complained from Sikandari Korona that water course Kal Panrai damages many people, property and crops when it is flooded. Retaining walls are requested to be constructed along the margins.
Naeema kishwar: I have submitted a call attention in the national assembly to have some precautionary measures against floods. We face so many casualties each year.
Shahab: But you get certain funds for it?
Naeema Kishwar: We do not receive any funds at national level while such funds are available at the provincial level.
Shahab: It is also reported in the drop box that district headquarters hospital is in the grip of medicine companies’ representatives. Doctors often recommend low medicines because these medicine companies pay commission to such doctors.
Naeema Kishwar: Provincial government has put a restriction on such representatives that they cannot visit a doctor during duty time. We know that companies give certain incentives to the doctors who prescribe their medicines.
Caller: This is Sana from Gujar Garhi. I am thankful to Naeema kishwar for her support. We have the problem of power and sui gas load shedding.
Shahab: Have you ever met Naeema Kishwar outside this studio.
Sana: I have seen her in my village as well.
Naeema Kishwar: I am happy to know that many people are calling from my own village. There is no sui gas load shedding in the country, the problem is mainly because our people are using generators that operate on sui-gas.
Shahab: From Jan Khan village, it is complained that transformer is overloaded and is often out of order. Iftikhar Mashwani has provided a transformer to his own worker. It is requested that the said transformer should be installed for public use?
Naeema Kishwar: I will take up this matter with the concerned officials because it is a common problem. These devices are issued for public use.
Caller: I am calling from Center Colony Baghada and my name is Syed Jalal Bacha. I want to say that we have a 100 KV transformer but it is often out of order. It has been taken for repair by our Nazim now. We demand it to be up-graded to 200 KV. Patients are facing serious problems. It is the responsibility of the state to provide us such facilities. Naeema Kishwar should send us a transformer instantly.
Naeema Kishwar: His complain was quite valid. It requires a proper procedure. They should request to the local officials through their Nazim and I am hopeful it could be converted to 200 KV. Our population has rapidly increased and we have such provision in our law.
Shahab: It is also reported that Chatto Chowk is the area where people pay full bills but still there is load shedding. It is promised by the power department that such areas will be exempted where recovery is hundred percent.
Caller: This is Taj Bacha from Gujar Garhi. Naeema kishwar said that there is no sui gas load shedding in the country but I want to say that we have proper legal connection, still we receive no sui gas. We have cried time and again but still in vain. We are living in Piran Gato Baba Street.
Naeema Kishwar: It is true that some areas are faced with this problem. I have told you that sui gas pressure will be restored soon as a scheme has been approved. People in Chatto Chowk themselves allege that people are having illegal connections.
Caller: This is Imran from Misriabad. We still receive just ten thousand rupees in Mardan Mill. Why are we not paid properly?
Naeema kishwar: It is the third time that the caller has reported this issue. We have raised this issue in the national assembly. It has been declared now that minimum wages will be thirteen thousand rupees per month. I think the administration of the mill will be annoyed with me but I have to talk about it. Provincial government should compel them for compliance.
Shahab: From Takkar in Takht Bai, a person hopes that their transformer will be repaired by your action. He has also alleged that MPs do not come in their area after being elected.
Naeema Kishwar: I assure them that I will approach them but they should come up with a written application. I have changed twenty transformers so far in Mardan.
Shahab: It is also reported from Ghal Der through drop box that they have gas pipe line but still they have no sui gas connection. Cleanliness is also a major problem there which is spreading deadly diseases. Nobody cares about it.
Caller: This is Noor Bacha calling from Ahmadabad Torro. We had a transformer provided by Zeeshan Khan but it has not been installed yet. We do not know how to install it.
Naeema Kishwar: He should come to me along the required papers and I will get it installed through the officials. In response to new gas connection, I may appreciate the policy of the federal government which is following strict merit policy. They will get the connection in due time.
Shahab: Let us come to the issue related to women. It is often alleged by women MPs that they just follow party policy and cannot do anything of their own?
Naeema Kishwar: It depends on each individual. The fact is that during the last year, top legislation was initiated by me. My party had not instructed me to do this all. At times, my party leaders did not agree to me but I convinced them. It depends on the individual efforts. My services for the constituency exceed all other former MPs. I have provided almost 25 transformers in my constituency along with other projects.
Shahab: You are a part of the federal government, how many problems of women can you solve in Mardan?
Naeema Kishwar: I try to resolve all those issues related with the federal government. I am an active participant in the reforms proposed for election. I am also making efforts to provide identity cards to all those women who are unable to get one. I am making efforts to send mobile teams to all such women. They will get their identity and have a right to vote. I am also trying to remove all the problems in Benazir Income Support Program. I wish to incorporate our FATA within this scheme. We have provided hundreds of sewing machines to poor ladies.
Shahab: Please tell us that what benefits do women get when they cast their votes as compared to those areas where women do not come out to cast their votes?
Naeema Kishwar: Our religion has also given the right to vote to our women. When fifty percent of your population does not cast their votes, then no one can claim to be a true representative. Women should also exercise their power to vote. We have to bind the election commission to provide a polling station within every one kilometer for women.
Shahab: It is said that women do not know about politics and right to vote in our country. Women are often directed to cast their votes by their male members of society.
Naeema Kishwar: This trend is changing and we have observed during the recent election that women were guiding their men to cast votes. If our women become a part of the political process, then our country will progress rapidly. We ought to educate and our women to increase their awareness.
Shahab: What message would you like to convey to women according to your own experience?
Naeema Kishwar: It is not essential that a woman should be an MP to work for the welfare of the society. Every woman can do that by educating her children and training them in the right direction.
Shahab: Thank you so much for being with us. It is good bye for now.
Aired on : July 21, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Other Guest: Ms Bibi Shereen
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shahab Ud Din
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of July 2015
(Aired on July 21, 2015)
Position: Fourth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline:
“According to Mrs. Naeema Kishwar, MNA, NA-327 Mardan, the program Constituency Hour is doing a great service for her constituents. All those constituents, who had been finding it hard one way or the other, to contact their elected representatives are now able to contact her through this program quite easily. People from remote areas have also started to call and lodge complaints; through complaint boxes, to be addressed by their MNA. Electricity, gas provision, roads and plight of health sector have emerged as the leading problems in NA-327 Mardan. She expressed her jubilation at the election of local councilors through local bodies’ elections and hoped that most of the problems of trivial nature will be resolved locally then. She also requested her constituents once again to feel their responsibility to keep the environment clean and discouraged illegal power connections.”
Transcription:
Shahab: Dear listeners, your host Shahab is here with the program Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour). It is continuation of the efforts of Young Democrats Academy program to bring the MNA from NA-327 Mardan, Mrs. Naeema Kishwar face to face with you. We are sitting at the Hujra of Naeema Kishwar to talk and discuss your problems. It is also an opportunity for all those women in particular who cannot find an easy way to access their MNA. First of all I welcome Mrs. Naeema Kishwar.
Naeema: I may extend greetings to all our listeners for having the auspicious occasion of Eid.
Shahab: Our valued listeners, most of the constituents allege that MPs cannot be accessed once elected. Now this show is an opportunity to talk to you MP. Our telephone number is 09379230611 where you can call her right now. We have also invited a representative from women in Mardan. We have Bibi Shereen for this purpose. I also welcome her in the show.
Bibi: I am really thankful for being here.
Shahab: Dear listeners, besides this show, Young Democrats Academy has also installed complaint boxes at five different places in Mardan for your complaints to reach your MNA. We will include complaints received through these drop boxes in the show. Let us start our program by asking Mrs. Naeema that as she has been participating in this show for the last couple of months. I want to know that how far she has been successful in dealing with some of the issues discussed in this show.
Naeema: We try to work for the solution of these problems as discussed in this show. Last month we talked about a problem due to heavy load on three transformers in Mardan. We took up the matter with Assistant Commissioner and now the work is in progress in this regard. Another matter was about a school where co-education was practiced. That area was in dire need of a separate school for girls. I had written a letter to the concerned MNA who is abroad. I hope it will be solved when he is back. We held a separate session in the National Assembly about load shedding where I highlighted the related problems in my constituency. Minister of Power and Energy has promised to give us relief. Another point raised was the absence of a WAPDA workshop in Mardan. We have been promised that it will be provided soon.
