JAC -NWFP

JAC--NWFP is a civil society forum for promoting dialogue on issues that have serious implications for the people of Pakistan.  Its main purpose is to ensure that the civil society’s views on critical National issues are articulated and a consensus is evolved.

The membership include a wide range of civil society representatives including Professors, NGOs, CBOs, Lawyers, Journalists, Trade Unionists, Medical professionals and other civil society activists.

The forum does not have a traditional structure or operational mechanism, any member can raise or introduce an issue for dialogue and if majority of the members agree it is taken up by the forum.  The forum does not accept funding from external donors instead all expenses are shared by the core members. 

JAC has organised a number of dialogues and discussions since its inception in 2000. 
Some of the key activities include:

"« Public Dialogues on the Shariat act and draft Hasba Bill. "« Dialogues with Ulemas and religious groups to understand their perception on NGOs activities; take on board their views on how to address the prevailing situation between the religious extremists and the NGOs and get their support in arresting the negative wave against NGOs and CBOs in the Province; "« Forums on Provincial Autonomy to create broader understanding and evolve a consensus on the issues among the civil society groups; "« Raised the issue of suspension of Societies Act in the Province and held a very fruitful meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary; "« Assessed the vilification campaign against NGO¡¦s working on women¡¦s issues and communicated findings to the Government as well as discussed the issues with the Ulemas; "« Peace Seminar and Walk on American aggression on Iraq; "« Panel Discussion on the Legal Framework Order; "« Organised a seminar on over Centralisation of Power and its implications for the public; "« Held an assessment of the Provincial and National Budgets and how it affects the people; "« Organised a Civil Society convention to take stock of the challenges faced by the NGOs working in the Province; "« Facilitated a discussion on the Ban on Jihadi Groups in the Country. The concerns and recommendations articulated in the dialogues are shared with the relevant Civil Society Groups, Government departments as well as with the public at large through reports and the print media.

Bushra Gohar

Member, JAC-NWFP