Everyone is equally accountable before and subject to law regardless of socio-political or economic backgrounds. Merely believing in the notion of rule of law is not enough. Being welcoming to the indiscriminate application of law is equally important.
These views were expressed by the senior KP police official, Mr. Abbas Majeed Khan Marwat, currently posted as Chief Traffic Officer, Peshawar, during the 32nd round of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops, held online by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
Mr. Marwat said that despite all the public grievances against police, it is still one of the most accountable institutions of Pakistan manifest in the departmental actions against and punishments to the police officials in response to public complaints.
The role of Dispute Resolution Councils (DRC) – as an alternative dispute resolution and grievance redressal mechanism- has been monumental in addressing the public grievances and ultimately lowering the burden on the judicial system.
Advocate Ali Gohar, said that the critical thinking is about making judgments and decisions based on facts. Only by analyzing these facts, can we draw logical inferences and reach meaningful decisions. While it is important for every member of the society, the art of critical thinking is especially important for students as future leaders. They can develop and further hone this skill by interacting with other students from diverse backgrounds. Only by openness and thinking outside the box, can we generate new knowledge and the best we can do for our future leaders is to develop this potential among them. Great ideas can come from anyone, but we should be listening. Openness only means willing to be open and listening to new/ different ideas.
Critical thinking also demands to think beyond ourselves and our personal interests. This is how we can also cultivate a socially inclusive society and is especially important during the times of crises, where citizens need to cooperate with each other, and have shared goals of developed, prosperity to conquer any crisis.
Dr. Amir Raza from University of Peshawar, said that democracy is that form of governance where in the formation and functioning of government, the central role is of public, and it revolves around their wishes and interests. The concept of governance is public participation; exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to run the affairs of the country. The good governance is optimal utilization of available resources to meet the national targets and interests.
The idea of accountability within the system of democracy and governance is that the people are held accountable for their actions as the actions have consequences. It is pertinent to note that the foundation of every good democracy and governance is accountability, transparency and inclusion. The citizens as part of these systems are entitled to certain rights while also perform responsibilities as part of their social contract. They have the right to hold their representatives accountable, and constitutional powers and resources to deal with faulty governance.
Passive citizenry is never conducive to accountable, inclusive, and participatory democracy and governance. Citizens should never think of themselves as spectators amidst the issues of national and local concern.
Ms. Shagufta Khalique, educationist, said that key to social peace and harmony is mutual respect and understanding, and respect for differences. Social cohesion only strengthens through acceptance, equality and rule of law. Acceptance of diversity is a precondition for peaceful coexistence. Communication and empathy is critical to conflict resolution and youth as future leaders must equip themselves with these skills.
Shams Momand, Project Manager, CRSS, stressed that youth must comply with the core constitutional values of respect, equality, tolerance and rule of law to foster social cohesion in the society.
Mr. Malik Mustafa, Team Leader, Ulasi Taroon CRSS said that social cohesion needs social environments highly conducive to citizens participation in the decision making processes with no room for discrimination.