Shahab: Bibi Shereen, what are the problems faced by women because your MNA has talked about load shedding only.
Bibi: We have too many problems in Mardan.
Shahab: I would like you to identify some of the problems so that she can come up with some solution.
Bibi: When our children grow up, we give them in marriage which results in domestic problems and feuds. All the males and females take part in such domestic disputes. Many such affairs result in divorce and separation. I want to ask a question that why women are maltreated after marriage. What is our government doing for the (social) uplift of women?
Naeema: I may stress that we have got astray from the teachings of Islam. We do not give proper rights to our family members. Another important fact is the lack of education in our society. Bibi has mentioned facilitation for children and divorced women but I may stress that our law provides facilitation to such women. It is according to our law that court must take decision within three months in case of separation. It is a pity that our courts do not take quick decisions. But you might have observed that our women seldom approach courts. The basic thing is awareness among our women.
Shahab: Our women cannot approach courts and police station but the important thing is that if our women are unaware about laws related to them. Are any efforts being made to make them aware about their rights?
Naeema: Media can play an important role in this regard including print and electronic media. NGOs are doing a lot to make women aware especially in backward areas like Dir and Chitral. But our culture restricts any such efforts. Being a woman myself, I also try to work in this direction. I had already told you that we distribute sewing machines among such women. We have given away almost three hundred sewing machines among needy women during the holy month of Ramadan. Our students at secondary level are given computer training especially girl students. We also provide free education to deserving girl students.
Shahab: Please tell us Bibi that as Mardan is a big city and therefore there must be some problems in regard to health and education.
Bibi: I may say that all the government hospitals are always replete with so many patients. There is no good treatment and provision of medicines in these hospitals. Doctors are mostly absent and do not perform their duties well. We are compelled to seek a private doctor to have good treatment.
Naeema: Health and education is our major concern. It is a provincial subject but we cannot deny the fact that it is our major problem. Our hospitals have paucity of lady doctors. We need to restore the trust of people on government hospitals. Provincial government has taken some serious steps to reform the health sector. Private practice has been banned now. The fact is that private hospitals are not well developed and lack equipment as compared to government hospitals. It is only a matter of check and balance by the government.
Shahab: One of the complaint from Jalala, Mardan is that headquarter hospital in Takht Bai was started by MMA government but still it lacks staff. There is expensive machinery is the hospital which is rusting at present.
Naeema: It is a valid point about that particular hospital. It is a lamentable fact that we change the policy with the change of the government. Mardan hospital was provided with expensive machinery by our government but all that machinery was shifted to other hospitals with the change of the government. We do not object to the development of any region but it should not be at the cost of other areas. We will try to bring this matter in the notice of concerned authorities.
Shahab: You are in the capital and opposition leader in the Provincial Assembly belongs to your party. Do you stress these points before your leadership?
Naeema: We share all these points and all those matters which are related to the province are marked to our members in the provincial assembly.
Shahab: Mrs. Bibi, could you please tell us about the problems of women and Mardan and the amount of attention paid by your MNA?
Bibi: She may know better but I have met her twice. I may say that all those women who meet our MNA may seem satisfied but still there are so many who are still unaware about MNA and the ways and means to contact her. What should these ladies do?
Naeema: I have told you that many women do not know about me and the ways I can help them.
Bibi: We live in a society where women are mostly ignorant. Women are not allowed to come out and males are not supportive.
Shahab: Bibi said that most of the women do not know that Mrs. Naeema is our MNA?
Naeema: It is true because when I tell women that I am your MNA they look surprised. But still there are some women who approach me and narrate their problems to me. But this radio show is a good source of information.
Caller: I am Gulzar from Gujaro Garhi. We have no supply of gas although we have gas connection. It is never there when we are in need.
Naeema: I could not remember his name but it is true that gas pressure is a major concern in that area. Since my election, I have made efforts to resolve this issue. Gujar Garhi will have enough gas till the end of this year.
Caller: Please accept my regards. I am Sabir from Bala Garhi. We have too much load shedding and the issue of low power voltage.
Naeema: We have raised the issue of load shedding time and again in the National Assembly. The concerned Minister has promised to reduce load shedding in those areas where power theft and loses are nominal. Voltage issue will also be solved in these areas.
Caller: I am talking from Gujrat Bakhshali and my name is Syed Bacha Jee. We were recruited in social welfare department during the previous government. We have been terminated now after an active service of three years. Our job was good and we did our job well. We are making hectic efforts for restoration but nobody is paying any heed to us.
Shahab: What do you want from Naeema Kishwar?
Naeema: This is a matter like worker’s welfare board and government ought to renew the contract after three years. Workers are striking and government has agreed to reinstate them after a proper test.
Caller: I am Sidra and I want to tell you that my husband has expelled me from his home. He is not paying me any compensation and my infant son and I want to file a case against him.
Naeema: She must file a case against her husband. Her husband has to pay for her son. I am hopeful that court will take quick decision in favour of her. Her husband has to pay for the child as long as she is his wife.
Shahab: What can you do for her?
Naeema: If she cannot afford to hire a lawyer, then government can arrange her lawyer.
Caller: I am Asif Musakhel. I hope you are doing well. Problems are too many but what problem should I identify?
Shahab: Thanks for calling us. It is time to listen to a report by Afzal khan Mohmand about the issue in focus.
Field based research report:
“There was a waiting room on the road a few years back where people used to wait. Now that facility is no more there. We demand reconstruction of that waiting room.”
Hashmat Ali is a social worker who belongs to Mardan. He is the president of a local organization. He told us that there was a waiting room on dalasi road. He is an educated person and demand schools in his area.
He stressed, “We need high schools for both boys and girls. We are lagging behind in education. We have several highly qualified people in our area but there is no one to educate our children. Many of our girl students cannot continue their education after fifth grade because we do not have a high school.”
People in the area also alleged that road is in bad shape. Hayat khan is a social worker, who says,
“This road leads to several villages in the area but it is out of shape now. It was reconstructed a few years back.”
Hayat also said that our greatest demand in Fatimid Union council is the provision of Sui gas,
“The pipe line on Katlang Road is providing gas to several villages but not in our union council. It is our common demand.”
This union council has a population of almost 47 thousand people who are faced with the serious health issues. Dr. Abid Ur Rehman is a member of a local organization, who says,
“There is no lady doctor in the whole union council although we have conveyed our demand to all the concernment authorities. We need a lady doctor because our roads are not good and we cannot take our pregnant women to Mardan in time.”
Fatimid union council comprises of five village council and all the people are still waiting that their MP should pay attention to health issues,
“We want a lady doctor, labour room and a minor operation theater in our area. It will benefit all the people whether they are rich or poor because our road is a common problem to all of us. Several of our women expire each year due to this problem.”
Shahab: Our valued listeners, you listened to the report from Fatimid Union Council. It was told that waiting room is damaged which provide shelter in rain and summer as well. Education and road problems are there along with gas problem.
Naeema: I have noted down some of these problems. It is evident that most of the problems are at union council level. The main reason is the absence of local government. But now elections have been held and I hope that now local people have been elected to look into these local matters. This local road and waiting rooms can be addressed by district councilors and district administration. However, Sui gas is a problem which is a federal subject. I had raised this issue in the meeting with the Prime Minister. I was told that ban will remain intact till 2018. It is the greatest demand of all MNAs and MPAs but the fact is that no new connections are allowed. I suggest that your report should also mention the concerned MP. During the last show I also suggested that we should provide an email address or fax number through which constituents will be able to report us their problems.
Shahab: Ms. Bibi, it was told that petty issues will be resolved locally after the local elections. But my point is that such system has already existed in the past. Could you please tell us about the future prospects?
Bibi: I do not think so. Problems are still there and will remain there. We will have problems of power and gas.
Shahab: Mrs. Naeema is talking about local issues like roads and other related issues.
Bibi: I wish all the problems are resolved in my country. When there is rain, we have problems all around. I pray these councilors are able to resolve all our problems.
Shahab: There is a complaint from Sarosha about load shedding and low voltage. You told us that when loses are less then load shedding will also be negligible. But the complaint from Sarosha is that there are great numbers of illegal connections with the tacit approval of leading political parties.
Caller: This is Arif Kashmiri. I welcome Naeema in the show. A hospital was constructed in our village during the previous government. It remains a building as yet and no staff has arrived. It has become a center of drug addicts. I want Naeema to convey our voice to the government. It is situated in Muhabat Abad Union council in PK-23.
