Rule of Law

Establishment of Rule of Law is one of the main challenges confronted by Pakistan. Recognizing this, CPDI is engaged in research, watchdog and advocacy work to promote rule of law and, thereby, create conducive conditions for social harmony, investors’ protection, guaranteed human rights and democratic development. Focus areas under this program include:

  • Supremacy of constitution
  • Police reforms
  • Access to justice
  • Promotion of merit and fair and non-discriminatory practices in governance
  • Promoting public debates on issues related to rule of law.
Projects Under Rule of Law

Civil Society and Police Reform in South Asia-(Completed)

TitleDetails
Project TitleCivil Society and Police Reform in South Asia
Project Duration Three Years (Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2015)
Project Objectives1. Contributing to enable civil society in South asia to play a greater role in the promotion of human rights and accountability in policing;
2. Build in-country knowledge of civil society in order to monitor reform initiatives and engage with policy makers and governments on police reforms;
3. Enhance public awareness of citizens’ rights vis-à-vis state authorities;
4. Build capacity of existing in-country external oversight mechanisms in order to strengthen police accountability;
5. Strengthen the regional network of CSOs, catalyse a regional debate and exchange of best practices on police reforms and orient it in accord with international human rights standards.
Geographic FocusNational
StatusCurrent
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolice and Citizens
DescriptionCentre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is implementing a project on “Civil Society and Police Reform in South Asia”, lead by FNF and Funded by European Union (EU). The project focuses on police accountability and is being implemented in India, Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The project includes comprehensive research activities, multimedia campaigns on citizens’ rights, capacity building of CSOs and multistakeholder forums for discussion and dialogue. The project aims to generate an informed debate on democratic policing through a comprehensive research base, increase public awareness on citizens’ rights, having more informed police reform advocates in the region and constructing a vibrant regional network through multi-stakeholder forums for discussion and dialogue.

TitleDescription
TItleProject Title: Citizens’ Oversight of Federalism in Context of 18th Amendment

Supported by: USAID
Duration:October 2013 to November 2014 (14 Months)
Project ObjectivesThis project has been conceived and designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. To carry out action-oriented and policy relevant research, which is based on sound understanding of implementation related challenges and which provides practical ideas for progress in terms of people-oriented and more efficient implementation.

2. To improve public awareness about the salient features of 18th amendment, any implementation gaps, and how it should be implemented in relation to the selected sectors for the benefit of public and to ensure maximum public participation, transparency and public accountability.

3. To oversee the progress in terms of implementation of 18th amendment and highlight the progress as well as gaps with the aim of drawing the attention of relevant authorities.

4. To build capacity of journalists and civil society activists in terms of effective reporting or oversight of as well as engagement with authorities about the issues related to 18th amendment.

