Managing Cultural Diversity in Pakistan

Managing Cultural Diversity in Pakistan; Issues and Options for Local Governments
Mukhtar Paras Shah

Graduate Institute of Policy Studies, Tokyo
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Dedicated to the people of Pakistan who have been struggling in the wake of geo-political and administrative changes in the region that continue to affect and threaten the local diverse cultures and way of life
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This paper was written as part of a research assignment conducted at National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies, Tokyo in Japan. The document was produced under the supervision of Prof. Aikawa Noriko who has contributed her life and efforts for promotion of cultural diversity in the world in many capacities. The image used on the cover page was used by the National Library Association of Sind for National Conference on Intellectual and Cultural Heritage of Pakistan, held at Karachi in 2010. This publication may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium for research and private study. This is subject to it being reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright and the title of the publication specified. Further information or free copies of this publication can be obtained by sending an e-mail to mukhtarparas@gmail.com;calling 0092 51 2274840; faxing a request at 0092 51 9213740 or by writing to the MPS, 14-Kyber Block,Gulshen e Jinnah,Islamabad, Pakistan.
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ABSTRACT
In this study we analyze and examine the status of cultural diversity in Pakistan and its implications. Consensus on the nexus between culture and development is emerging. It is also being argued that recognition of the presence of variety of cultures, people and bio-diversity can help communities to improve their standard of living. Various social, cultural, religious issues relating to different places and ethnicities in Pakistan can be handled by employing local government framework. It is the local governments in Pakistan that can mobilize the communities to promote peace, progress and harmony in their way of life.
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Index
1. Introduction 2. Issues on Cultural Diversity 2.1 Interaction among Communities 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.2 Religious harmony Appreciation of local culture Promotion of regional languages
Page No
01 03 03 03 04 05 06 07 07 08 09 10 10 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 16 17 18
Social Development 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 Education Health Environment Economic Uplift
2.3
Participation in Governance 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 Political framework Gender imbalance Public Private Partnerships
3.
Role of Local Governments 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Citizen Committees Local Festivals Primary education in native language District Health Insurance Green Revolution by LGs Entrepreneurships Female Participation Joint Projects
4.
Conclusion
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References
Appendix-I
Introduction Pakistan came into being in 1947, after the British divided the Sub-continent into two countries on religious and cultural grounds. Gauhar(2009) well does states that geographical distribution of a territory could not, however, bring religious and cultural harmony to the new born states in the sub-continent. In Pakistan, cultural values in specific parts of the country continued to thrive and survive under the new identity. However emphasis on religion became more integrated in social life of the people, partly because the country came into being on religious grounds and partly because of the geo-political situation that developed in the backdrop of United States support for ultra-religious militia groups operating against the Soviet Union during the cold war. Ethnically, Pakistan is divided into four provinces; Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are the two other regions which are not provinces but enjoy the autonomous status within the federation of the country. People in all these regions have been living with their distinct throbbing cultures since ages. The history of Indus Civilization (Parpola,2009) takes us back to 9000 BCE with traces of one of the earliest urban cultures. Taxila in Punjab has been a center of Buddhist civilization where you can still find stones and scriptures that read to humanity the stories about 5th century B.C (Rahim,2008) It is the same place where the native Raja Porus fought bravely against the Invader Alexander but was defeated. It was during his expeditions in Punjab that Alexander was injured and thus decided to go back. The humility and bravery of people of this region explains the Buddhist connections with their ancestors who inhabited here.(Chatterjee,2003) People in Kalash are said to be the descendants of people who were in the camp of Alexander but settle here after he left. Recently new discoveries about one of the most ancient urban centers in the world came to limelight during excavations in Mehrgarh in Baluchistan. Jarrige (2006) agrees that some startling details would be shared with the people of the world about this ancient
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civilization that existed in Neolithic age of 8th millennium B.C. It may be more ancient than the Indus Civilization that has already startled the world with its magnificence and richness. The flavor of life in the four provinces is enriched in history and traditions. Local cultures around the globe have always faced a myriad number of challenges in order to survive. The burden of history, the trends in politics and changing roles of individuals and groups have their impressions in the development or destruction of cultural values. Pakistan has been in the eye of storm since U.S led war on terror dragged the country into chaos since 2001. The war has its religious and cultural dimension and thus its direct reflections on societal values are significant. (Lavoy, 2006)This has also been the time when Pakistan has recently experienced the local government system. Decentralization experience in the country shifted the focus to local administration. Expectations about the role of local governments in preserving and promoting local values and strengths have been recognized widely. The purpose of this article is to identify the socio-cultural challenges faced by the country in transition. This paper also intends to highlight areas where local government can play a significant part in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation on social and cultural fronts. The main thesis is that biodiversity in local cultures can be inculcated and promoted by employing the tools available in the local government system in Pakistan.