Naeema: Our brother has raised a serious issue and I will bring this matter into the notice of the concerned MPA. Earlier you talked about illegal connection and political support. It is an unfortunate fact that our politicians are involved in this heinous practice. I criticized such people on the floor of the House. Abid Sher Ali mentioned the names of a few MNAs who got annoyed. I endorsed his action because we must criticize all such people.
Caller: This is Ibrar from sugar mill Mardan. Last June 2014, it was announced by the government that wages will not be less than 12 thousand but still we are receiving just ten thousand rupees as our salary. Please convey our request because we are suffering.
Naeema: It was declared this year that salary for labour force will be thirteen thousand per month. Legislation has taken place and now private organizations will also be bound to pay thirteen thousand rupees as minimum wages. We will discuss the issue about sugar mill because they are paid too less. It is a law now that labour must be paid not less than thirteen thousand rupees.
Shahab: There has been a complaint from Takht Bai about the affiliation of certain areas with Jalal grid station which is causing load shedding and heavy burden in that particular grid station. It is requested that these areas should be reverted back to Mardan grid station?
Naeema: I will take up this matter if you remind it to me later. I do not know why the concerned MPA did it.
Caller: This is Javed from Mayaar. I have just listened to your talk about payment of billing by the public. But the problem is that we are facing overbilling most of the time. Electricity is a production of our province and we request Naeema to resolve this issue for us. We are ready to pay the bill if it is justified. We are people with meager resources and we cannot pay such heavy bills.
Naeema: I will request Mr. Javed to take his bill to the concerned officials in Mardan. I have told in the beginning that poor people have to pay for the illegal connections by our people. We all must take into notice this illegal practice. We are faced with energy crisis. It is true that our province is the major producer of power and still we have much greater potential to produce more. But provincial government has not initiated any new projects which is the need of the day. We can make our province self-sufficient after the promulgation of 18th Amendment.
Shahab: There is a complaint from Baikhel, Mardan which says that the electricity and gas are federal subjects but these have failed to facilitate the people. He requests you to take up this matter at the assembly floor.
Naeema: It is reflected by the recent budget that our province has been given much concession in projects and taxation. Our province has suffered militancy and Afghan refugees. Our provincial government should take full advantages of these concessions. We have greater amount of funds now. Federal government has also accepted our due share of power royalty. Economic corridor is another important project which will yield greater benefits to our province.
Shahab: One of our young men from Mardan has alleged that NTS is causing great troubles for the young people. It is blamed that questions are very difficult and out of course. NTS is termed as a hurdle in employment?
Naeema: I agree with him and I have submitted a call attention notice in the National Assembly. My objection is that if it is so necessary then, why government departments are not allowed to conduct these tests. A huge amount of money is collected by the NTS and we do not have any record of it. What is the credibility of NTS?
Shahab: But government says that NTS is there to curb corruption in recruitment.
Naeema: I do not think so because government of Punjab has done away with NTS for admission to professional colleges. I strongly oppose NTS.
Shahab: From Mohalal Dagar in Mardan a compliant has been lodged about cleanliness in the area. There is so much dirt and filth all around.
Bibi: Even now there is so much filth and garbage on Shamsi Road. There is no system to clean it.
Naeema: I agree to your statement but I may stress that we should also take responsibility. We are in the habit of throwing garbage in the street. I spend a huge amount of money for the sewerage system in my village but is a failure due to bad habits of our people. We must keep our streets and roads clean along with our homes.
Shahab: I would like you to express your views about this program. Do you think it is of any benefit to your constituents?
Naeema: It is doing well especially for all those constituents who cannot contact us directly. People are contacting us from far flung areas. It is a good step and people can access us easily. It is very beneficial for the common people. I am thankful to you for conducting such a programs.
Shahab: I am really thankful to both of you for being with us. It is good bye for now.
Recorded on: June 27, 2015
Picture
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shams Mohmand
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of June 2015
(Recorded on June 27, 2015)
Position: Third Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline:
“The honorable MPA from NA 327, Mrs. Naeema Kishwar, pondered at length about all the problems facing her constituency that were reported to her through complaint boxes. It was realized that the major issues in her constituency were paucity of electricity and provision of gas connections. She was frank in her approach and urged the general public to feel their responsibility and help the government in dealing with energy crises. She reiterated her firm resolve to work incessantly for the resolution of all major problems in her constituency.”
Transcription:
Shams: Dear listeners, your host Shams Mohmand welcomes you in the program ‘Da Halqe Ganta’ (Constituency Hour). Today, we are once again in Mardan and talking to Naeema Kishwar through radio Dilbar. She is an MNA from Mardan and we will try to bring her constituents face to face with her. All our programs are live but unfortunately due to some technical faults this show is recorded. We have talked to several people in the locality and we will air them from time to time during the show. We will try to encompass all the important problems. I may also mention that all the problems received through the drop boxes are collected and we would like Mrs. Naeema Kishwar to discuss them. First of all, I want to extend warm regards and a welcome note to our worthy guest for being with us. First of all, we would like you to tell us whether any of the problems of the constituents discussed in the last show got resolved?
Naeema: Our budget session was in progress and it was also the month of Ramadan. One issue was discussed and that was to do something for women in the area. I told you that I intend to give them sewing machines. That practice has started now. Another matter was regarding wages for daily wagers. We have passed a bill in the assembly about the labour force in private organizations. It will be implemented in the whole country and nobody will be paid less than 13 thousand rupees per month. We have also made some hectic efforts in regard to power and other problems.
Shams: What in your view are three major issues that will come into surface within next three months and you will make effort to resolve them?
Naeema: I have told you that my major concern is gas and electricity. I am constantly working in this direction. I have upgraded ten transformers within one month. We have also distributed sewing machines. We have also started beautician courses for our young ladies. We have also started computer training to our young students who have passed their SSC (Secondary School Certificate) examination. After the training, students are also awarded money to buy a computer for themselves. The local government is about to take office and we hope that petty local issues will be resolved locally.
Shams: I want to clarify whether computer training is free for all or there is any criterion?
Naeema: It is given to all the deserving students who are poor and have a good educational record.
Shams: Our valued listeners, you can register your complaints in drop boxes. One of the persons from Sikandari Union council says that most of the women wished to cast their votes in the recent elections but the presiding officer did not allow them because they belonged to the opposition parties. Is it true?
Naeema: It is true that recent local government elections were marred by severe irregularities and paucity of other required facilities. Women had no secure and separate polling station and were compelled to mix with men. Polling booths were also scarce and there was great rush everywhere. Election commission has announced re-polling at all such polling stations.
Shams: Do you think people will take part in these re-polling elections in the month of Ramadan?
Naeema: Army will be there to look after the election process but it is not good to have election in the month of Ramadan.
Shams: It is also reported via a drop box that there is a school called Syed Jalal Bukhari School which is serving as a garbage center. People are throwing garbage on the road and in the school. It is causing skin diseases. Could you please help in this regard?
Naeema: I may strongly urge the listeners to take up some matters themselves. It is our Islamic and moral duty to take care of our environment. I will try to contact the concerned authorities. I am happy to find out that now people are coming with complaints from remote parts of Mardan. All credit goes to radio and your team.
Shams: As Madam has mentioned that now people are complaining from remote areas of Mardan. I would like to stress once again to register your complaints in these drop boxes. I will request all the women in Mardan to meet Madam during the monthly and weekly meetings with her. Madam, you said that self-responsibility should be realized by our people. But to make people aware is the responsibility of the state. If someone is violating a law then the state has to stop him. Do you have any plans or a vision to create this awareness among our people?
Naeema: Legislation is going on about the wrong use of loud speakers and speeches. Loud speakers should have limited and justified use only. The media is trying to create awareness about cleanliness. We have to teach our children at schools about the merits of cleanliness. We need to run a full campaign at schools.
Shams: It is time to listen to a report by Afzal Khan Mohmand.
Field Based Research Report:
“During the election, they (candidates) came to us and promised too much even before the election. But nobody trusts them now with all their boasts. They failed because they could not get enough votes.”
“This complaint is not only voiced by Waqas Khan who is a resident in Mardan Union Council but is shared by all those who expect their MPAs to solve their basic problems. Waqas says that in the same village many people are without gas connections. He lamented:
“Some people were provided with a gas connection under special quota and treatment. Some of the cronies and party members were given connections but common people were left out. In the same Jamal Garhi Union Council, many people are still without gas connection. Roads are also in bad shape.”
