Good Governance

2011-06-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

UNITED NATIONS RECOGNISES GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM

Good Governance Forum, registered as a civil society organization/non-governmental organization with the Dept of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations received invitation from DESA to nominate 3 participants/speakers from the Good Governance Forum for attending the interactive MDA Summit at General Assembly in New York from 14-15 June 2010.

UPCOMING PROJECTS OF THE GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM

GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM PLANS TO SET UP AWAMI RABITA COMMITTEES (PUBLIC COORDINATION COMMITTEES) IN ALL DISTRICTS OF PAKISTAN TO HELP SOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS OF THE RESIDENTS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. Details can be viewed at http://awamirabitacommittees.blogspot.com/

GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM PLANS TO SET UP GOOD GOVERNANCE COUNCIL TO WORK AS AN UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION OF THE NGOs OPERATING IN PAKISTAN TO HELP THEM IN THEIR OPERATIONS VIS-A-VIS THE FEDERAL AND THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS AND OTHER RELEVANT BODIES. Details can be viewed at http://goodgovernancecouncil.blogspot.com/

2011-06-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

HOW TO BECOME PART OF THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE IN PAKISTAN

Good Governance Forum categorizes its supporters into Patrons, Advisers and Contributors. These are defined as under:

Patrons: Citizens who donate Rs 50,000 and above in a year.

Advisers: Citizens who provide their professional expertise on specific subjects without charge to the forum.

Contributors: Citizens who donate Rs 5,000 and above but less than Rs 50,000 in a year.

Patrons and Advisers can carry their titles on their visiting cards and represent the forum on specific platforms in and out of Pakistan with prior approval of the Chairman of the Good Governance Forum.

Patrons and Advisers can avail the resources of the Good Governance Forum for pleading any issue at any public forum or at the level of the federal or any of the provincial governments relating to themselves, their organizations or general public.

Contributors can avail the Forum's data bank on specific issues for their writings or participation in the issue-related public debates.

Good Governance Forum plans to nominate ladies and gentlemen from amongst its Patrons, Advisers and Contributors to work with major political parties, NGOs and government departments to help improve governance in the country.

Good Governance Forum comprises 3000+ members from almost all walks of life including the business community, civil services, diplomats, educationists, military, news agencies, NGOs, politicians, print and electronic media, professionals.

Good Governance Forum is registered as a civil society organization with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations.

How to Make a Donation!

Citizens living in Pakistan can make a direct deposit into our bank account in Standard Chartered Bank in any of bank's branches in Pakistan for online transfer to our account as follows:

Standard Chartered Bank
M. M. Alam Road Branch
Gulberg III, Lahore, Pakistan
Account Title: Good Governance Forum
Account Type: Current
Account No. 01144245001

Citizens living outside Pakistan can make a donation via Western Union, Money Gram or Bank Transfer. OR ask their friends in Pakistan to make a direct deposit into our bank account in any branch of the Standard Chartered Bank in their city for online transfer to our account.

For further queries, please email good.governance@gmail.com

Upcoming Projects

Good Governance Forum's upcoming projects can be viewed at http://awamirabitacommittees.blogspot.com and http://goodgovernancecouncil.blogspot.com

Website:
http://www.goodgovernanceforum.com

Good Governance Forum Key Members

http://goodgovernanceforummembers.blogspot.com

Good Governance Forum's Judicial Activism

http://judicialpetitionspakistan.blogspot.com

2011-04-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

How Does Good Governance Forum Operate?

Mission:

To improve governance in Pakistan with a view to (a) alleviating the sufferings of the masses and to (b) eliminating the roots of terrorism embedded in poverty, hunger, unemployment, inflation, lack of basic amenities, absence of civil liberties, societal inequalities, illiteracy and injustice in all spheres of life.

Belief:

Good governance is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and enforces the rule of merit and the rule of law. It ensures that corruption is eliminated, minorities are represented in the political process and the voices of the most vulnerable in the society are heard while making decisions. It is also responsive to the present and the future needs of all the segments of the society.

Profile:

Good Governance Forum is Pakistan's FIRST and ONLY interactive Think Tank on governance. It is the Largest, Most Diversified and Most Globally Searched platform for the exchange of news and views amongst its members from all walks of life. Its website is ranked amongst the TOP 3 on Google and Yahoo! and other major search engines across the globe.