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Issues on Cultural Diversity Interaction among Communities In Pakistan, within each culture, people are further divided into tribes and clans. According to Nadvi & Robinson (2004) the individuals are recognized by their family names and certain stereotypes are always associated with every tribe or family. In general life there is no specific categorization and all the people live side by side in different milieus. Although marriages among the people coming from the same clan and speaking the same language are always preferred but intermarriages between different ethnic groups is not a taboo. The social status is defined by the economic well-being and influence enjoyed by individuals irrespective of their cultural identity. But whenever there is an effort to mobilize the community by politicians on linguistic and ethnic grounds, the people tend to take their sides indicating affiliation with their specific languages and backgrounds. That is perhaps the reason that all ethnic groups live almost in all the provinces but intermingling and complete assimilation at large scale has not yet taken place. Religious harmony Values and beliefs shape the character and relationship of the people. Pakistan is predominantly a Muslim country where 93.6% people follow Islam whereas 1.6% Hindus, 1.6% Christians and 0.3% Bahais, Sikhs and Buddhists constitute the rest of the population (UNESCO Country Report, 2009). Muslims can be divided into two sects; Sunni and Shiites. Pakistan Socio-Religious Harmony Report (2009) hints that current geo-political developments are directly related with religious waves in Pakistan. The Sunnis follow the version of Islam advocated by Saudi Arabia whereas the Shiites take inspiration from Iranian school of thought in religion. Since there is a history of hostility between the two sects around the world since a thousand years, difference of opinion on outlook towards life is a reality. Not so cordial relations between Saudia Arabia and Iran have also played a part in fueling the differences among the believers of two sects. The general people dont regard differences
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between the two sects as line of demarcation between them but sectarian clashes that usually ignited during various military regimes in the country made the Shite community defensive. Although inter-marriages between the two sects happen with ease no critical issues are attached with their co-existence. Shite Muslims have influential presence in political and bureaucratic set-up of the country and are well respected in the society in spite of being less in number than the Sunnis. The recent wave of fundamentalism in this territory has strong links with the War on Terror being fought with Pakistan as the frontline state. Pashtuns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan are predominantly Sunni Muslims and they follow the Saudi Arabia school of thought. Religious operatives in this area have been blamed for giving refuge to militants that fled Afghanistan after the U.S attacked the region to avenge the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers. The people who took refuge with the Pushtuns were guaranteed security under the local tribal culture Pakhtun Wali(Bokhari, 2007). According to this custom, if somebody enters ones house and requests for help or safe shelter, it becomes the responsibility of the whole community and tribe to protect him from his enemies even if he is a total stranger to them. The militants that fled from Afghanistan and took refuge with the Pashtun operatives were Sunni Muslims and most of them were Arabs. The neighboring Iran has been supporting their side of Afghan Shiites and thus the matrix involves support of United States, Saudi Arabia and Iran to their respective wings. The situation has resulted in outbreak of religious fundamentalism that has already subdued the local flavor of cultures and humdrum of life. Appreciation of local cultures The cultural Policy of Pakistan (2009) states that love for music, dance, arts and architecture has been the hallmark of the people in this region since centuries. The country has produced one of the best musicians, singers and artists who have been acknowledged worldwide. Four different provinces have successfully preserved their distinct culture and continue to practice the same without any hindrance. National Cultural Policy promotes local cultures and people take pride in expressing their creative mediums. People around the
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country have appreciated varied colors and customs of Pakistan and they love each others music, dress and cuisine. Neither government has intended to snub the local cultures and neither people in the provinces have any hate or disregard for each others cultures. Local festivals and national events are held with great fervor and they serve as a very strong medium for expression and encouragement of specific way of life in the four provinces. However, there is a strong feeling that local cultures in the four provinces have much more potential than it has been exploited. It has only been viewed as various ethnic distinctive features that Pakistan has collected in its territories. But it is definitely much more than only show of dress and dance. Studies have been conducted under UNESCO that underlines the importance of local cultures in socio-economic development of the people (UNESCO, Regional Conference Report, 2002). Modern mechanisms and trends suggest to use culture as the vehicle of development for matters such as coordination, governance, community development and even economic uplift of the area. Promotion of regional languages Pakistan is a place with diverse languages. Only in northern areas around 25 languages are spoken (Decker, 1992) However, mainly four different languages are spoken in the four provinces of Pakistan and people belonging to one province usually dont understand the language of the other provinces. Linguistically, all four languages have distinct features with different history and even scripts. National language of Pakistan is Urdu which has not been native language of any of the four provinces. When millions of Urdu speaking migrants came to Pakistan after riots broke out at the time of partition of the subcontinent, Urdu was declared as the official language of the country in order to honor the immigrants who had suffered huge losses during the migration. Urdu because of its linguistic connections with Persian was considered the language of the Muslims and thus there was no great difficulty in adoption of Urdu as the official language of the new born country. Urdu however has tremendously served as the language of communication among the four provinces that has over the years learnt to live with it. Rahman (2003) indicates that preference to Urdu is perhaps the reason as to why common people have not shown their interest in learning the languages of other provinces.
