ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: Representatives of various civil society organisations, participating in a discussion on Friday, emphasised the need of incorporating lessons on democracy, constitution and federalism in textbooks.

There was consensus among the discussants that citizens’ participation in political processes, on-going dialogue and dynamic interaction among the stakeholders enriches evolution of societies that accommodate their diversities in all spheres of life.

The discussion on “Promise and Potential of Citizenship Education” was arranged by Centre for Civic Education (CCE).
They also talked about societal narratives and discourses that undermine democratic aspirations.

“Perhaps many segments of the society need crash courses on constitution, democracy and federalism to understand the social contract between the citizens and the state in Pakistan,” they said.

Elisabeth Alber, scholar of Institute for Studies on Federalism and Regionalism, sharing her views and European experiences, said that concept of ‘political citizen’ was at the heart of civic education initiatives in various countries.

Talking about contested political concepts, she shared the way European Academy prepared a glossary of 100 most important terms.

Scholars with varying perspectives assigned meanings to them after deliberation and consensus. She stressed the need of adopting inter-cultural learning techniques and tools and shared examples from various European countries.

Earlier, Zafarullah Khan, Executive Director of CCE, said: “Civic education is citizens’ currency to participate in the affairs of government and influence public policy in a peaceful manner”.

He appreciated the way now Election Commission of Pakistan is working for the awareness of voters’ and civic education.