Methodology:

Good Governance Forum conducts research on key national issues; collects data, analyses facts and figures, and recommends measures to the federal and provincial functionaries. In case, the concerned government functionary does not respond within a reasonable timeframe, the forum then files an application in the Supreme Court of Pakistan or the relevant High Court praying for a court directive to the relevant government functionary to respond to the forum's representation. The applications so far submitted to the courts can be viewed at http://judicialpetitionspakistan.blogspot.com/.

It regularly feeds the print and electronic media with its news and views for exposing them to the general public.

It interacts with other civil society organizations and support their endeavours to improve governance in Pakistan.

It creates and publicizes blogs detailing major issues of Pakistan and eliciting support from the civil society.

It provides regular news and views to its members and overseas Pakistanis through http://pakistannewsonline.blogspot.com, http://pakistanviewsonline.blogspot.com, http://worldtimesonline.blogspot.com.

Funding:

It does not seek or receive funds from government, political parties and special interest groups in and out of Pakistan. It is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions of the concerned citizens around the world.

Members:

Key members can be viewed at http://goodgovernanceforummembers.co.cc

Guiding Principles of Good Governance Forum

Good Governance Forum is the largest, most-diversified and globally-searched platform for the exchange of views, opinions and ideas of learned and concerned citizens from all walks of life on public issues, directly or indirectly related to governance and allied subjects.

It does not assume any liability whatsoever for the network members' views nor does it necessarily agree with them.

It respects privacy. Anybody can join in or opt out of the network any time by sending an email to good.governance@gmail.com 'Unsubscribe Me' in the subject field.

Anybody can post his/her comments by visiting the blogsite and clicking on the link COMMENTS on its home page. Comments may be deleted by the forum's Moderator if these violate the guiding principles and rules of the forum.

Rules of Good Governance Forum

1. A member can initiate discussion on a topic by addressing his/her email ONLY to the forum, NOT to other members. It is upto the forum's moderator to circulate it or not amongst other members.

2. A member can mark copies ONLY to those who participate in discussion on a specific topic, NOT to all members of the email group.

3. A member MUST not call names, use indecent language, and personalize discussion on any topic. Pointing fingers at others' intentions and motives or floating conspiracy theories without solid evidence is strictly prohibited.

4. A member has the privilege to express his/her views openly and frankly. However, no member is ALLOWED to enter into "You are wrong, I am right" debate.

5. A member can express his/her views ONLY on issues relating to governance and allied topics including the independence and sovereignty of Pakistan, its State organs and international relations. Unrelated topics are to be avoided.

The forum has categorized members into several email groups keeping in view their background and interest. An email is addressed to members of one or more specific groups, not to all groups. Our categories include academia, civil servants, diplomats, military officers, politicians, professionals, print media, electronic media, formanites, businessmen and industrialists, think tanks, and forum writers, NGOs etc. Other groups can be added as and when required.

The Moderator of the forum reserves the right to remove any member from any group in his sole discretion, with or without prior notice, if the member violates any of the forum's rules.

GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN PAKISTAN

Governance has been a core, critical and complex issue of Pakistan during its six decades of existence.The country is today faced with the menacing issues of poverty, hunger, unemployment, inflation, security , electricity, water, gas, transport, housing, education, health, justice, corruption, maladministration, and political instability. The tasks ahead are gigantic and demand a high level of competence, courage and commitment from the political leadership, civilian bureaucracy, and civil society organizations to lead the country of 180 million souls to stability, progress and prosperity.

Briefly, the governance issues emanate and entrench from the absence of Rule of Merit, Rule of Law and Rule of Accountability.

1. Enforce Rule of Merit in the hiring, training, posting, reward and punishment and the career advancement of public servants in all organs of the state.

2. Enforce Rule of Law in all cases of civilian and criminal nature equally for all citizens.

3. Enforce Rule of Accountability equally for all citizens in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Under the country's Constitution, adopted by all political parties and provinces in 1973, the role of each organ of the state i.e. the executive, the parliament and the judiciary is clearly defined. What is needed is the adherence of the political government to the tenets of the Constitution. With Unity, Faith and Discipline in our hearts and minds, we can live together, work together and progress together. Sectarian, linguistic, and ethnic considerations cannot overtake the nation's determination to forge unity and live in peace.