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However, an effort in promotion of provincial languages across country can promise more acceptances of each others cultural values. The initiative has the potential to open borders and barriers within communities for a cohesive existence. The government has a network of Arts Councils all over the country with Pakistan National Council of Arts leading from the center. An arrangement can easily be worked out to promote understanding and acceptance of all the regional languages in the country. Social Development According to Article 4 & 5 of the constitution, all citizens including women, minorities and indigenous people have the right to be treated equal. The constitution is based on the principles laid down in the holy Quran that states that there is no difference between black and white and between rich and the poor and between the privileged and non-privileged as all are human beings and equal to each other. In spite of this clear guideline and provisions in the constitution, Human Development Index in Pakistan has not impressed the world. The ratio of people who have access to the basic necessities is less than the world standards. Idris (2009) states that the reason does not rests only in lack of funds. The system of governance in Pakistan has been federal with much emphasis on autonomy of the provinces. However, neither central government nor the provincial governments have been able to raise the social development indicators effectively. Difference between performance of provinces in attaining benchmarks in education and empowerment has always been attributed to flow of funds from the respective governments. Focusing some areas and neglecting some areas on the basis of political or demographic reasons have resulted into non-equal distribution of resources and services among the citizens. As a result of this we see that the District Dera Bugti in the province of Baluchistan remains one of the poorest regions in the country in spite of the fact that it has the worlds 2nd largest natural gas reserves. The region has not benefited because of scarcity of population and resistance from the tribal leaders from introducing reforms and development in territories under their control. However the local government system introduced in the country in 2001 ignited some hopes that if priorities and allocation of resources would be done on the
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basis of local and regional needs, equal social development across the country will not be a distant dream. Education UNESCO country report about Pakistan (2008) acknowledges that constitution and the religion both make it obligatory for all males and females to get education. But still the literacy rate in Pakistan has been 65% with male literacy rate at 70% and female literacy rate at around 45%. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for males is 97% and 85% for women. In provinces governments have been making efforts to achieve the universal education targets set under Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The response of the people at grass-root level in sending their children to schools in Sind and Punjab has been encouraging. However, things are still difficult in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan which are conservative tribal societies. During the ongoing War on Terror, the militants have destroyed 968 schools in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa depriving 15000 girls of education. One reason for destroying schools was to reject the foreign funds from U.S.A flowing in for education sector and the other reason is the conservative approach to discourage female education. In Punjab, education sector has performed well and especially the private sector has contributed in achieving the set targets. Christian teachers have significantly been recognized for their efforts in education sector and the performance of schools run by them have been impressive. Pakistani students representing all the provinces have made their presence felt across the globe. Recently, a young man Mr. Ali Moeen secured 23 As making it a world record in the history of A level education. The need is to capitalize on the human talent and potential this region has and civil society and private sector can only materialize this dream in collaboration with the government. Health Provision of basic health facilities to all the citizens has not been made possible. However this discrimination is not limited to any specific community or group, rather this applies to all the population. The average life expectancy rate in Pakistan is around 62 years