5. To promote use of available accountability mechanisms for the purpose of ensuring that pace of implementation improves in manner that is consistent with best practices and ensures public participation in all its phases.
Geographic Focus: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
Target Groups:Media/CSOs/Political Parties
DescriptionThe 18th constitutional amendment has significantly changed the nature of relationship between the Federal government and the provinces in Pakistan. It included 102 amendments, whereby various provisions of the 1973 constitution were amended, substituted, added to, or deleted. It has transferred a large number of powers, responsibilities and institutions to the provinces, and hence has empowered them to be able to efficiently respond to public needs, demands and aspirations at the provincial levels without needing approvals or concurrence from the Federal government. The reforms through the 18th amendment were widely agreed by political parties and appreciated by civil society, especially in the smaller provinces of the country.
The 18th amendment is, nevertheless, consistent with the long-standing demands of nationalist political parties, as well as those who believed that a strong Federation would be possible only through stronger federating units. It is also in line with the best practices in
relation to governance, which revolve around the principles like devolution, decentralization, subsidiarity, transparency and accountability. It is because the people can have more effective and stronger say when authority, power or responsibility is vested in institutions that are located closer to them.In Pakistan, however, the biggest challenges usually relate to implementation of laws,
policies or constitutional provisions. The implementation capacities are generally weak, whereas vested interests or players with interests in status quo also seek to obstruct or delay implementation of specific reforms. In relation to the 18th amendment, it is generally believed that bureaucracy at the Federal level is not willing to loose control and, therefore, has been offering resistance, which has slowed down the implementation process. Certain segments of political class also find it difficult to adjust with the new reality marked by a leaner Federal government and stronger provinces. On the other hand, provincial governments do not have the requisite technical capacities to quickly absorb the new powers, responsibilities and institutions within the existing scope of provincial jurisdiction. In this regard, they face numerous challenges including the following:
Laws, rules and procedures: As a result of changes in the constitutional framework, the provinces need to adopt the hitherto Federal laws, as per the needs of the respective province, or amend existing provincial laws to make them compatible with the scope of newly assigned responsibilities, or enact new laws, as required. Similarly, various rules and procedures also need to be improved and updated.Administrative measures and oversight mechanisms: The provincial governments need to take appropriate administrative measures to manage the departments, institutions, assets and human resources, which have been or are to be shifted to them, as well as to ensure the existence of appropriate oversight mechanisms. In certain cases, there will be a need to establish new wings or even departments to manage various responsibilities.Policy framework: In several instances, the provincial governments need to either come up with policies or adjust existing policies with the post 18th amendment situation. Relevant examples may include education policy and health policy, which used to be Federal in scope but now each province will need to have one exclusively of its own.Financial measures: While new powers, responsibilities and institutions are transferred to the provinces, there exist a range of questions about how the relevant financial requirements will be met. There exist controversies as well as confusions, which need to be clarified, besides ensuring that provinces are able to receive or raise required resources.Most importantly, as of now, the role of civil society in the context of implementation of 18th amendment is conspicuous by its absence. It is due to multiple reasons such as limited interest and capacities within the civil society as well as technical nature of interventions and engagement with the relevant authorities. Yes, it is imperative that civil society organizations come forward and play their role in terms of creating public awareness, developing or organizing the pro-reform constituency, undertaking effective oversight of the implementation process, engaging with authorities to highlight gaps or give public input, and hold the authorities accountable in case of any lapses, problems or inefficiencies.In view of the above, this project will be implemented in the province of KPK with a focus on education, health, food and agriculture. Most of the research, government oversight, and policy advocacy will be with the focus on provincial government or, though minimally, with the federal government. Besides, the project will undertake public awareness and consultation meetings or events in three main districts, which are Peshawar, Abbottabad and Mardan. CPDI has strong presence, connections as well as experience of working in these districts.

TitleDetails
Project TitlePromoting Transparent and Accountable Public Procurement Regime in Pakistan
Supported byAffiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA SAR)
Duration1 year, November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012
Project Objectives1. Strengthening accountability mechanisms through the use RTI and procurement legal regime
2. Informed policy discourse on transparent and accountable practices public procurement
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolitical parties, elected representatives, public officials, journalists, civil society organizations, procurement authorities
DescriptionThis project raised awareness about procurement processes in public bodies and lacunas in this regard were highlighted by conducting and disseminating research studies taking into loop procurement processes adopted by public bodies.

TitleDetails
Project TitleSupporting Transparency, Accountability and Electoral Process in Pakistan
Duration February , 2011 to September, 2013
Objectives1. Governance Monitoring to ensure quality of services provided to the general public
2. Formation of Constituency Relation Groups to foster local level accountabilities with the objective of enhancing the responsiveness of elected representatives and public officials.
3. Increase public awareness about political and electoral violence and get support for its prevention and reduction.
4. Election Observation of all By- Elections and General Election 2013 to make the process more transparent and inclusive
5. CNIC and Voter registration to increasing citizens’ participation in democratic process
6. Parliamentary Watch to bring the performance of ER to limelight.
Geographic FocusNA51, NA54, NA55, NA56(Rawalpindi), NA63(Jhelum), NA66, NA67, NA68 (Sargodha), NA70 (Khushab), NA87, NA89 (Jhang), NA93 (Toba Tek Singh)
Target Groups and beneficiariesConstituents of all above mention 12 constituencies
PublicationsRequirement for an Access to Information Law in Punjab
DescriptionThe main aim of STAEP is to ensure more effective, transparent and accountable governance by increasing citizen's participation in ensuring transparency and accountability of elected and public institutions. Further program is to ensure democratic processes in Pakistan are more open, inclusive, efficient and accountable to citizens through multiple interventions; Improving the responsiveness of elected representatives to their constituents; Enhancing electoral reforms and citizen participation in democratic processes; Improving civic education on democratic rights and responsibilities etc.