On the other hand, educational facilities are also lacking in Jamal Garhi. Murad Ali is a primary teacher who says that several places have no schools. He describes the situation in these words:
“I am working in Jangrez primary school. We have three hundred students who have to be accommodated in just three available rooms. There are only two washrooms, one each for teachers and students. There is no girls’ school in our village.”
Because of over population in the area, residents are demanding another health center. Dr. Ahmad Shah says in this regard:
“We have two village councils in our village. We have almost 8300 registered voters in the village. We also deserve to have a Basic Health Unit (BHU). Our major problem is that hospital lies too far from our area.”
Residents also expect that these problems should be solved soon and also demand that a revised survey of Benazir Income support programme should be carried out in the area.
“I have observed myself that deserving people are not awarded the funds but only cronies and special people are given this money. It is used for political proposes and not to benefit the poor. Many cards are blocked not. Government should undertake a survey again to assess the real situation.”
Shams: Respected listeners, welcome back after the report. As it was told by Waqas in the report, gas connections are not given to some people in Jamal Garhi. Gas is a federal subject and what have you to say?
Naeema: Gas connection is provided according to the proper methodology. I cannot do anything in this regard. Only those people are given priorities that pay a high amount than the others. Low pressure is a problem and I am working on two projects in this regard. Pipes are going to be changed for Par Hoti Mardan and Gujar Garhi. This problem will be solved within one year.
Shams: A primary school teacher also told us that there is one bathroom for three hundred students and just three rooms. How is it possible to accommodate them?
Naeema: It is a pity that there is co-education in that primary school. I will write on my own to the concerned MNA about this school and BHU.
Shams: It was also discussed that there is no BHU in Gujar Garhi.
Naeema: It is a serious matter and provincial government claims high in health sector. I will convey my concerns about this issue.
Shams: It is strange to know that even now primary schools that are newly constructed have just two or three rooms. What changes are needed?
Naeema: It needs proper legislation to bring changes in the construction design. I visited a school the other day and felt sad to see students in the worst condition. It is also a wrong practice that whoever donates land for a school treats it like their personal property.
Shams: Land should be properly bought by the government.
Naeema: That is one reason for the existence of ghost schools across the country. I have also constructed a few schools and I realized that it is a wrong practice to acquire land for school through donation.
Shams: Benazir Income Support programme was also blamed in the report to be serving as a political tool in which the poor and deserving people do not get funds? Do you suggest a revised survey?
Naeema: I also endorse a revised survey. A survey was conducted by second persons and many people were unaware about the survey when it was conducted. Cards are only blocked when a card is lost. Our women do not know how to use ATM machine and many cards are wasted and blocked.
Shams: You said it right that our simple women do not how to use the ATM machine. Can there be any substitute method to avoid ATM machine. Are there any other easy methods available for transfer of money?
Naeema: First we tried to send the money through post offices but the officials took commission from each beneficiary. We introduced ATM to have transparency. At present we are stressing upon the government to undertake a survey again. I also urge the people to report about their household themselves. Remember that 16 is the number below which a person is entitled to receive the income support. When the officials ask about your household then please come up with the correct answer. Every item at home is entitled with a certain digit and if the aggregate is below 16 then that person deserves to be helped out financially.
Shams: But it is a pity that our people lie about such things. We are so greedy. What is the way to ascertain the true financial status of a person?
Naeema: All the government employees are scrutinized on a computer. Similarly if you have a passport or receive any other financial loan or help then that person is also scrutinized.
Shams: From Bahaderkhel area in Mardan, a person has registered a complaint that drinking water is contaminated and the municipal committee does not bother about their request.
Naeema: Once there was a plan to have a filtration plant in each union council but that project is in cold storage now. I hope that with the inception of local government that project will be initiated again.
Shams: Another problem mentioned in the same area is that water in pipes has low pressure and does not reach all the houses.
Naeema: We will convey this concern to the municipal committee but I advised them to consult the newly elected members of local government who can readily solve this problem. Tube wells are going to be converted to solar energy and I hope that that way the billing issue will be solved as well.
Shams: Is there any criterion for providing solar energy to such places or is it indiscriminate?
Naeema: This facility is provided after application to the MNA.
Shams: Our country has energy crisis and it seems as if we are going to suffer for a few years more. Resorting to solar energy is indispensible. Do you agree?
Naeema: Government is trying to convince people to go for solar energy. It is cheap and durable. All the tube wells, schools and hospitals should be converted to solar. I wish all our MNA would divert their funds to install solar facility in their constituencies. Government has a plan and MNAs are instructed to distribute their developmental funds in this regard.
Shams: Representing media, I may also request all those people who are just using electricity for light and fans to switch over to solar energy. The load will be lessened all over the country. Dear listeners, we have recorded a few voices in the same constituency and it is time to listen to them.
RECORDED INTERVEWS:
Dear listeners, I am standing in Mardan Khas (Proper) among people who are faced with various problems. Let us talk to them about major issues.
“My name is Asif and I live in Shaheedano Bazaar. With the arrival of Ramadan we are facing acute power failure. Generators are not there in mosques and we perspire during prayers. Another issue is that during evening and Sehri (Before dawn) time there is gas load shedding. Prime Minister had announced that there will be no load shedding during these hours but it proved to be a false claim.”
Please introduce yourself and identify your main problems.
“My name is Azam Khan and I am a retired army personnel. I live in Mardan Khas. Right from Mal Mandi till Bikhel area, gas supply was sanctioned but now even pipes have disappeared. It is a serious problem for us. Pressure is also low even where gas is available.”
But what is the reason that some of the people are left out when providing gas connections?
“Gas connections are provided to all those who belong to political parties while common people are still without provision of gas. Nepotism is widespread in our area.”
Please introduce yourself first.
“My name is Farhan and I live in Mardan Khas. We are faced with an acute water problem. Almost four hundred houses are affected.”
Tell me please how long this problem has been there and what is the nature of water shortage?
“It started before Ramadan. We are told that one pump is working while the other is out of order.”
How many homes are without water and what other arrangements are there to get it?
“We get water from mosques or buy it.”
Dear Listeners, right now I am at Deli Mohalla (Street) in Mardan where people are facing power crises.
“My name is Rahat. There are three transformers but only one is functional. Links are often down in our street. Nobody receives our call for complaint at the office. Repair work is delayed and we are without power for hours.”
How long these transformers have been there and how many homes are dependent on this single transformer?
“Population of almost eight thousand people depends on this single transformer. We request our MPs to solve this issue for us as soon as possible.”
Shams: Our valued listeners welcome back once again in the show. You listened to the views of different people in Mardan. Gas problem was highlighted once again along with energy crisis.
Naeema: Opposition also raised a hue and cry over load shedding after the budget session. Karachi is the most affected where hundreds of people are dying due to heat and load shedding. We hold a special session of the assembly for three days. One factor is that transmission lines are worn out. Another factor is the theft of electricity especially in our province. I request all the people to control this theft and loss. Prime minister has held several meetings with the officials to avoid load shedding during the holy month of Ramadan. It has certainly decreased. Our transformers are also overloaded and they got tripped. We should also realize our own responsibility because it is a national crisis. We have strongly criticized the government during the session. New hydel projects must be started. Unfortunately our provincial government has not initiated any new power project. We have several ideal locations for dams in KP province. I also mentioned it in my budget speech that in Kalam region there is a private turbine for generating power which is so cheap. We can also do the same in Mardan as well.
Shams: I like your views about awareness and education. You also said that where there are illegal connections, load shedding will be there. But on the other hand our MPA’s instigate people to resort to illegal connections and encourage this culture. They always intercede when the police arrest such culprits. What is your opinion about the duties of our MPA’s? Should they stress the rule of law or encourage law breakers?
Naeema: I am sorry to say that that this culture exists. Khwaja Asif (Federal Minister) identified a few such parliamentarians in the assembly. It is necessary that such people should be pinpointed. Our MPAs just want votes from the constituents to win election and stand by such culprits. We should discourage all such people along with our MPAs. Another major problem is the widespread corruption in the power department. Officials take bribes and we need to check it. I see that the government is taking some serious action about it and it might be checked in the future. Our cities are so congested that sometimes it is hard to find out who is having an illegal connection. The public should take this matter seriously.