The ongoing threat of militancy in the tribal belt is borne out of the long absence of political government, inequitable distribution of wealth and resources, lack of economic, legal and social justice, disregard of tribal traditions, customs and values and avoidance of fair and firm settlement of issues agitating the minds of the tribes. The tribes are as good Muslims, patriotic and Pakistani as anybody else but like country's other regions, the tribal region also needs a different treatment. Once the government of Pakistan is fully conscious of the underlying stresses and strains and it determines with courage, confidence and competence to resolve the thorny issues, peace and tranquility are bound to return faster than imagined.

The 'War on Terror' has given birth to extremism, militancy and terrorism primarily because of two factors. Firstly, the people of Pakistan are not convinced that it is OUR war. Secondly, the people of Pakistan are not convinced that the modalities adopted for dealing with the Taliban, Al Qaeda and others assumed to be associated with terrorism are the right ones.

Siding with the US and the NATO has not been a good experience for Pakistan and its people in the past. Pakistan fought the America's proxy war in Afghanistan in the 70's and the 80's with a tremendous cost to them in terms of over 5 million Afghan refugees on Pakistan's soil, flow of narcotics from the poppy-growing areas of Afghanistan and the influx of weapons into the length and breadth of Pakistan. Pakistan hardly gained anything in economic terms. Nor did the US and its allies really appreciated the sacrifices made by Pakistan and its people.

The growing extremism, militancy and terrorism as a result of the War on Terror has been taking a very heavy toll on the socio-economic and political well being of the people of Pakistan and there is no relief in sight.

The US and its allies have consistently supported the corrupt. incompetent and unpopular political leadership in Pakistan in their vested interests without realizing the repercussions of bad governance on the people of Pakistan. As a result, there is growing anti-America sentiments amongst all the strata of Pakistani society. And the US doesn't seem to plan and develop strategies, plans and programs to improve upon its image amongst the Pakistanis on short-term as well as long-term bases.

Good Governance Forum services for NGOs and INGOs

2011-04-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

Good Governance Forum provides networking service to NGOs, domestic and foreign, to enable them to interact and support each other in Pakistan. We link up NGOs doing similar or allied work so that they get strengthened functionally and financially by sharing their experiences, expertise and resources.

We also help the NGOs through our network of 3000+ members from almost all segments of our society in and out of Pakistan who may be able to facilitate the non-governmental organizations in their spheres of activity with their knowledge, experience and connections.

Our network members from Urdu and English media as well as news agencies and electronic media can render useful services to the non-governmental organizations in furthering their cause within and outside Pakistan.

Email Us for Partnership: good.governance@gmail.com

Shadow National Government of Expert Professionals

2010-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Good Governance Forum is contemplating the formation of the 'Shadow National Government of Expert Professionals.' The purpose of 'The Shadow Government' is to deliberate upon the national issues of paramount significance such as the internal and external security, poverty, unemployment, inflation, corruption, human rights etc. and to formulate, recommend and monitor policies and practices for implementation by the state organs.

Details can be viewed at http://shadownationalgovernment.co.cc/

Senator Lugar: Greater Transparency, Clear Objectives Needed for U.S. Aid to Pakistan | Nancy Birdsall | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Senator Lugar: Greater Transparency, Clear Objectives Needed for U.S. Aid to Pakistan Nancy Birdsall Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

Aid to Pakistan by the Numbers : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

2010-06-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Aid to Pakistan by the Numbers : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

About the Study Group : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

2010-06-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

About the Study Group : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

Yes, Governance Matters in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas | Wren Elhai | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Governance Matters in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas Wren Elhai Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

Where’s the Great Pakistan Aid Effectiveness Debate? | Molly Kinder | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Where’s the Great Pakistan Aid Effectiveness Debate? Molly Kinder Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

Senator Kerry’s Letter on U.S. Aid to Pakistan: Five Highlights for Ambassador Holbrooke | Molly Kinder | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Senator Kerry’s Letter on U.S. Aid to Pakistan: Five Highlights for Ambassador Holbrooke Molly Kinder Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active

2010-06-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active

Factors Affecting Good Governance in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis

2010-02-25T03:34:00.000-08:00

European Journal of Scientific Research
http://www.eurojournals.com/ejsr_35_3_02.pdf