THREE-DAYS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRATIC FEDERALISM: GOVERNANCE, DECENTRALIZATION AND DIVERSITY IN PAKISTAN INAUGURATED AT SHAH ABDUL LATIF UNIVERSITY, KHAIRPUR 

Three-Days International Conference on Democratic Federalism: Governance, Decentralization and Diversity in Pakistan organized by the Department of Political Science in collaboration with Govt. of Sindh, Sukkur IBA University, Bhittai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA), Khairpur and Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO), Sukkur inaugurated at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur on Wednesday December 15, 2021. Mr. Muhammad Ismail Raho, Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Department, Govt. of Sindh was the chief guest of the inaugural session. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur presided over the session while Engr. Prof. Dr. Syed Madad Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology & Skills Development, Khairpur and Prof. Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah, Vice Chancellor, Sukkur IBA University were the guests of honor.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Muhammad Ismail Raho said that I am extremely thankful to Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto for inviting me on the inaugural session of this international moot. He said Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur is advancing in right direction under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto. Mr. Raho said that there is need of improvement of relations among the provinces. Lahore Resolution 1940 was a landmark development for the rights of the federating units. He remarked that 18th Amendment transferred the powers to the provinces. The local government system has strengthened the democracy but it is lamented that the dictators got shelter in the local government shed from General Ayoub to General Musharraf. He said good governance could be availed with the institutional development, participation of people and trust building.

Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto said that Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur despite severe financial crunch is heading towards right direction in terms of education, research and development. He said we have taken drastic measures to curtail the expenditures. It is noteworthy that Rs. 230 Million have been disbursed among the pensioners which were pending since 2017. Dr. Ibupoto remarked that recently we have signed Memorandum of Understanding with national and international organizations and universities in order to embark research, innovation, academic collaboration and linkage. He said the presence of galaxy of scholars will deliberate on democracy, constitutionalism and governance. I am optimistic that their recommendations will pave the way for the strengthening the federation and state. He said that it is matter of high pride that within two months we have organized two international conferences on the core issues. Dr. Ibupoto accorded his special thanks to Mr. Muhammad Ismail Raho for sparing his precious time from his busy schedule to grace the event.

Prof. Dr. Khuwaja Alqama, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Minhaj University, Lahore presented his keynote speech. He said history has great significance in political process. Pakistan was established with the consensus. He quoted the example of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who convened a conference on Atomic Issue of the Country at Multan. The Atomic Scientists were invited to deliberate on this important issue. As result with the consensus the Atomic Program of Pakistan was launched. He said beside democracy consensus approach, acceptance and dignity of humanity are vital elements for strengthening the federation.

Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed Choudhrey from Garrison University, Lahore also spoke as keynote speaker. He said in order to strengthen the federation it is essential to delegate the powers to the provinces in real term so the federation could be strengthen. He also shed light on the significance of local government in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Nawaz Hakro from Oman spoke on the topic democratic government and development. He said the governance is the extension of authority and it is political process to deliver for masses. It is vital that sense of good governance, voices of people may be given respect rule of law is very essential. Moreover active participation of civil society is needed. He said judicious allocation of resources is important so we can control on poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy.

Prof. Dr. Syed Madad Ali Shah and Prof. Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah said that this conference will provide an ample opportunity to the policy makers and it will strengthen the federation. They said that the 18th Amendment is a landmark development for provision of rights to the provinces.

Prof. Dr. Amir Ali Chandio, Chairman Department of Political Science welcomed the guests’ participants, national and international delegates. He praised the Vice Chancellor for his patronage in order to organize this conference. He said this conference will pave the way for the policy makers to strengthen the unity of the country.

Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences extended the vote of thanks to the guests, delegates and sponsors for the successfully organizing this conference.

Prof. Shahida Amir Chandio and Mr. Akhlaque Ahmed Larik conducted the proceedings of the conference. The shields were distributed among the guests.

A large number of teachers, officers, civil society activists and students attended the conference.