Shams: It was also advertised in the newspaper that on which feeder line loss is maximum. I was surprised to find out that some feeders had more than ninety percent line loss. Power theft is most common in KP and Sindh province as compared to Punjab. It is a sad fact that this culture is on the rise in KP province. What solution do you suggest?
Naeema: The solution lies in our unity to defeat this menace. We should not remain silent about it. We should realize that there is an energy crisis in the country. We need almost ten years to complete new mega power projects. We are also in the habit of misusing electricity. We should also control power theft and line losses.
Shams: It was also reported from Deli Mohalla in Mardan that they have three transformers, but only one is functional.
Naeema: I will tackle this issue today or tomorrow with AC Mardan. It was also narrated by a constituent that gas is connection is not available at a few places. I have talked to the Prime Minister about it. But there is a ban on new connections because we do not have sufficient LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). It may start in 2018.
Shams: You mentioned LNG and I want to say that it is already there and it was hoped that in April it will start flowing. Why isn’t sufficient attention being paid to this issue because most of the areas in Punjab and Sindh will benefit from it? What is the hurdle?
Naeema: One problem is its price. Only one transit has arrived from Kuwait. It will save our gas resources. It is hoped that it will be resolved soon. Still there is some problem in the contract with foreign countries.
Shams: We may again refer to the drop boxes where a person has alleged that prices go high during the Holy month of Ramadan. District administration is taking no action against the price hike.
Naeema: This issue was highlighted during the budget session. Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister, conducted a meeting to find out the reason. Prices were lowered after the meeting and you might find normal prices at utility stores. But as the demand is high during this month, private shopkeepers raise the prices. District price control management should control the prices. It is possible that some of the officials may have their own share.
Shams: It is also mentioned in the drop box that Younas Stadium Mardan served as a playground and recreational center in the past but now the local administration has converted it into a funfair for children. It is a genuine issue and now people are asking where to go for sports and exercise? Do you intend to raise this issue with the local authorities?
Naeema: I tried to improve this stadium when I was an MPA. But I was informed that it is owned by the armed forces and the provincial government has nothing to do with it. However, the government should pay attention to this problem and a substitute facility should be provided. There is another stadium in Mardan which owes its existence to my efforts. It may serve as a substitute for the time being.
Shams: Thank you so much for being with us. Dear listeners, I hope you appreciate the serene and humble manner in which she talked about all your problems. She was frank and honest in her responses and other politicians should follow her example. I urge all constituents to report their complaints through the drop boxes. It is goodbye for now.
Aired on : May 22, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Second Guest: Nusrat Naeem, Political Activist and Social Worker
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shams Momand
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of May 2015
(Aired on May 22, 2015)
Position: Second Constituency Hour Radio Program in Mardan
Outline
Mrs. Naeema Kishwar, MNA from 327 Mardan, was once again invited to the show, ‘Constituency Hour’. The aim was to find out the impact of the last discussion and the resolution of problems discussed in the show last month. She narrated in detail her efforts to address all the outstanding issues highlighted by her constituents through live calls or complaints registered in the drop boxes. Some other problems of the local residents also emerged during the current show and she expressed her resolve to work hard to resolve them too. She was optimistic that most of the problems of trivial nature would be readily addressed after the local bodies’ election when power will devolve to the local people.
Transcription
Shams: Dear listeners, your host Shams Momand welcomes you on behalf of CRSS in the programme, Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour). In this show, an effort is made to bring your elected political representative face-to-face with you. You may convey your problems to them and remind them of all the claims that they made before the election. It is our second programme in Mardan where we have invited respected Mrs. Naeema Kishwar who is an MNA. I welcome you in the show.
Naeema: Please accept my regards and gratitude for inviting me again.
Shams: We have another female guest with us today who is a political activist and a social worker. She is Mrs. Nusrat Naeem. I welcome you too.
Shams: Valued listeners, you can also participate in this programme through telephone and share your concerns about issues relating to the Federal Government. It should be noted that all the trivial and petty provincial and local issues should not be discussed with our guests. Our telephone number is 09379230611. I would also like to tell you that we only focus on complaints by local residents. For this purpose, we have installed drop boxes in Gujar Garhi. We have given complaint forms to several shopkeepers which will reach your MNA if you fill them out. These shops include Zait Ur Rehman, Zarfarosh store, Nasir Steel works and one drop box is installed near Danish Public school and another one at the Hujra of respected Madam. All these complaints will definitely reach madam if you drop them in one of the above mentioned places. Besides that, there are monthly and fortnightly meetings by the respected madam. First of all, I would like a follow-up on the last programme and ask you regarding the issue of an overhead bridge that some people highlighted. Another issue talked about was related to a school where teachers were not doing well. Another problem was about a hospital and, then issue of the supply of gas. If you have done anything in this regard, please let us know.
Naeema: I am happy to announce that we took up the matter of the overhead bridge in the National Assembly. Shaikh Aftab, who is a Federal Minister called on all the concerned authorities from NHA and asked to register our complaints. We had a meeting with the chairman of NHA who told us that the basic design of the bridge has been changed and that is the main reason for slow pace of work. He said that the Chief Minister of KP has asked us to change the design from Mardan side. The chairman told us that he has demanded funds from the provincial government for the change in the design and as soon as funds will be available, work will resume. I am hopeful that it will be completed soon. Now, in regard to the problem of electricity, I should tell you that on 13th May we had a meeting with the high officials of the concerned department. We presented all our related problems and they assured us that a repair shop would be inaugurated in Mardan to solve our problems which are due to defective transformers. Our next meeting will be held in Peshawar headquarter. We cannot deny the fact that power theft is very common. The chairman also promised that all such feeders where no theft is detected will be exempted from load shedding. I also highlighted the problem of odd poles in our rural areas. They promised to resolve this issue as well.
Regarding the matter of school where staff deficiency and transfer issues were discussed, I also took up the issue of the said school to the concerned principal and he promised to look into this matter. There was a caller who said that he receives meager salary in the Sugar mill. We talked about this issue in the National Assembly and in the next budget, this issue will be resolved.
Shams: Many people have lodged complaints in the drop boxes but let me mention one good news among them for you. Some people have thanked you because the officer in the Mardan electric circle is very good and the overbilling is controlled now. They have demanded that the said officer remain in the area. I will now talk to you, Ms. Nusrat. You are a social worker and we discussed feminine issues in our last programme. It was stressed that women should also know about their rights. If you could please point out a few major problems where madam could help women?
Nusrat: I welcome Ms. Naeema because we have met after a long time. I have a question for her about the question cell or drop box. I want to ask her, if she is an MNA for the whole region then why are the drop boxes only installed in Gujar Garhi? The poor people have most problems and these cells must cover the whole region and bring it to Union council level. Secondly, when I talk about female issues, it is to see why women are so backward and especially the Pashtoon women. One reason is the absence of education and widespread poverty. Unless they are sound economically, they cannot raise their voice for their rights. When a woman is financially strong then she raises her voice inside her home first and then the society.
Shams: She talked about economic empowerment. What is your (Naeema) opinion about it?
Naeema: I will answer the question about drop box first. I have reiterated many times that every UC must have a drop box. I have stressed this need to the concerned organization which installs these. It is needed that the whole province should have this facility. Secondly, she talked about women empowerment. I endorse her and stress that our women need awareness about their rights and duties. For this purpose, there are two federal programs. One is the income support program where women are paid with a meager amount of money every month. The loan scheme has now fifty percent share for women alone. Similarly, we have education schemes for women along with laptop schemes. I should also mention the major issue these days which is often talked about in the National Assembly. It is the ban of female voting in Dir. It is quite alarming for all of us. We have discussed this matter with the Election Commission. I have submitted a motion in the National Assembly along with another female MNA. Women have the right to vote and, moreover, we have a liberal government in the province. How can we call a member of parliament an elected member when fifty percent of the population has not exercised their right to vote?
Shams: But many people have reservations about the policies of several political parties. They allege that all is done through lip service only while practical actions remain against it. Most of the political parties agree in practice to put a ban on women vote.
Naeema: If you look at religious parties, they have not endorsed it. I submitted a motion in the National Assembly against it in 2013. Our Moulana is of the view that our religion permits women the right to vote.