TitleDetails
Project TitleVoter Education Project
DurationSep 2012 to May 2013
Objectives1. Mapping of 0% women turnout polling areas and ascertaining the reasons of low turnout in General Election 2008.

2. Mobilization campaign in targeted areas to raise women turnout up to 10 % in general election 2013.
Geographic FocusNA-64, NA-65 ( Sargodha) , NA-68 (Jhang cum Chiniot)
Target Groups and beneficiariesWomen Voters, Political Parties, Political Workers, Candidates and Community.

TitleDetails
Project TitleActive Citizenship Program
(ACP)
Duration October , 2011 to June 2012
Objectives1. To motivate the youth to work for their community and inculcate the importance of active citizenship in them.
2. To Build the capacity of youth and prepare them for Social Action Projects.
3. It aims to contribute to positive social change locally and globally by establishing an enduring international network of young leaders who act together to address grass-root initiatives around the world.
4. It also encourages these young leaders to play a bigger role in their local communities by engaging thought influencers through dialogue, and through civic engagement with community-based organizations.
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesYouth

TitleDetails
Project TitleDemocratic Governance Program
DurationJuly 2009 to January 2011
Objectives1. Governance Monitoring to ensure quality of services provided to the general public
2. Formation of Constituency Relation Groups to foster local level accountabilities with the objective of enhancing the responsiveness of elected representatives and public officials.
3. Increase public awareness about political and electoral violence and get support for its prevention and reduction.
4. Election Observation of all By- Elections and General Election 2013 to make the process more transparent and inclusive
5. CNIC and Voter registration to increasing citizens’ participation in democratic process
Geographic FocusNA51, NA54, NA56(Rawalpindi), NA63(Jhelum), NA67, NA68 (Sargodha), NA70 (Khushab), NA87, NA89 (Jhang), NA93 (Toba Tek Singh)
Target Groups and beneficiariesConstituents of all above mention 10 constituencies
DescriptionDemocratic Governance Program aims to increase accountabilities in public departments and make them responsive through public accountabilities. The primary objective is to encourage active citizenry to hold elected representatives accountable and answerable to their constituents. Program also ensures more open, inclusive and efficient democratic process.

TitleDetails
Project TitleConstituency Relation Project
DurationAugust to November 2008
Objectives1. Formation of Constituency Relations Group (CRG) comprising 25 citizens to bridge gap between elected representatives and the constituents.
2. Active citizenship to ensure that elected representatives are responsive, and meeting their words as they have promised.
3. Identification of governance issue through FGDs to raise demand for its solutions from the platform of CRG.
Geographic FocusNA51, NA54 (Rawalpindi), NA65,66 (Sargodha), NA69,70 (Khushab), NA63 (Jhelum), NA89(Jhang), NA93, NA94 (Toba Tek Singh)
Target Groups and beneficiariesConstituents and elected representatives of all above mention constituencies
DecriptionConstituency Relations Project will encourage active citizenship and empower the constituents to make their elected representatives accountable. Constituency Relations Groups formed in each constituency will identify local issues of governance and will raise public demands and will hold constituency forums, interface meetings with elected representatives, organize seminars and other advocacy activities to get the public demands met. CRGs will also work as a bridge between the electors and the elected.