ISLAMABAD Aug 6: Experts on Monday called upon the corporate sector to play its societal role and address some of the main socio-economic issues contributing to conflicts such as poverty and unemployment.

Speaking at the seminar organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), the experts opined that weak and non- existent government institutions are unable to effectively address the multifaceted conflicts in Pakistan.

The seminar on ‘Peace through Profit: Peace-building through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Pakistan’ was jointly organised by Responsible Businesses Initiative (RBI) and International Alert, London. Dr Vaqar Ahmed, Head, Economic Growth Unit, SDPI moderated the proceedings.

Speaking at the occasion, Asad Umar, former CEO Engro Corporation and Senior Vice-President, PTI said, Pakistan Tehrik Insaaf (PTI) has finalised its economic policy which would be announced very soon. This policy puts greater emphasises on socio- economic welfare of people of Pakistan.

Talking on role of business in conflict resolution, he said, private sector must vigorously be engaged in public policy issues particularly conflict prevention and resolution as businesses are the foremost victim of conflicts.

He also lamented the corporate sector for limited community services and urged the businesses to fulfil their societal responsibilities.

Citing an example, he said, Ghotki in Sindh is one of the biggest industrial hub with largest reservoirs of natural gas but there is not a single technical training institute. Engro is the only one which recently established a technical institute for the local community.

He said, it is in the interests of corporate sector to have congenial relations with the community.

Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmad, Chairman, Peoples Labour Bureau and former MNA, PPP showed his apprehensions over the limited role of corporations, which he said have vested interests and mint more money from conflicts rather than peace.

These corporations, he said, are exploiting the workers and local community by avoiding their civic responsibilities and practicing unethical business practices which ultimately lead to conflicts.

Calling for regional integration in South Asia, he said, South Asia can only lead to prosperity if there is peace and open interaction of people particularly in area of business and trade.

Shafqat Munir, Coordinator, Asia Rights in Crisis, Oxfam called upon the government, corporate sector and civil society to work together for an effective implementation of corporate social responsibility concept. He said, corporate sector can play its role in conflict resolution in the society through leveraging its position, skills, resources and wider support network, adding that humanitarian access and protection of rights should be given prime emphasis while working in conflict situation.—APP