managing cultural diversity in pakistan

Mukhtar Paras Shah Graduate Institute of Policy Studies, Tokyo

Managing Cultural Diversity in Pakistan; Issues and Options for

Local Governments

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

Mukhtar Paras Shah Page 1

Managing Cultural Diversity

in Pakistan;

Issues and Options

for Local Governments



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



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

[email protected];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.



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.



Index Page No

1. Introduction 01

2. Issues on Cultural Diversity 03

2.1 Interaction among Communities 03

2.1.1 Religious harmony 03

2.1.2 Appreciation of local culture 04

2.1.3 Promotion of regional languages 05

2.2 Social Development 06

2.2.1 Education 07

2.2.2 Health 07

2.2.3 Environment 08

2.2.4 Economic Uplift 09

2.3 Participation in Governance 10

2.3.1 Political framework 10

2.3.2 Gender imbalance 10

2.3.3 Public Private Partnerships 11

3. Role of Local Governments 12

3.1 Citizen Committees 12

3.2 Local Festivals 13

3.3 Primary education in native language 14

3.4 District Health Insurance 15

3.5 Green Revolution by LGs 16

3.6 Entrepreneurships 16

3.7 Female Participation 16

3.8 Joint Projects 17

4. Conclusion 18



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



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.



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 don’t regard differences



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 one’s 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



country have appreciated varied colors and customs of Pakistan and they love each other’s

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 other’s’ 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 don’t 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.



However, an effort in promotion of provincial languages across country can promise more

acceptances of each other’s 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

world’s 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



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



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. Asia’s 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



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 country’s 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?



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). Pakistan’s 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



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



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 Japan’s 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.



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 other’s 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

religion’s 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.



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 can’t 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 one’s 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.



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



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 Kingdom’s 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



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



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 country’s 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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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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