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but the women suffer the most in view of lack of health care facilities such as mother care. Infant mortality rate (62/1000) and maternity mortality rate (320/1000) in Pakistan are serious challenges for the poor and disadvantageous groups. The hospitals run by the government are mostly in cities and are insufficient to handle the volume of patients from across the country. Rural and backward areas lack health infrastructure and people from interior Sind has to travel to Karachi and people from Baluchistan have to travel to hospitals in Punjab for specialized treatment of diseases. However, services by the N.G.Os and the civil society must be recognized in Pakistan. Christian missionary hospitals are providing free treatment to thousands of patients in bigger cities. Some welfare organizations are running free dispensaries for immediate medical relief for the poor and the needy. Asias largest Cancer Hospital Shaukat Khanam Memorial Hospital is in Pakistan and it is a charity hospital that offers free of cost treatment to cancer patients who cannot afford expenses. Thus the culture to heal and support is there. People are struggling to find a right mechanism that can ensure health of the individuals in their own localities. Environment Ministry of environment in Government of Pakistan reports (2009) that deforestation and trends towards modernized agriculture have put the bio-diversity of many localities at high risk. It has resulted in to reduction and extinction of local species of plants that has been part of the lives of the people since long. Women in rural areas are the worst sufferers as they are responsible for household and affairs related with their offspring. They highly rely on their environment for woods for their hearth, vegetation for their animals, shade from the trees, fruits and vegetables for themselves and their extended families. They know how to manage small pieces of lands to acquire maximum benefit out of it which is crucial for their survival. Corporate farming in Punjab and Sind has created a fear of extinction of bio-diverse environments for communities. In Northern areas of Pakistan, deforestations and lack of support and facilities for sustainability of environment has made the problems more obvious. The issue pertains to local regions and thus has failed to get due attention from the higher tiers
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of the government. UNESCO and some international agencies have been helpful in introducing some conservation projects in northern parts of Pakistan including Kalash Valley but realization about preserving our natural surroundings is required in all parts of the country for a safe future for the coming generations. Economic Uplift According to Papamarcos & Watson (2006) role of culture in countrys economic uplift is very relevant. The question of the question is that why the rich and enchanting cultures around the regions in Pakistan have been left on their own. In the era of Sultans and Moguls, the kings used to sponsor and support the musicians, artisans, artists and the poets. Modern era must have better options for the skilled professionals and workers still making livelihood out of cultural activities. Certain arrangements are in place but they are not enough. In Multan; one of the ancient most living cities of the world situated in the center of Punjab, government in collaboration with Baha-ud-din Zakariya University has established a Seraiki Research Centre to promote local language, literature and culture. The world famous blue pottery and camel skin lamp shades are produced in Multan and this profession is on the verge of extinction because of lack of modern marketing techniques and support from the government. Similar situation prevails in the rest of the country where cultural values and practices are on the verge of being disappeared. It is a strange situation that people want to live in this culture but socio-economic and bureaucratic set-ups are not the facilitators. In fact macro-economic managers have failed to identify the potential of cultural values and practices scattered in the four provinces and two autonomous regions in Pakistan. Trends and statistics across the globe are enough to inspire if we policy makers can work out a strategy to link the local cultural strong points and occasions with economics. According to UNESCO, investment worth $7.0 billion is made in the culture sector around the world. Places like Columbia, Morocco and Guatemala are earning huge foreign exchange through promotion of their tourism and culture. Can regions in Pakistan also claim their share in this cultural-economic setting that has the potential to offer lot more than world can think in terms of cultural diversity?
