The Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), conducted Youth Leadership Program training aimed at strengthening youth understanding of civic education and local governance. Young male and female participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were engaged in insightful sessions by different facilitators
#CGPA #YouthLeadership #CivicEducation #LocalGovernance #NED #KPYouth #Accountability #GoodGovernance
Women’s Participation in Politics and the Workforce in Pakistan Monthly Newsletter Editor’s Note Women constitute nearly half of Pakistan’s population, yet their participation in politics and the workforce remains disproportionately low. Despite constitutional guarantees, policy commitments, and visible success stories, structural barriers continue to limit women’s full inclusion in decision-making and economic life. This monthly newsletter takes an in-depth look at women’s political representation and economic participation in Pakistan, examining progress made, challenges faced, and the way forward. The aim is to move beyond statistics and highlight why women’s participation is not only a matter of rights, but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and democratic governance. Women in Politics: Representation and Reality Constitutional and Legal Framework The Constitution of Pakistan provides a strong formal basis for women’s political participation. Article 25 guarantees equality before law, while Articles 34 and 35 obligate the state to ensure full participation of women in national life and protect the family, mother, and child. Reserved seats for women in the National Assembly, Senate, and Provincial Assemblies were introduced to address historical exclusion and ensure minimum representation. Currently, women occupy reserved seats in legislatures through proportional representation of political parties. While this system has increased numerical presence, it has also raised questions about substantive participation, independence, and grassroots political empowerment. Representation in Parliament and Local Government Women’s representation in Pakistan’s Parliament has improved over the past two decades. However, women on general seats remain significantly underrepresented. Most women legislators enter assemblies via reserved seats rather than direct elections, reflecting persistent barriers such as limited party tickets, patriarchal norms, and financial constraints. At the local government level, women’s representation varies widely across provinces. In some areas, women councillors face restricted mobility, lack of access to development funds, and exclusion from key decision-making processes. In others, local
Consultative meeting's Coverage by Samaa TV
#promoteciviceducation #civicengagement #GoodGovernance
تفصیلات: hazaraexpressnews.org/7156/
CGPA hosted a consultative meeting on the Draft of Civic Education Commission Bill 2025 on 16 December at Serena Hotel, Peshawar, supported by NED. The event brought together key stakeholders including MNA Ms. Shandana Gulzar, MPA Sher Ali Afridi, Ms. Amna Sardar MPA, and Sobia Khan (Member, Standing Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education), representatives from the Elementary & Secondary Education Department including Mr. Imran, academia, civil society organizations, media, and stakeholders from the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce. The session focused on reviewing the draft bill, gathering feedback, and discussing ways to strengthen civic education and citizen empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Democracy thrives when citizens are informed. Civic education equips individuals with the tools to make a difference in their communities. Let's prioritize it in schools, workplaces, and communities. #civicengagement #DemocraticValues @followers
Newsletter: Key Highlights of Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment (2025) Passed on 13 November 2025, the 27th Constitutional Amendment has reshaped several pillars of Pakistan’s governance structure. While early speculation hinted at sweeping reforms across the NFC Award, education, health, magistracy, and the armed forces, the final amendment focused primarily on judicial restructuring, defense command reforms, and changes to provincial cabinet sizes. Caretaker Setup: New Appointment Rules A major political change comes through the amendment to Article 105, which now requires that caretaker provincial ministers be appointed on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Previously, caretaker cabinets could be formed without the CEC’s input. Example: A caretaker health minister in a dissolved provincial assembly can no longer be appointed without the CEC’s recommendation. Creation of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) One of the most consequential reforms is the establishment of a new judicial body, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), through the insertion of Chapter 1-A. Tasked exclusively with constitutional interpretation and fundamental rights cases, the FCC alters Pakistan’s judicial hierarchy in significant ways. Composition & Appointment * Number of judges set by Parliament * Equal representation from all provinces * At least one judge from the Islamabad High Court * Judges appointed via the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) * Seniority counted from the date of joining Jurisdiction of the FCC Original jurisdiction: * Inter-governmental disputes (e.g., Punjab vs Federal Government on resource allocation) * Fundamental rights cases of national importance * Limited suo motu–type review on matters involving constitutional interpretation Appellate jurisdiction: * Appeals involving constitutional questions certified by High Courts * Appeals against High Court writ orders (Article 199) * Any further appellate powers assigned by Parliament Advisory jurisdiction: * President may seek the FCC’s interpretation on constitutional ambiguities The amendment also abolishes the constitutional benches introduced
The youth are the torchbearers of democracy. Civic education is their guide to responsible leadership and active participation. Invest in the future, invest in civic education!
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Urban Flooding Wreaks Havoc Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. November 2025 | Staff Report Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) witnessed yet another spell of devastating urban flooding this monsoon season, as torrential rains in August submerged streets, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted livelihoods across multiple districts. The worst-affected areas included Swat, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Bajaur, where flash floods swept through residential and commercial zones, leaving behind widespread destruction and loss of life. According to initial reports from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), dozens of people were killed and several injured as rain-triggered floods inundated low-lying areas. Thousands were displaced, with homes and shops reduced to rubble. In many urban centers, knee-deep water turned busy markets into makeshift rivers, cutting off access to hospitals and schools. In Peshawar, the provincial capital, the situation was particularly severe. Neighborhoods such as Kohati, Khyber Bazaar, Jehangirpura, and Nishtarabad were inundated after hours of continuous rain overwhelmed the city’s outdated drainage system. Stormwater channels and nullahs overflowed, flooding homes and forcing residents to seek shelter on rooftops. Locals complained that the drainage infrastructure, already weakened by years of neglect and encroachments, failed to carry the excess water away. “We’ve seen this before, but this year was worse,” said Ahmed Khan, a shopkeeper in Peshawar’s Saddar area. “Every time it rains heavily, water enters our shops because the drains are blocked. We clean up for days, and then it happens again.” Environmental experts and urban planners say the floods reflect a dangerous mix of poor urban planning, unchecked construction, and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. “The province’s cities have expanded rapidly without regard for natural drainage paths,” explained Dr. Abdul Basit, an environmental scientist based in Swat. “Encroachments on waterways, deforestation in the hills, and improper waste disposal are turning even moderate rainfall into urban disasters.” In Swat, flash floods
Government may seem silent at times, but it begins to listen when citizens understand their rights, ask informed questions, and actively participate in civic processes , because an educated voice is impossible to ignore #CivicEducation
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Empowering people with civic knowledge strengthens democracy, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that every citizen plays an active role in decision-making processes.
#CivicEducation
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Empowered minds build accountable nations #CivicEducation
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The Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), with the support of NED, successfully conducted training on 21st October aimed at strengthening youth understanding of civic education and local governance. Young male and female participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa engaged in insightful sessions led by:
Mr. Ihtizaz, Research Officer, CGPA – The Constitution of Pakistan
Dr. Fahim Nawaz, Lecturer, Department of Economics – Understanding the Budget
Ms. Shahzadi Hina Zeb , Gender Specialist – Gender and Inclusivity
Ms. Nida Rehman, Regulation Officer, Pabbi – Local Governance
Mr. Muhammad Mudassir, Inspector, Inland Revenue (FBR) – Taxation
The training empowered participants to become informed, responsible, and active citizens contributing to transparent and accountable governance.
#CGPA #YouthLeadership #CivicEducation #LocalGovernance #NED #KPYouth #Accountability #GoodGovernance @followers
Training session held in Karachi on October 10, 2025, for Sindh Food Authority staff on sampling procedures and enforcement of updated standards for industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) to strengthen food safety and regulatory compliance across the province.
Applications Open for Training on Youth Leadership Program!
Youth from all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are encouraged to apply and be part of this empowering journey.
Last date to apply: 14th October
Apply At: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev-aD1uBoKwd5ZGG1RG2tVJtAxLl_17qJLG3hFYumcT-peRg/viewform?usp=header
Note: Those who have already attended the training before are ineligible to apply again.
#YouthLeadership #KPKYouth #ApplyNow #YouthEmpowerment #TrainingOpportunity @followers
Media coverage of "Rights and responsibilities of citizens as per the Constitution f Pakistan's" Seminar
Khyber point: khyberpoint.com/?p=4665
Associated Press of Pakistan: www.app.com.pk/domestic/seminar-on-citizens-rights-call-for-greater-investment-in-constitutional-awareness/
Urdu point; www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/seminar-on-citizens-rights-call-for-greater-2054080.html
CGPA, in collaboration with DIL and the Department of Economics, University of Peshawar, organized a seminar on Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities under the Constitution of Pakistan on September 30, 2025, Department of Economics, University of Peshawar.
The seminar highlighted the importance of constitutional awareness, transparency, and active citizenship as the cornerstones of democratic governance. It provided a platform for scholars, students, and civil society members to reflect on the vital role of the Constitution in safeguarding citizens’ rights while ensuring their responsibilities toward the state.
Through thought-provoking discussions on constitutional awareness, accountability, and the need for active citizenship, the event emphasized how informed citizens can play a meaningful role in strengthening democracy and governance in Pakistan.
#CitizensRights #ActiveCitizenship #Constitution #CGPA #DemocraticGovernance"
The Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), a project, by the GIZ for the Government. Election & Rural Development (LG&RRD)/Participatory Local Governance (PLG) has launched the final phase of the 2 days training on Gender Responsive Services Delivery for Devolved Government Offices in the Districts of Swabi and Mansehra. The training has been conducted at Local Government School (LGS), facilitated by experts from LGS, officially began on 29th September 2025.
As part of a broader capacity-building initiative, this training series aims to mainstream gender in government service delivery by enhancing the capacities of departmental staff. The training focus on equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to ensure that gender considerations are effectively integrated into planning, budgeting, and service delivery processes. This initiative reflects a strong commitment to inclusive governance and the advancement of gender equality at all administrative levels.
KP Ombudsperson is doing great job to ensure women rights to ancestral property under Women Property Rights Act 2019. You can file your complaint online: ombudsmankp.gov.pk/ComplaintForm.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawM124xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLV0hqNWd3SFFLTUpoaFcyAR5isw3iQoIGxgp8w6z4vW1RnMk4HiDHCRfMLHpGOQbPBd0oKydTw5ELVmsqyA_aem_3k-xawkaCoQPVbNRJb_BNQfbclid=IwY2xjawM124xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLV0hqNWd3SFFLTUpoaFcyAR5isw3iQoIGxgp8w6z4vW1RnMk4HiDHCRfMLHpGOQbPBd0oKydTw5ELVmsqyA_aem_3k-xawkaCoQPVbNRJb_BNQ
Bimonthly Newsletter | July 2025 Edition Subject: Pakistan’s New Budget – Stabilization or Stagnation? Dear Readers, As the dust settles on the National Assembly’s passage of the 2025–26 federal budget, one question persists in public discourse: Is this truly a budget for stabilization, or merely another exercise in stagnation? Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled a Rs 17.57 trillion spending plan in early June, aimed to reassure the International Monetary Fund (IMF), investors, and domestic constituencies. Apparently, the budget seems disciplined: targeted GDP growth of 4.2%, a fiscal deficit capped at 3.9% of GDP, and ambitious revenue collection of Rs 13 trillion. Yet, behind the glossy presentation lies an uneasy reality. The budget is pulled in competing directions, geopolitical pressures, IMF constraints, debt obligations, and public frustration. The government has marketed it as a roadmap toward economic recovery, but critics argue it risks further burdening ordinary Pakistanis while leaving structural problems unresolved. Let us breakdown the numbers, sector by sector, to see what this budget really means. 1. Macroeconomic Framework – Stability or Strain? The government projects 4.2% GDP growth, banking on modest recovery in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Inflation is expected to average 11%, still high for households already battered by soaring food and utility prices. The fiscal deficit target of 3.9% of GDP is tighter than last year’s 5.9%, largely due to IMF demands. But this narrowing depends heavily on tax revenues that may prove difficult to collect in a sluggish economy. The tax-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise to 13.5%, still far below than regional peers like India (17–18%) or Bangladesh (10–11%). Without widening the tax net to include agriculture, real estate, and the informal economy, Pakistan risks falling into the same cycle of overburdening existing taxpayers while sparing elites. 2. Revenue and Taxation – Cosmetic or Concrete?
Climate Watch Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bimonthly Newsletter – August 2025 Edition From the Editor’s Desk Dear Readers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and fertile valleys, has always been a land of abundance. But today, the very foundations of this natural wealth are under severe threat. Climate change is no longer a future possibility; it is a lived experience unfolding across our towns, villages, and fields. As we bring you this issue of ‘’Climate Watch Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, our goal is simple: to highlight the changes we are witnessing, to amplify the voices of those most affected, and to call for action before it’s too late. The Alarming Reality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Over the last decade, climate patterns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have shifted dramatically: • Rising Temperatures: Summers are hotter than ever, with Peshawar recording temperatures above 45°C on multiple days this year. High-altitude areas that once remained cool are now experiencing unusual heat waves. • Glacial Melting: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to a large share of Pakistan’s glaciers, many of which are retreating at alarming rates. Faster melting means more flash floods in the short term and serious water shortages in the future. • Floods and Droughts: From the devastating 2010 floods to the recent flash floods in Chitral and Swat, water disasters have become frequent. At the same time, southern districts like Karak and D.I. Khan face prolonged droughts. • Agricultural Struggles: Farmers complain of unpredictable rainfall and declining yields of wheat, maize, and fruit crops. Livestock, too, is under stress due to water shortages. The climate crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not uniform—it manifests as ‘’too much water in the north and too little in the south’’. Stories from the Ground • “The river has changed its course. Where my grandfather planted wheat, the water now flows.
