Right to Education for Orphans The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the right to education for orphans and state’s responsibility regarding it. The show was hosted by a transgender, encouraging inclusion and equal citizenry for all genders. The guest on the show, Mr. Imran Takar, a children's rights activist said that orphans living in Pakistan are often deprived of their basic rights to education, health and dignity leading to many social and economic problems which in turn makes them vulnerable to numerous crimes. Moreover, orphans are often denied from the right to inheritance when their one or both parents die. This adds to their many troubles and miseries. The provision of equal opportunities to orphans and street children is the collective responsibility of the society and government and to ensure facilities and resources to relieve this marginalized and vulnerable segment. The second guest on the show, Mr. Usman Marwat, a social activist shared that his organization was working to support orphans. However, in order to protect the rights of orphans and other poor children of the society more legislation and implementation is needed. There are some welfare organizations striving to support the orphaned, but the government should also set up orphanages and provide with the resources of education, boarding and other facilities so that these children may enjoy their rights without any discrimination and deprivation. This will enable these children to become productive and valued citizens of the society. The first report by Mr. Shakir Mehsud highlighted the social issues faced by the orphans. The respondents added that in the constitution there is no particular mention about orphans. Article 14 and 25 of the constitution discuss the rights of individuals and what should be the state responsibilities in this regard, but no specific mention of orphans and disabled has been noted. This is the call of the day to do legislation for the...

Say No to Plastic Campaign   The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) discussed the recent campaign of 'Say No to Plastic Bags' in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The guest on the show, Ms. Sara Rehman, Assistant Commissioner, Peshawar stated that the provincial government of KP has put a ban on the use of plastic bags to ensure a clean and safe environment as the excessive use of plastic bags is proving to be a menace for our society. District Administration has adopted a gradual but steady policy to discourage the use of plastic bags and replacing them with biodegradable and cloth bags. Responding to a question regarding the industry and human sources involved in the production of  plastic bags she explained that all the stakeholders are on board and we have assured them that government will not immediately shut down this industry. However, they have been asked to change their technology and adopt more environmental friendly methods. The alternative is biodegradable bags which are not made of polythene chemical. They have the option of producing biodegradable and cloth bags. The second guest on the show, Mr. Lehaz Ali, a journalist said that according to news reports an increase of 15% has been noted with each passing year in the use of plastic bags. There are 160,000 people directly associated with this industry and 600,000 indirectly involved. Public awareness is crucial to discourage this trend along with clear legislation and implementation. A field-based report by Mr. Tahir Rasheed shared the facts and figures regarding the excessive use of plastic bags and the need for immediate substitutes. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs...

Mental Health and its Challenges The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the right to better health facilities in the context of mental health and the challenges faced by the general public. The guest on the show, Dr. Ahmad Zaib said that provisions for better mental health facilities should be the government’s top priority. Research says that a large population of Pakistan is battling depression and other mental illnesses mainly due to poverty, unemployment, domestic problems, social injustices, violence and sense of insecurity. He stressed that this segment needs special attention of the society and government. However, neither mental health services are up to par nor enough psychiatrists are available in the country. He noted that mental health is a major problem nowadays and in order to protect children from becoming victims of depression it is necessary to spread awareness at schools as mentally distressed people are the most neglected segment of the society and even their family members often ignore them. Dr. Ahmad shared that unfortunately females are the main victims of mental diseases as they have very fewer opportunities to express themselves. He said that we lack active listening and many mental issues can be sorted out just by listening and expressing ourselves. Ms. Humaira Mahwish added that it’s the negative attitude on part of the adults that females hardly get the opportunity to express themselves. Moreover, freedom of expression once suppressed, leads to physical symptoms of sickness. The first report by Mr. Anwar Anjum from Swat shared the findings of a survey conducted in 2018 that over 50 million people suffer from mental disorders in the country out of which 57% are women and 25% are men. In our society, psychological disorders are not considered an illness, thus patients are deprived of treatment that can lead to many health complications. The second report by Ms. Ceena Naeem identified poverty, unemployment, social injustices,...

Right to Health, HIV, Aids, Hepatitis C causes and prevention The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the right to health and particularly HIV, Aids and Hepatitis C. The show discussed different preventive measures with reference to these diseases. As per media reports in the year 2018 150,000 cases were reported all across.   The guest on the show, Mr. Tariq Mehmood, a representative of Dost foundation noted that as far as the attitude towards analyzing the problem is concerned to heal this concerned, people are not bothered about their health. He added that general masses have to be care full with self-medication, poor health facilities, lack of awareness particularly the syringes used, blood transfusion and the shaving blades are the leading causes for the mentioned diseases. He said that HIV isn't gender specific and both male and female are vulnerable to the disease and the major precaution is to restrict oneself to the actual partner. While talking about Hepatitis C he said that the virus takes at least ten years to get identified. The symptoms aren’t visible and it is a silent killer. He suggested that regular medical checkups are important whatever the circumstances may be. The second guest, Dr. Ismail said that Hepatitis C can be cured if diagnosed timely with proper health facilities. A field-based report by Mr. Anwar Anjum from Swat, highlighted the causes and precautions for Aids. According to the respondents 350 patients are currently registered officially. A second report by Mr. Rehan shed light on Hepatitis C its symptoms and Remedies A total of four calls were received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications program, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs...