Sana Jamal
Islamabad - As Pakistan prepares for momentous general elections, with
extended media hype, there are high hopes for the young voter turnout in
upcoming elections that will witness country’s first transfer of power between
civilian governments. At this decisive time, a unique learning and advocacy
campaign on democracy, constitution and general elections has been launched by
a local NGO here on Monday. Citizens Wire is an online information portal for public and media that offers
explanatory information about the constitution, election laws, party
manifestos, and constitutional reports.
Launched by Centre for Civic Education
Pakistan, Citizens Wire aims to create a body of knowledge and information on
issues related to the Constitution, laws, elections, democracy and best
practices in governance.
Zafarullah Khan, Editor of the Citizens Wire, vows to make modest contribution
to strength the democracy. “Realizing that access to accurate and timely
information is essential to the health of democracy and to facilitate the
citizens to make informed electoral choices besides keeping a check on the
functioning of their elected representatives and the government” he said,
speaking at the launching ceremony of information portal.
Hafiz Tahir Khalil, a senior journalist, noted that in highly charged
political atmosphere, media was ignoring key issues. He suggested that pre-
election reporting should focus on issues of health, education and
infrastructure in different constituencies rather political issues.
Adnan Rehmat of Internews observed there was a big gap to deal with
constitutional issues in a manner to be understood by the common readers.
“Article 19(a) of the Constitution guarantees right of access to information
and the initiatives like Citizens Wire can help realize that constitutional
provision,' he said.
Agha Nasir, veteran journalist, shared his experience of covering 1970
elections while appreciating the launch of an innovative web portal for
citizens. Azhar Malik of the United Nations recommended that social issues
must also be discussed on Citizens Wire in the backdrop of promises and
pledges by different political parties.
Citizens Wire that can be accessed at www.citizenswire.com is aimed at raising
the awareness level of the electorates so that they can exercise the power of
their vote in choosing the best available candidates. The launching ceremony
of the web portal was attended by eminent journalists, experts and social
activists who hailed the initiative terming it a timely and beneficial act
ahead of the general elections.
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