Had an incredible 3-day learning journey with the energetic youth of Gilgit at the Youth Leadership Program, supported by NED and organized by CGPA.
The training on Civic Education was enriched by thought-provoking sessions:
Mr. Anwar (Executive Director, CGPA) on social constructivism
Ms. Sabila Khatoon (Professor, Karakoram University) on the budget in the context of GB
Ms. Maryam (Political Science major) on the GB governance structure
Ms. Shahzadi Rubab Zeb on RTI & RTS, emphasizing why these must be established in GB.
Truly grateful for the opportunity to engage with such passionate young minds and witness their commitment to shaping a better future for Gilgit-Baltistan.
27th -28th August 2025 - Gilgit City
2-day training session on "Gender Responsive Local Services Delivery" was conducted with Devolved Offices reprsentatives Peshawar, from 28th to 29th August 2025. The training was held at LGS (Local Governance School) and was facilitated by Mr. Shibli, focused exclusively on supporting devolved government departments to enhance their capacity for delivering gender-responsive services.
The second day of the training for the Secretaries of Village Councils (VCs) and Neighbourhood Councils (NCs) Tehsil Takhtbhai -Mardan focused on enhancing understanding and practical approaches to gender-inclusive service delivery. The session was conducted by Mr. Shibli Khan, Assistant Director – Local Government School (AD-LGS), who emphasized the critical importance of equitable access to services, inclusive decision-making, and the pivotal role of local governance in promoting gender sensitivity at the grassroots level.
Dated: 13th August 2025
A one-day training on "Gender Inclusive Service Delivery" was held on 6th August 2025 at Tehsil MATTA for VC/NC Secretaries of LGRDD. The session, delivered by Mr. Mansoor (DD, LGS), aimed to build capacity for promoting "Gender Inclusive Service delivery" in their services. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and exercises on gender mainstreaming at the local level.
The Local Government, Elections & Rural Development Department (LG&RDD), in collaboration with GIZ/PLG and with the support of CGPA, successfully conducted a one-day training session on "Gender-Inclusive Service Delivery" on 1st August 2025 in Tehsil Swabi. This training was specifically designed for the Secretaries of Village and Neighborhood Councils (VCs/NCs), aiming to strengthen their capacity to provide inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive services at the grassroots level. The session was led by the shibli Master trainer of the Local Government School (LGS).
The Local Government, Elections & Rural Development Department (LG&RDD), in collaboration with GIZ/PLG and with the support of CGPA, successfully conducted a one-day training session on "Gender-Inclusive Service Delivery" on 31st July 2025 in Tehsil Jamrud. This training was specifically designed for the Secretaries of Village and Neighborhood Councils (VCs/NCs), aiming to strengthen their capacity to provide inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive services at the grassroots level. The session was led by the Assistant Director of the Local Government School (LGS), who offered practical insights and guidance on incorporating gender perspectives into service delivery.
A consultative workshop on implementing Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids (iTFA) Regulations and SOPs was held on 24th June 2025. Organized by Center for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with Nutrition International (NI), the event focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms across Pakistan.
Key participants included representatives from Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Food Authorities (Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, AJK, KP), Capital Development Services (CDS), University of Karachi, and University of Agriculture Peshawar.
The workshop focused to discuss strategies for the effective implementation and enforcement of iTFA regulations through stakeholder collaboration and review of draft SOPs, aimed at supporting public health.
Successfully conducted a dynamic two-day training session under the Youth Leadership Program on Civic Engagement and Governance, held on 17–18 June 2025! The sessions featured insightful contributions from: Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Executive Director – Social Constructionism Mr. Asim Imam, Chief Commissioner, RTS Commission – Right to Services Ms. Nida Rehman, TMO – Local Government Mr. Ihtizaz, Research Officer – Understanding the Constitution of Pakistan Ms. Shahzadi Rubab Zeb, Program Officer – Right to Information (RTI) A special briefing on the history of Pakistan and the Constitution was also shared by Mr. zafarullah -Techinal Advisor The participants were diversely invited from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with an equal representation of male and female youth leaders — reflecting our commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. This initiative empowered youth to think critically, engage constructively, and contribute actively to democratic development and public accountability. #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement #Governance #RTS #RTI #LocalGovernment #ConstitutionOfPakistan #CGPA #CIPE #PublicAccountability #YouthEmpowerment #LeadershipTraining @followers