The Ministry of National Harmony (MNH) has recommended a clamping of the system for checks on the role and scope of Non-Government Organization (NGOs) working on the subject of human issues across the country.
“We have taken an initiative to recommend concerned quarters to introduce an effective arrangement to monitor the working and scope of NGOs in the country,” said the Minister In-charge for MNH Dr. Paul Bhatti, on Sunday.
Bhatti expressing his concern over the ongoing “unchecked” activities of NGOs said that though their role for improvement in various spheres of life is vital, in some areas their performance needs to be checked to improve their coordination with MNH.
These recommendations have been made on the basis of past experiences in various sectors where misreporting of facts, especially regarding violence against minorities, by certain NGOs has tarnished national reputation in the international community.
In the meantime, he said that the MNH has been making efforts to attract international investors especially for the promotion of cottage industry.
He said, “Investors are fascinated about introducing incentives that will help boost exports of our domestic products sold directly to the international market.”
The impetus to invest in cottage industry would not only help earn foreign exchange for the country, but also provide opportunities for employment.
He said that the country’s handicraft sector has still remained untapped, but if provided a proper platform would help strengthen the national economy and help improve economic conditions for the common man.
Terming poverty and pathetic economic conditions as the root of extremism, Bhatti said that challenges in the sector have grown to alarming proportions.
He said that the National Minorities Day falling on Aug 11, will be observed with the philosophy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the promotion of tolerance, co-existence, forbearance and moderation amongst various social sectors as the main theme based.
“We will highlight the role of minorities in the development of our homeland in light of Quaid-e-Azam’s ideals, defined in the national flag with the white crescent and star for minorities.”
He said that a number of programmes would be organized to mark the occasion in a vibrant manner. The recently held National Discourse on the holding of elections for minority seats, he said, suggested that the dual electoral system for non-Muslims should be invoked. He said that the existing system is more of a selection than an election of a candidate against a minority seat.
The moot was largely attended by the elite representing various minorities, including Justice (Retd) Bhagwan Das and elected representatives from all the political parties of the country. Senators, MNAs and MPAs from Gilgit Baltistan and AJK also attended the event and expressed their views regarding various issues troubling the nation. They deemed it necessary to ponder ways for the promotion of national harmony, through tolerance and moderation.