Caller: My name is Lubna Bibi from Gujar Garhi. I want to thank madam for her time. We pray for her success because she has solved many of our problems.
Shams: What problem do you want to highlight?
Lubna: I just want to thank her.
Shams: I want to mention some problems we have received in the drop box. One problem mentioned was that 60 rupees are charged as fee in the OPD in TB hospital in Takht Bai Mardan. While it is said that there are medicines and equipment in the DHO hospital, these are not for the poor people and only the rich people avail this facility.
Naeema: I think the hospital talked about is not a government hospital but is run by a private organization. Only 60 rupees is the fee for the whole treatment. As far as the availability of medicine is concerned, it was announced by the provincial government that all treatment and tests will be free which proved a hallow slogan. People are charged in all the hospitals. We will take up this matter with the provincial government to provide free medicines to all the deserving patients.
Shams: Madam Nusrat, I must say that Mardan is the second largest city which hasgood education. Do you think it needs more schools or it needs better education in the present educational institutions?
Nusrat: I agree with madam about female franchise. A few days back I was in a meeting with some officials and I realized that our law enforcing agencies are showing resistance to provide security to women. It is an issue in many areas where security to female voters is a major concern. She also mentioned loan schemes for women but I should tell you that this scheme was for a short while. While the income support program is a temporary arrangement, I stress the need for schemes where some skills and art are given to our women.
Shams: What do you suggest for women in Mardan?
Nusrat: If you want to empower women then they have to be sound economically. I was once the chairman of the monitoring committee for education. There were many ghost schools in Mardan. There is still much needed to be done.
Shams: Do you have any plan for the women in Mardan?
Naeema: In my view, the most important thing is education and awareness. My main focus is education, including physical and technical education. She (Nusrat) said that income support program create beggars but let me tell you there are loan schemes where women can undertake a small business.
Shams: While we are talking about education, it was also mentioned in the drop box that there is a school in Gumbad Garhi Kapora which hasno boundary. Such schools are scattered across our province. Do you have any funds for such construction?
Naeema: I have no such funds but the provincial government has received a handsome amount of money from a foreign donor which is specifically for such projects. If the provincial government provides us a share of that fund then we can do a lot.
Shams: It is time to listen to a report by Afzal Khan Mohmand prepared in the same area.
Field Based research report:
Democracy is a system where people elect people through popular vote and demand from them the solution to their problems. In the present situation, people are faced with problems that are playing havoc with their lives since a long time. Such a state of affair is described in this report about Babinai Union council situated in Mardan NA 11. Javed khan is a teacher who laments the poor state of education in this area. “Some of the problems relating to school buildings are resolved but still, there are two classes in the same room. Schools are at a great distance from each other. According to law, there should be a school at a distance of every 1 kilometer but we have schools as three kilometers apart.”
On one hand people are demanding education while, on the other hand, they are also facing problems in the health sector.
“We had an emergency and when we came to the hospital, it was about 12:30 PM. We were told that the duty hour has ended and we cannot be treated.”
Local residents are asking their elected members of the parliament, why are they still deprived of gas supply? Niamat says, “Our politicians got our votes on the promise that we would get gas supply but the pipes pass through our area to Katalng and we are still left out. We ask our parliamentarians, what wrong have we done to them for such injustice? As if we are not Pakistanis. When all the areas around us can have gas, why not us?”
Aitbar Gul is also a local resident who demanded the change of transformers which are not sufficient for them. “There is an old transformer in our street which is not enough for our street. When it is out of order, we collect money and repair it. We face load shedding as well. We demand new transformers.”
Shams: Our respected listeners, welcome back after the report. The report discussed a problem related to the provision of gas to Shankar village and the other was concerning hospitals.
Naeema: All such trivial matters as mentioned in the report are due to the absence of a local government. I am sure that if local bodies elections are held then all such problems will be resolved locally. The problem of gas is a bit complicated. Amjad Khan is their MNA who has received the funds and we will take up this issue with him. The problem of this transformer should be reported to us, or to the concerned authorities, to get it upgraded.
Caller: I am Haji Muhammad Arshad. You have talked about the complaint cell but I want to tell you that there are no facilities in our hospital or any equipment.
Shams: You are right but as I told you about drop boxes, you can register your complaints through such facility.
Naeema: Mr. Arshad and Lubna called us and I want to thank them for sharing their problems with us. As I said, local government is the key to the resolution of many problems. Several problems were narrated about hospitals and I assure you that I will take up these issues with the MS.
Shams: There was an offline call from Batkhela who said that there is no school in their village and she also demanded an embroidery center for women.
Caller: I am Sana talking from Gujar Garhi. I want to thank Naeema for solving our problems. I want to say that no funds for Mashwani Hospital have been granted to us. It is an RHC (Rural Health Center).
Naeema: She talked about RHC where the same problems are prevalent as other places. I will talk about it with the authorities. As far as an embroidery center is concerned, I can open it with my own funds and efforts. She should write an application to me about it. It can also be done by TMA at local level.
Shams: Dear sister, you can approach your local MNA or write an application to Naeema.
Caller: It is Arshad Hussain calling from Mardan. I want to talk about health sector. Many of our brothers are working as medical representatives. Shahram Tarakai (Health Minister) has put a ban on the practice of these people. He is a wealthy person but poor people earn through this profession. There is a good law in India wheredoctors are bound to give proper time to medical representatives. We should also have a proper law for it.
Shams: You have highlighted a serious issue. The provincial government has taken the step due to some valid reason but what are your suggestions?
Naeema: I agree that these medical representatives hindered the proper working of doctors and so the government had to put a ban on this practice. But now they should be given proper time.
Nusrat: I also agree that there should be a specific time for such meetings with these officials. But we have also observed that doctors take commission and prescribe medicines which are not so good.
Caller: I am Bakht Zada. We are in a dire need of drinking water in Kas Korrona. A tube well has been constructed by the former government but it is still not functional.
Shams: What is the hurdle to start this facility?
Naeema: We should receive a written complaint and we will forward it to the concerned department.
Nusrat: I have also a solution. As you can see there are local elections in the offing and funds are being utilized for election purposes…
Caller: My name is Ayesha and I want to know about posts in government schools. Nobody is giving me any information about it.
Naeema: It is announced in the newspapers and my suggestion is that she should ask someone to inform her about such announcements.
Shams: A complaint was received in the drop box that there is political interference in the transfer in government hospitals?
Naeema: I intend to take up this issue with DHO (District Health Officer) on Monday.
Shams: Another issue raised was about district account officer in Mardan. It was told that almost four hundred people were recruited in Mardan jail while while the local people were ignored.
Naeema: You know well that such recruitment was cancelled a few days ago. But it is not necessary that only local people should be recruited. However, it is required that low posts should be filled by local people. New appointments have not been made yet because the matter is in court. These are not district wise posts because it is not government’s policy to appoint only local residents.
Shams: Young Democratic Academy has set up these drop boxes. When women approach you, what problem is mostly raised by them with you?
Naeema: The major problem is unemployment which is often discussed with me. Another major issue is health. There is also the issue of poverty among our people. Many women approach me about the income support program as well.
Caller: I am talking from Mardan. I want to say that my sister was an employee in Mardan hospital and she was killed a year ago. We registered an FIR but still the killers are roaming free.
Naeema: I am a member of the Interior Committee. She should write me an application and I will pursue the case.
Shams: You can also write to the present Inspector General police of Deputy Commissioner. What do you want to say Madam (Nusrat)?
Nusrat: It is a shame to attack women. I criticize it in strong words. Responsibility also lies with the administration which cannot contain such acts of violence against women. They can arrest all such culprits. There is a commission for women and I suggest the caller should lodge a complaint there as well.
Shams: Our people are ignorant and poor. They do not know about the law and their rights. I want to mention another matter from Mayar area. Someone has complained that streets are flooded after rains there because there is no proper drainage system.
Naeema: I suggest that they should utilize their vote wisely in the coming elections so that all such problems are solved.
Shams: I want to ask you, Madam Nusrat. Please suggest some plan for the uplift of women in Mardan city. Is there such a plan where madam Naeema can help?
Nusrat: Yes, indeed it is very much possible. Many women have asked me to support them in opening their beauty parlors. They need financial support. I also stress that the garment business could also be promoted among our skilled women. Why do we not provide them a common platform where they can work collectively? The Government along with other organizations can open such centers for women in Mardan.