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Participation in Governance At least, religious and legal framework in Pakistan guarantees free practice and observance of all religions by the people, irrespective of their color caste and creed. However, real participation of the disadvantageous groups in social events and in decision making at all forums is more than required(Jabeen & Jadoon, 2009). Pakistan is signatory to many international commitments for safeguarding the interests of minorities, indigenous groups and other neglected portions of society. There is a strong feeling that much more can be done to ensure harmonious life patterns for all the communities and sections of society at large. Political framework Steven Wheatley (2003) highlights that it is necessary for governments to recognize minorities as equal citizens. Political system of Pakistan has allocated quota for representation of minorities in all the tiers of the government; federal, provincial and districts. The minority members represent their communities in debates and legislation in the representative forums. However, they have been vulnerable to extreme social and religious pressures in the wake of recent religious fundamentalist waves in the political economy of the country. Some incidents occurred in the past years when some Christians were charged with blasphemy and it resulted into wide scale expression of anger against the minorities. The blasphemy law is not based on Islamic instructions but it was introduced by the military dictator, General Zia-ul-Haq in order to appease the religious circles who played critical role in fighting Soviet Union in the 1980s. Various attempts have been made to repeal or reject the law as it has been used to implicate the poor and the adversaries. The situation needs to be studied closely and certain local remedies for inclusion of minorities in the mainstream need to be worked out. Gender imbalance In Pakistani society the status of women is determined by cultural values (Jabeen & Jadoon, 2009). Pakistans efforts to remove gender disparity through legislation have been acknowledged worldwide. It has been one of the leading countries that have legislated extensively on rights of women. Women Protection Bill (2006) and Sexual Harassment at
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workplace Bill (2009) are the prominent ones giving pride and confidence to the weaker sex in this part of the world. However, the fact remains that masculine mindset is still not changed. Things are far better in urban centers but situation in rural Pakistan is not encouraging. Atrocities against women keep on occurring in the name of tribal traditions and honor. Legal proceedings and media coverage has made a serious effort to highlight the gravity of the situation. But the growing feeling is that status of women cannot only be guaranteed by giving them 17% representation in all federal and provincial legislative bodies. In fact the representation of women in the district assemblies is around 33% and in the last elections around 14000 women representatives were elected for local assemblies. The performance of women councilors in the local government assemblies has been debatable. In province like Punjab and Sind they actively took part in debates and expressed their opinions on relevant issues. However in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, although the elections took place but there were instances when women voters were not allowed to cast their votes and women candidates were prohibited to take part in elections. This forum available to women at local government level has a very significant strategic position and it can be exploited to change the demographic profile of the country positively. Public Private Partnerships UNESCO Report on indigenous peoples (2006) emphasizes that bio-diversity is a source of exchange, innovation and creativity that provides a platform for partnerships. Usually regulating and managing culture is considered the responsibility of the government and people and groups commenting on the cultural dimensions have never been the favorites in bureaucratic set-ups. But experts agree that in fact people not the government, are the promoters of culture and cultural diversity. It is the mutual cooperation of public sector and private sector that can improve the visibility of the cultural values of the specific regions and traditions involving the people. There are some missing links between the government and the public that create confusions in adoption of cultural values. Encouragement and incentives for private sector to join hands with the local governments all over the country can result in
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growth of individual businesses, entertainment opportunities for masses and even expansion in own source revenues for the district governments. How can Local Government System help in promoting Cultural Diversity? Pakistan has recently experienced decentralization under the Local Government Ordinance that was promulgated in 2001. As a result of this exercise, twelve different subjects such as education, health, community development, environment, development and law and order were delegated to the district governments. After a decade of decentralization, there have been moves to alter the local government system in view of new requirements. A strong portion of the society is in favor of decentralization and seeks amendments in the framework rather than a complete roll back. For the first time in the history of Pakistan, communities and local representatives including women and minorities were involved in decision making. Their responses created waves indicating the transition of society towards modernism. The administrative framework of local governments had enough room to bring change in society(ALGA Report, 2010). Australian Local Government Association; a successful experience in promoting cultural diversity opine that leadership and management of resources at local level are required to transform the society in to a true diverse cultural entity. Their thesis applies to Pakistan as well. Following is the list of activities that various organs of the local government in Pakistan can initiate and advocate to promote cultural diversity. Harmony and Coordination Professor Nakamura from the Meji University of Japan thinks that Japans experience of decentralization has a message for countries like Pakistan. The reason why decentralization has worked in Japan is that people at the grass-root level think that a centralized system of government pushed Japan into war that ended in their destruction and humiliation after the World War II. People think of development and democracy as the better options at the local government level and the same principle applies to conflict stricken region of Pakistan where international geo-political wars are being fought by the central government.
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After the introduction of Local Government System in Pakistan, UNESCAP Report on Local Governments (2003) recognized the role new decentralized set up could play in promoting harmony among the communities. Citizen Liaison Committees working under the respective district governments need to be reformed as they can play an effective role in creation of a harmonious society. Representatives from various ethnic and religious groups can be the members of CLC with the mandate to promote acceptance of each others cultures. They may be given the target to identify commonalities among them and use the same as base for cultural events in the locality. Strategic interventions to encourage participation in each religions celebrations will not only help in promoting cultural and religious values but may also strengthen the bonds among the various communities. Mutual understanding at the platform provided by the local government may result in removing misconceptions that exist among religions. To start with, celebrating Christmas with the Christian colleagues or visiting minorities on occasions of their festivals at official level as well as among the people in general should be made a norm in the society and it is possible through CLCs. Minorities in Pakistan are socially segregated (Beenish,2008) and they can only be brought in the mainstream if they are involved in all social and political activities at the grass-root level. Similarly Mosque Peace Committees (MPCs)can help the local government in ensuring peace and harmony in various localities. Mosque is the most important platform in Muslims societies for dissemination of information. Religious conflicts usually happen when the clerics in those mosques have a specific religious clout and who use the platform of mosque to propagate their ideas. District government through MPCs can form regulatory bodies in every union council unit to be part of religious activities in the local mosque. The idea is to encourage the people to use the platform of mosque in their favor rather than allowing vested interest groups to use the platform of mosque against the communities. Local governments can even encourage people to hold marriage ceremonies and decision making get together events in the mosque in order to establish the grip of communities on mosques. The opinion makers agree that the platform of mosque can be extremely helpful in propagation of peace and harmony among the people if it is regulated by the people themselves putting an end to the exploitation and monopoly of religious clerics.
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Promoting Local Festivals If countries like Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore can internationalize their local festivals and earn billions of dollars in foreign exchange, why cant we make an attempt in Pakistan. Local festivals such as Basant in Lahore, Shandoor in Northern Areas, Urs in Bhit Shah and Mela in Sibbi already attract thousands of tourists from across the country. National consultation on youth policy (2003) highlighted that local festivals can play an important role in bringing the young people together. But it can be even more than that. Local governments can employ professionals to plan the events in line with modern media management exercises and internationalize the event for tourists worldwide. It is going to result in lot of expenses that can be borne by the higher tiers of government. It can also be source of revenues to be shared among the governments on agreed formulas. Resource generation in the local areas will ultimately empower the local people and they would themselves ensure peace and harmony during the festivals as it would be in their own interests. A close study of the region reveals that almost every city in Pakistan has a distinct local event and it can form the basis of inter-city cooperation and coordination. Primary education in native language A UNESCO report published in France in 1953 highlights the importance of vernacular languages in education. Much time has passed but the emphasis continues. In fact UNESCO has done a lot of effort in promoting primary education in native languages in Africa. The reason behind this strategy was to ensure increase enrolment in education sector as it is considered easy to get education in ones mother tongue. In Pakistan, Sind and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are the provinces where primary education is delivered in the native language. However in Punjab and some parts of Baluchistan the practice of giving education in native languages is not observed. One reason for this may be the presence of many different dialects of the main language in various parts of the province. In Punjab majority of the citizens are Seraiki but the official statistics do not recognize it. If primary education in Punjab would be introduced, it would be done in two languages, Punjabi and Seraiki. Nonetheless, it is altogether more important to give education to natives even if there is more than one dialect.
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India is a success story for promoting local languages in education. Pakistan can achieve universal education much easier by adopting this mechanism. Education is necessary though it may be in the local languages as it is bound to open avenues for individuals in the society. Provinces can get out of this dilemma only by delegating this responsibility to the local governments. Local governments in Pakistan can create a strategy in their local administration to help the country in achievement of universal education as well as improvement in their social and cultural indicators in their districts. Community Health Insurance Dr.Hussein A Gezairy, World Health Organization, Director recently said in an address that partnerships between community, medical institutions and government is needed in Pakistan to ensure sustainable environment for health. Local governments in Pakistan are more aware of their needs than the provincial and central governments. They have the relevant statistics as to which part of the district is more in need of health infrastructure and that what communities have lesser access to health care facilities. This data should not be only used to get fiscal grants from the higher tiers to finance the expenditure incurred on vague and misdirected health care projects. Usually government servants are entitled for health facilities and well off people in Pakistan prefer private medical services. It is the disadvantageous groups and poor communities including minorities that remain out of this safety net. It is their basic human right that needs to be taken care of in line with MDGs. One suggestion is that Community Development Department and Health Department in the district government should join hands to introduce Community Health Insurance Schemes for specific disadvantageous groups and poor communities. This scheme may work in line with micro-credit institutional framework but with no or less profit. Government may finance the scheme by allocating some portion of their budget for health to institutionalize the idea and rest can arrange through fiscal grants. Even Financial institutions would be eager to finance this project in every district of Pakistan as the concept of health insurance is still in infancy. According to the concept, communities including minorities and ethnic groups and combined family units may apply for Community Health Insurance on payment of contribution
