Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Politicians of conflicting ideologies reach a consensus to resolve the issues of Federalism

Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Politicians of conflicting ideologies reach a consensus to resolve the issues of Federalism [Druckversion]

Politicians of conflicting ideologies reach a consensus to resolve the issues of Federalism

The statement appears too good to be true. But under the umbrella of FreedomGate Pakistan the Pakistani politicians from liberal, democratic and nationalist political parties and factions sat for three days around a table to listen to each other’s viewpoint. The sessions observed hot debates, argumentation, persistence to hold one’s ground and finally resoluteness to formulate some workable formula that could be acceptable to all the provinces and factions existing in the troubled areas.

The basis of discussion remained the Speech of Jinnah, framing the issue of Federalism; he delivered while addressing the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. While disagreeing with each other on the nitty-gritty, there seemed to be an amazing consensus on the fundamentals and distortion of the facts regarding the provincial autonomy by the malaise intrigues at the time of adoption of 1935 Act as the first interim constitution of Pakistan.

The veteran politicians from PPPP, ANP, MQM, PML (N), PML (Q) and BNP presented their point of view during the discussions and during the final session gave recommendations to solve the economic, financial, fiscal problems through NFC; dissected the issues of resources and autonomy to find some long lasting solutions strengthening the Federal structure and keeping the gyre of the system intact.

The Seminar on “Federalism and Decentralization” was organized from 16-18 July in Bhurban with the support of Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF) moderated by Mr. Jami Chandio, the political thinker and an expert on Federalism issues. During the seminar the worthy participants were also introduced to the Federal System of Germany by Ms. Birgit Lamm, Director of International Academy of Leadership and to the Canadian model of Federalism by the Expert from NDI, Mr. Gerry Scott.

The comprehensive documentation of the seminar would be published in the form of a code book to be presented to the parliamentary committees, media experts and academia later this month. FreedomGate Pakistan intends to keep a follow up of the topic through debates and seminars in its 2008-2009 planning.