Shams: She stressed the need for beauty parlor, embroidery and garments centers. What plans do you have for women empowerment?
Naeema: We have initiated a scheme on the federal level to grant monthly stipends to all the singers, actors and people affiliated with fine arts.
Caller: My name is Riaz from Sugar mill. We are faced with the problem of indecent behaviour by the staff in Mardan hospital. They rebuke and scold people and patients.
Shams: Complaints against the health sector are immense. I must say that the provincial government is making hectic efforts to reform the health sector but still people are faced with a multitude of problems.
Naeema: It is depressing to know about such issues. I am talking about sewing machines that are granted to the widows. I am going to distribute two hundred sewing machines very soon.
Shams: I have my own reservations about such schemes. It is true that such things are donated by the foreign donors but distribution is not just and deserving people are often left out.
Naeema: Now we have verification through NADRA and so nepotism is not possible. Now, we have verification through thumb impression. Many things will change with the passage of time.
Nusrat: My question is that if such schemes and grants are practiced then why is poverty not being eliminated? Our policy makers seek their own interests and do not care about the poor people. We have to do away with family politics and crony culture.
Naeema: I stress that politics of inheritance should be discouraged by the public.
Shams: Could you please tell us about your targets for the next six months?
Naeema: My main focus is on gas and electricity because it creates many related problems. I also try to collect data and grant money to the deserving people through income support program. I directly issue cards to the deserving people.
Shams: Thanks a lot for your time. Dear listeners, you listened to the discussion which was a sequel. I want to stress that all those people who were asked by madam to write an application to her, must write to her. You should at least make the effort to write an application. It is goodbye for now.
Aired on : April 25, 2015
Pictures
Constituency: NA-327, Women Reserve Seat, Mardan
Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parliamentarian: Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, NA-327, Mardan
Radio Station: Pakhtunkhwa Radio, Mardan
Topic: Issues of NA-327, Mardan
Moderated by: Mr. Shams Momand
Field based research report by: Mr. Afzal Khan Mohmand
Outline:
“Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour) is an initiative undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) to bring Members of Parliament face to face with their voters/ constituents. For this purpose, MNA from Mardan, Ms. Naeema Kishwar was invited to the first show in the series for Mardan. She belongs to Jamiat Ulma Islam Fazal Rehman group and has been elected as MNA from NA-327 on a reserved seat for women. Various local people participated in the show through live calls and highlighted the issues of their concern in their respective areas. Ms. Naeema Kishwar expressed her resolve to work hard for her area and take up the major issues of power, gas, health and electoral reforms. She lamented about the fact that as Supreme Court has put a ban on the allocations of funds to the MNAs in Pakistan, they are facing serious problems to meet the expectations of the people. She stressed the need to make people realize that the primary job of an MP is to do legislation and not developmental works.”
Transcription:
Shams: Dear listeners, your host Shams is here with the program Da Halqe Ganta (Constituency Hour). This program is aired by and an initiative of the CRSS. It is our maiden show in the series and we will try to come to you at least once a month, with your elected representative as a guest; discussing your issues. Today we have Ms. Naeema Kishwar who is an MNA, NA-327 on women reserved seat.
Naeema Kishwar: Thank you very much for inviting me to talk to the constituents.
Shams: Respected listeners, as you know our voters complain that our MPs are not accessible after being elected and their problems are not discussed and solved. So the CRSS undertakes to bring these elected representatives face to face with you on the platform where you can talk to them through the telephone number 00929379230611. You can call us to participate live and ask questions directly. Mardan is the second largest city after Peshawar which is progressing in the field of education. People are politically aware and it is hoped that you will articulate your problems through this channel. This initiative is a part of Young Democrats Academy Program. There are drop box facilities at five different locations in your constituency through which you can communicate your issues to us. First of all I may ask you (Naeema Kishwar) to tell us your priorities as a politician for your constituency?
Naeema Kishwar: Thank you once again. I want to appreciate this effort to bring people in contact with us. We will try to solve their problems. It is good to hear that the compliant box facilities (drop boxes) are established where people can write their complaints and they can also talk to us directly through this radio program. As you asked me about my priorities, then I may say that my constituency has the same problems as in other parts of the country. Major problem is energy crisis where our transformers are overloaded with old transmission lines. Electric wires are worn out and we have to overcome this problem. Secondly I am trying to bring into focus all the major problems relating to our women. As for the health facilities, we are trying to help out deserving people to have medical treatment free of cost. Our province is worst affected by natural calamities and we are trying to help all the affectees. We are also trying to get the rightful royalty for our province. We want to have greater funds for our province.
Shams: Certainly these are major problems of our people. You are a woman and are elected on a women reserve seat. It is said that women rights in Pakistan are repudiated. What do you think that what is the situation in your area and how do you raise this issue in the assembly?
Naeema Kishwar: It is a lamentable fact that we do not grant rights to women as granted in Islam. We are giving a pretext to the western world to criticize us. Islam stresses us to treat them well but we are not doing that as enshrined. We have such practices which are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Now the media and NGOs are also highlighting this issue. That’s good that Malala is awarded a Noble prize but I often stress the tragedy is that only a burnt face is awarded in Pakistan. Malala is given award after being hit by terrorists. Its basic reason is that we are not granting rights to our women according to Islamic teachings. First of all we have to grant them rights as instructed by Islam. We cannot ensure the progress of women unless they have equal rights. First of all, our women need education and health facilities. They need rights of inheritance. We have made sure that they get quota in jobs. We are trying to increase the beneficiaries of the income support program for women. Marvi Memon is the chairperson of this project and we have decided that a working women will get rupees 250 for each child. So if average children in a family are four, a woman will get almost a thousand rupees for her school going children. It will be piloted in a few districts at first.
Shams: It is a good project and it will encourage many women and children. I may ask that whether this amount will be paid to boys or girls?
Naeema Kishwar: It will be paid for both. But attendance of children will be checked in school before paying this amount. This money will be utilized by students to facilitate themselves. This practice was started by MMA government in KP.
Shams: As we mentioned about the drop box facilities you can use to register your problems; so we have complaints from five people about some serious matters which will be included in the show but first I may take the live calls.
Caller: I am Liaqat Ali from Mardan. My shop is in Mardan but my home is at Saro. The path to our house is not concrete and there are drenches and water all along. It is almost three hundred feet in length. We have tried hard but no one has helped us. Our children are facing so many problems due to this problem. We are in great trouble.
Shams: Thank you for calling us. Naeema Kishwar is your MNA and she is going to answer you.
Naeema Kishwar: First of all, I want to thank him for calling. I have observed the area and their problem is genuine. I may say that local bodies’ elections are going to be held and it is their responsibility to solve this problem. I may request them to vote for our party. I am an MNA and my prime job is legislation on national level. If I may get funds, then I will help them.
Shams: You are right that MPs job is to legislate only but unfortunately for past many years, it has become our tradition in the absence of local government that people have such expectations from MPs.
Naeema Kishwar: They are expecting because I had been an MPA earlier and I have done much for them.
Shams: There had been a complaint about two local female teachers in Gujar Garhi High School for Girls who force students to do their domestic works. All those girls who refuse are seriously punished. We may take another live call. Who are you and where are you calling from?
Caller: My name is Sher Hassan from Hoti. We are walking in mud here and we have no gas and other facilities. Our street is also muddy for five years. We are approaching many people but nobody is helping us.
Shams: But we had ANP government for five years and Mardan was made a model city.
Sher Hassan (Caller): We were not helped during that time. Now we need provision of gas and other facilities.
Shams: Thank you for calling. Madam, please answer the question about gas provision and that problem in girls school.
Naeema Kishwar: If the complainer is one whose street is the only place left out of gas facility, then I promise to help them in my own capacity. I will discuss the matter in Islamabad with the concerned authorities. He (complainer) just has to submit an application. People always talk about our funds; that what we do with these funds. Now through your show I want to make it clear that we can’t help people through these funds. Supreme Court has put a ban on our funds. Reason is that there is no local government system in our country and people find it hard to solve their basic problems. MPs cannot access each and every street. In regard to schools, I have established a new high school in my area. I will raise the issue as mentioned by the caller.
Caller: This is Nisar Ahmad from Mohalla Safar Gunj in Mardan Khas. There had been the problem of water supply in our street. I have complained about it to the committee but in vain.