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collectively. And any registered member of that community would be entitled for free of cost priority treatment at the government hospitals in the district. Green Revolution by Local Governments Who should be and who can be more concerned about local bio-diversity other than local governments. United Kingdoms Policy on Bio-diversity (2005) envisages that policy and planning can be effective if it is introduced where people live and work. Bio-diversity in Pakistan faces pressures from policies and actions that are not indigenous. Environment is one of the subjects delegated to district governments under the devolution plan and this transition should have reflected the local and indigenous priorities in the new set up. Unfortunately, the creative approaches to save or strengthen environment have not been adopted by the local governments in Pakistan. Almost every part of the country has its own specific species of herbs, plants and trees that has clear influences and distinct advantages for the people. Today, Pine trees in Murree, Peepal in Lahore, Keekar in Multan, and special medicinal herbs found in Attock are facing extinction only because of lack of vision that essentially must come from the local people and the local government. The higher tiers of government can facilitate a Green Revolution by employing the local government network. The federal government can arrange soft loans and grants for the purpose and provincial governments can encourage all the local government to pass a bill for a local green revolution. One strategy can be to motivate the local residents through elected councilors to plant and adopt one tree every year in and around their places. Even it can be considered to make it compulsory to plant and look after at least one tree for all the residents in a locality. After all it is going to contribute for a more safe and friendly environment which is in their own interests. Effective awareness campaigns in this bio-diversity preservation project can create miracles. Entrepreneurships Peter McFareen, CEO of Inter-American Culture Foundation while addressing a seminar on Cultural Trades and Entrepreneurships (2010) observed that Small and Medium Size enterprises should now turn to cultural industries as these are rapidly becoming key strategic
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economic sectors in the developing world. The vision for Pakistan is that every city government should run the affairs of their district in line with principles laid down for corporate firms. Cost analysis should be done as to what potential resources are being wasted and how productive one district organization can be. Every district in Pakistan has its own variety of local arts, crafts, specialties, tourism spots and food cuisine. Local governments should be empowered to plan projection strategy for themselves. Professional from the domestic and international markets can be hired to bring the local cultures in the national and international spotlight. Every district government should develop a website to create a space for their district on the World Wide Web. Young professionals and entrepreneurs can be hired by the local government to pick up products and services from the available arts and crafts and introduce them to the world by establishing independent businesses and by making use of the information technology. Businesses such as manufacturing of carpets, block printing materials, jewelry etc. and their export can flourish by reinvigorating the cultural policy in the district governments. Incentives for female participation in socio-economic activities can also be part of this cultural diversity projection plan. Joint Projects United Kingdom has successfully launched and implemented Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Partnerships in their local governments in sectors such as education, health and infrastructure development. All the ideas listed in the discussion above in the context of Pakistan can also be translated in the form of Public Private Partnership Projects. Whether it is the Insurance Scheme or the building of website for local arts and crafts or developing businesses for export of local souvenirs or setting up state of the art food cuisine markets in the local government set-ups, there is a huge possibility of growth of local businesses in the culture market. Pakistan has the largest canal system in the world and it runs through almost all parts of the country. The beautiful spots around the canal network have been lying vacant without any purpose. Local governments can introduce tourism and entertainment related businesses by leasing land to prospective businesses from the private market. Even joint project in teaching regional languages for increasing literacy rate can also be worked out with the help of private
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educational networks. District governments may also seek arrangements for getting access to credit and permission to issue district bonds to generate resources for their districts. The initiatives will not only create employment opportunities for hundreds of people in their own localities but will also develop a sense of ownership among the local residents for their cultural values. Conclusion Merille.S. Grindle , a scholar at Harvard School of Government reacted strongly in the 1990s against the World Bank when they introduced no less than 144 indicators of performance for governments to deliver for decentralization. She pointed out that these set targets for good governance had no relevance to local cultures and traditions and thus she advocated for cultural specific decentralization framework that can cater for real needs of the people. This theory stands true for multi-cultural societies like Pakistan. Pakistan has recently gone through a very critical phase of decentralization. People of Pakistan for the first time had a taste of local empowerment in the true sense of the term. Although the countrys managers have once again tried to roll back the decentralization mode of governance but it will be difficult for people to forget recent experiences of participation in political and administrative decision making. Like in other countries of the world, desire for local governments in Pakistan will again make a comeback. This is high time for the proponents of cultural diversity, social justice and effective service delivery to join hands and work out a strategic framework under the respective local governments in Pakistan. Local interpretation of powers already decentralized by the central government will help the communities to participate in decision making about their way of life in their territories. Local governments can employ innovative project designing and local budgetary process for defining their local priorities. The district governments should take a lead in identifying inventive ideas and schemes to generate resources, mobilize private capital and to promote and preserve local communities and cultures. Based on heritages in local communities, it is possible to provide goods and services to global community that is eager to cherish endangered values.