Shams: Madam will answer you well but if you read today’s newspaper, then you will find that there has been an announcement by the government about this issue. You should complain there.
Nisar (Caller): Taps are already there with pipes but there is zilch water supply in them.
Shams: What could be the reason madam?
Naeema Kishwar: Department is responsible but I will stress that local government is very much needed in such cases. If there is no water and power then it is a great problem. I will take up this problem with the authorities and will try to solve this problem.
Shams: It is time to listen to a report by the CRSS reporter, Afzal Kahn Momand about the constituency we are talking about.
Field Based Research Report:
Young Democratic Academy is a program which endeavors to motivate people to approach and ask their elected MPs to seek solutions to the issues raised. A few days back, people in Gujar Garhi asked a few questions from Naeema Kishwar who is an elected MNA on reserved seat from Mardan.
Abu Bakr, a blacksmith said that many people are associated with this profession as him and power failure is causing them problems. He lamented, “Our production is good but now we are unable to produce much due to load shedding. Cost is also very high. We are faced with problems”.
“There is no industry which is not paying the bills but we request the government to have a new commercial line for our industry”. He added besides saying that load shedding should be decreased to help them.
People also complained that drains are filled with dirt and filth. Kabeer Hussain, a constituent says, “There is dirt and filth in drains and no one knows the solution. We have broken the pipes to clean our streets. People are facing serious problems due to this blockage. We request its cleanliness.”
Dr. Zia ud Din says that health facilities are lacking in the area. “In Basic Health Units (BHUs), there are some tests which are done here like hepatitis B surface (HBS) and some other common tests but many more are not facilitated here. Staff is enough in each health unit with regular doctors, Female Medical Technicians (FMTs) and Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) staff.” Said Dr. Zia ud Din while adding that most of the people come for treatment here but medicine is not provided to them.
“It is a village and treatment is mostly done in BHU. Our main issue is about the provision of medicines. Moreover, medicine is not according to the dose. People receive less dose of medicine than the recommended dosage. Another issue is the behaviour of staff with the patients.” He added.
Shams: Dear listeners, welcome back after the report. It was told in the report that BHUs have not enough laboratory tests with paucity of medicines. But first we will take a live call. I am sorry to say that we could not be connected because our callers make the mistake of not lessening the volume of their radio sets while making a call.
Naeema Kishwar: As the hospital is a small one which I raised to the status of BHU while I was an MPA. There was the problem of land allocation for the expansion and the funds were reverted.
Shams: You said that it is a small hospital and all the facilities were not possible?
Naeema Kishwar: It has no capacity to undertake all the tests. And also the complaint about business of blacksmiths was right. Now we have established a separate transmission line for them.
Shams: There is another live call. I am sorry to say that still we are unable to take calls. You talked about the report where the blacksmiths said that they have the problem of load shedding. One person said that there is load shedding in both the transmission lines.
Naeema Kishwar: I am happy to learn that so many people are listening to this programme. Now there is a practice of telecasting live proceedings in the National Assembly. Abid Sher Ali told us that there is theft in my area. I assured him to support him fully in all his endeavors to curb theft of energy.
Shams: Again there is another caller. I am sorry once again that there is no connection and there might be some technical problems. I may talk about the issues mentioned in the drop box complaints. One problem mentioned is that all the meter readings from PESCO are correct. They put many extra units and one person complained that a masjid was alleged of power theft.
Naeema Kishwar: That is the reason we transferred AC Mardan after several complaints. I have voiced this issue in the National Assembly and stressed that WAPDA employees are mainly responsible for power theft.
Caller: This is Iqrar from Irum Colony in Mardan. During the last era of ANP, three streets were left without supply of natural gas. We have made efforts and have approached many people but still we could not solve this issue. Another problem is that developmental works done during the previous government were not up the standard and roads and buildings are damaged now.
Naeema Kishwar: If they could provide me the required documents then I will try to help them. I am sorry to learn that still there is wide spread corruption. PTI claims high about the issue of corruption.
Shams: We all have to make efforts to end corruption. There is another caller. You belong to Jamiat Ulma Islam and it is said that your leader has good cordial relations with the Authorities in WAPDA. Have you talked about this issue with him?
Naeema Kishwar: That person has been transferred who was said to be in good relations with our Moulana. The new chief is a good person and we had a meeting with him last Thursday. He has exhibited good understanding of our problems. Transformers are not stolen by the masses but WAPDA officials themselves who are involved in all sort of power theft and corruption. I told the same to Abid Sher Ali in the national assembly. We have to contain the black sheep in WAPDA and then we have to control masses.
Shams: You are in alliance with the ruling party. Most of the complaints in the drop boxes were about the federal departments. Madam if you could please tell us about your achievements during the last two years?
Naeema Kishwar: We have done nothing during the last two years because funds are not allocated to us. MNAs in KP have received funds from the provincial government though. Federal ministers are really cooperating and we are fully supported. The most important work that we are doing is the electoral reforms. I am a member of this reform committee. We have proposed two hundred reforms and almost hundred out of them are accepted. We are working on how to make election free and fair and address accountability issues. The most important aspect is that we asked them if a person gets a National Identity Card (NIC) then he will be entitled for vote automatically. Similarly there is a major issue of blocked ID cards in our province. We have asked them to clear it all soon. I have also told them that there should be a female member in the staff about these blocked cards. Action has been taken about it. Many females in our society do not approach male members in the staff.
Shams: Takht Bai is a famous place in Mardan. An overhead bridge is under construction there and is not completed for last two years because the contractor is an MNA from the ruling party. Have you taken any steps about it?
Naeema Kishwar: All the MNAs from Mardan and Swat have taken interest in it. Our security forces also use that road. Now it has been decided that our standing committee will visit that spot and will submit its recommendations. It is a serious problem for all of us. This issue will be solved soon. We all have expressed serious concerns about it and we have requested the government to take it seriously. Similarly ruins of Takht Bai are also discussed because it is a national asset.
Shams: Tourism is very important for Swat which uses this road.
Naeema Kishwar: There is no railroad and this road is very important.
Shams: You have said it time and again that MPs are supposed to do legislation only but how will you make people to understand it?
Naeema Kishwar: I think that people are not so insensible. When I was an MPA, people used to demand all those things which were related to the province but now people are approaching me for national matters. I stress once again that local governments will solve many of their problems. People are aware now and know well what our responsibility is.
Shams: There is another issue which is not related to your constituency but still I may ask you about Pak China corridor which is a serious issue these days. All other parties have expressed serious concerns about it. Moulana has been taken into confidence and is silent about it while his own area is at stake.
Naeema Kishwar: When this matter was discussed during the last budget then Moulana approached Ishaq Dar and presented his reservations. But Captain Safdar and Ishaq Dar took five hours to convince Moulana about the proposed route. Moulana also had a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador and he was satisfied. Last month Moulana had a press conference with federal ministers and we are fully satisfied that the old route has not been altered. If route is changed, then we will protest against it.
Shams: Actually the matter is that the route you said is in the second phase and first phase has been changed.
Naeema Kishwar: No, it is in the first phase and not in the second phase.
Shams: Callers have expressed their views. Mr. Arif has told us that he has been fired from his job from the mineral department. Shams tabrez called us and said that the street in front of the press club is without gas. Niaz Gul from Manga called and said that they had allotted land for school where his father was a watchman but now he has retired and new appointment has not been made. Another caller was Ibrahim who said that government has announced that salary would not be less than 12 thousand but still they are receiving ten thousand in sugar mil Mardan. If you could please respond to them
Naeema Kishwar: I will raise the salary issue in the national assembly. Another brother called about gas supply and I will look into it. I don’t know when one of our callers was fired. Another person asked about appointment in his father’s place and I may advise him to consult the provincial government.
Shams: I may tell my listeners that we will be talking to Naeema Kishwar at the end of each month, so please come up with and report your problems. My last question is that during the next three years, what are your targets for your area?
Naeema Kishwar: I will try to find a solution to all the major issues like power and gas in the coming three years. Election reforms are also my target.
Shams: Thank you so much for giving us your precious time.
Naeema Kishwar: I also want to thank you for inviting me to talk to my people. I hope next time our programme will be more fruitful and telephone line will be fine.
Shams: I hope so. It is an effort by the CRSS to bring your MPs face to face with you. We expect that the constituents will exhibit greater awareness to articulate their issues. We hope you will realize our main purpose. It is good bye for now.