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References
Appendix - I
Colombain,M.(1953)Cooperatives and Fundamentals of Education. UNESCO Articles published in France,8,23-29. Decker,K.(1992).Languages of Chitral. Socio-linguistic survey of Northern Pakistan, Vol 5. Woolcock,M.(2002) Culture and Development; Rethinking Implications for Policy Research. Harvard University Press, USA. Lavoy,P.(2002). Pakistans Strategic Culture. Policy Paper for Defense Threat Reduction Agency,USA. Teaero,T.(2002) The Role of Indigenous Art, Culture and Knowledge in Primary Education. Working Document for UNESCO Conference on Education held at Fiji. Rahman,T.(2003).Language policy, multilingualism and language vitality in Pakistan. Quaid e Azam University Research Thesis. Wheatley,S.(2003). Deliberate democracy and minorities. EJIL, Academic Journal, 14, 505507. Polyparn,K.(2003). UNESCAP Country Reports on Local Government Systems.UNESCAP Journal,6,78-79. Chatterjee,R.(2003). A History of the People of the Subcontinent of India in a Nutshell. Frandsen Humanities Press, University of Nevada. Grindle,M.(2004) Good Enough Governance: Poverty Reduction and Reform in Developing Countries, Governance,17, pp. 525-548. Nistar,S.(2004).UNESCO and Indigenous People; Partnerships to promote cultural diversity. National Action Plan Report. Ministry of Health Publication. Tso,J.(2005) Bio-diversity and Geological Conservation. Statement,Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,8,23-26. UK Planning Policy
Jarrige,J.(2006). Mehrgarh Neolithic. Paper presented in seminar on First Farmers in Global Perspective,Lucknow,India. Papamarcos,S.&Watson,G.(2006). Cultures consequences for economic development. Global Business and Technology journal,2,23-45. Nadvi,K.,&Robinson,M.(2006). Pakistan Drivers of Change; Synthesis and Policy Implications. Report for Department for International Development (DFID), UK. Bukhari,S.(2007).Swat: A Dangerous Flashpoint in the Making. Pakistan Security Research Unit (PSRU) Journal,25.
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Jahanzaib,M.(2007). Pakistan; Culture art and policies. Pakistan National Council of Arts; PNCA Journal,4,23-27. Rahim,G.(2008). Taxila under the Kushans. Post Doctoral Fellowship Report for the Department of Coins and Medals, British Museum, London (UK). Bashar,J.(2008). Education for All; mid-decade country report. Government of policy document,5,67-87. Pakistan
Cathe,E.(2008). Pakistan Socio-Religious Harmony Program Report. Six monthly Progress Report. Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED), UK. Parpola,A.(2009). Study of the Indus Script,Delhi. Idris,I.(2009). Local capacity development investments for MDG localization in Pakistan. ADB, Pakistan Resident Mission, Islamabad. Jabeen,N&Jadoon,M (2009).Gender and local governance in Pakistan. International NGO journal,4,264-276. Gezairy,H.(2010).Working with the grass-roots. Paper read at a regional conference on health sector at University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Gauhar,M.(2009).Cultural Diversity;Essential for Peace. Key-note address at the World Summit on Art & Culture, held at Johannesburg,South Africa. McFareen,P.(2010). SME innovation; Boosting development and growth in times of change. Paper read at 6th International association annual meeting at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Local cultures around the globe have always faced a myriad number of challenges in order to survive. The burden of history, the trends in politics and changing roles of individuals and groups have their impressions in the development or destruction of cultural values. Pakistan has been in the eye of storm since U.S led war on terror dragged the country into chaos since 2001. The war has its religious and cultural dimension and thus its direct reflections on societal values are significant.

Managing Cultural Diversity in Pakistan

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Managing Cultural Diversity in Pakistan; Issues and Options for Local Governments

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