Good Governance Council

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Message from Founder

2011-04-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

It gives me immense pleasure to announce the formation of the Good Governance Council as the governing body of the Good Governance Forum. Its objectives, constitution and the rules of business have been vetted by its legal advisor. It will be registered as a non-profit and non-governmental Trust.

Good Governance Council derives its origin from the Good Governance Forum that was founded in 2005, but activated in 2007, to lend Internet-based support to the movement for the restoration of the deposed judges, introduction of democracy and lifting of Nov 3, 2008 emergency. It was dedicated to the exchange of expertise, opinions, and suggestions amongst the educated and enlightened middle class belonging to almost all segments of the society within and outside Pakistan. Good Governance Forum has reached a network of 3,000+ members. Good Governance Forum is registered with the UN-DESA. It was invited to attend the Millenium Development Goals Summit in New York in 2009.

Good Governance Council shall have, on its various bodies, our concerned citizens of courage, confidence and commitment to work towards the Council's objectives in liaison with the government agencies, state organs and the media. The Council will work independently and serve as the voice of the civil society of Pakistan.

The Constitution and the Rules of Business of the Good Governance Council are detailed under Pages on right side bar of the home page on http://www.goodgovernancecouncil.co.cc.

The membership is open to All men and women who are committed to good governance in Pakistan and can play their individual role in furthering the cause of Pakistan and its people within the parameters laid down in the Constitution and the Rules of Business of the Good Governance Council.

I earnestly urge the educated and the enlightened citizens of Pakistan to come forward and join hands in leading the way to the Challenge of Change in Pakistan. A formal membership form will be circulated amongst the network members of the Good Governance Forum in due course of time. At the moment, I just need your consent to join any one of the specific bodies of the Good Governance Council as per its Constitution and the Rules of Business detailed at http://goodgovernancecouncil.blogspot.com/p/constitution-rules-of-business.html.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Founder
Good Governance Council
Pakistan
email: good.governance@gmail.com

2011-04-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

Good Governance Council is being formed and registered to become the governing body of the Good Governance Forum, Pakistan's First and Only interactive Think Tank on governance. It is also the Largest, Most Diversified, Most Globally Searched forum, ranking amongst the TOP 3 on Google and Yahoo!.

Good Governance Forum

http://www.goodgovernanceforum.com/

Favourite Links

2011-04-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Access My Library

AccessMyLibrary provides free access to millions of news and information articles (current and archived) from thousands of journals and publications - simply use your library card, or in some cases a U.S. driver's license, for immediate online access to the AccessMylibrary database.

List of Foreign Embassies, Consulates and Missions in Pakistan : afghanistan, albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan ...

Favourite Links
Foresight with Insight
www.opinion-maker.org
Social Activism
http://punctiliouspakistani.blogspot
South Asian Pulse
www.sapulse.com
Transparency International Pakistan
www.transparency.org.pk
Consumer Protection Council
www.helplinetrust.org
Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association
http://www.pesapk.com/

Citizens-Police Liaison Committee
www.cplc.org.pk

Helping the Citizens
www.citi-help-line.com

World Public Opinion Polls
WorldPublicOpinion.org

International Crisis Group
www.crisisgroup.org

Global Intelligence
www.stratfor.com

World's Most Interactive Museum
http://www.newseum.com/

Read Books Free

http://readbooksfree.blogspot.com/

Failure of Democracy and Governance in Pakistan

2011-04-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.defence.pk/forums/current-events-social-issues/47221-failure-democracy-governance-pakistan.html

Gmail - Pakistan’s Worsening Displacement Crisis - good.governance@gmail.com

2010-09-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Gmail - Pakistan’s Worsening Displacement Crisis - good.governance@gmail.com

Gmail - Being Rich and Poor - good.governance@gmail.com

2010-09-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Gmail - Being Rich and Poor - good.governance@gmail.com

Pakistan Slips Five Places in Transparency International Corruption Index - Pakistan Conflict Monitor

2010-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Pakistan Slips Five Places in Transparency International Corruption Index - Pakistan Conflict Monitor

2008-09-23 pakistan cpi/2008/press_releases_nc/latest news/news room

2010-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

2008-09-23 pakistan cpi/2008/press_releases_nc/latest news/news room

DAWN.COM | National | “Corruption in Pakistan can invite another coup”

2010-09-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

DAWN.COM | National | “Corruption in Pakistan can invite another coup”

List of Foreign Embassies, Consulates and Missions in Pakistan : afghanistan, albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan ...

2010-09-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

List of Foreign Embassies, Consulates and Missions in Pakistan : afghanistan, albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan ...

IRI Releases Survey of Pakistan Public Opinion | International Republican Institute (IRI)

2010-02-25T01:48:00.000-08:00

IRI Releases Survey of Pakistan Public Opinion International Republican Institute (IRI)

All problems emanating from poor governance

2009-10-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

All problems emanating from poor governance: Piracha

Source: SPECIAL REPORT April 7, 2009

LAHORE - Chairman Good Governance Forum Mumtaz A Piracha has said that the root cause of all the problems Pakistan is facing today is the absence of good governance, which in turn generated problems of its own while no progress has been made finding the solutions of the same.

He expressed these views in a special interview with daily The Nation on Monday. Piracha said 1973 Constitution contained proper check and balance system but the amendments made had disturbed the balance of power and cited the 17th amendment as an example that shifted the equilibrium in favour of the president at the cost of the prime minister. But more importantly it initiated a new tug of war between the two, he added.

He said good governance could only be achieved when executive branch of the state worked properly and bureaucracy limited itself to accurate execution of the policies formulated by the popularly elected government.

He said in this regard, the judiciary must ensure to fulfil its responsibility to protect the rights the masses granted under the law of the land, while question the government whenever their rights are usurped. But at the same time, it important that the judiciary keep in mind the restrictions as prescribed by the constitution as well as the complete independence for delivering justice.

At the same time, Piracha reminded media of its responsibilities saying that to highlight the achievements and short comings of the government for improve its working. Simultaneously, the civil society organisations should research and analyse the prevailing issues for presenting feasible remedies.

He was of the view that the challenges of today were a product of the last 10 years that could only be solved through good governance. He said the biggest issue being faced now was of economy, as whatever progress was made during the mast decade or so had benefited the landlords, elites, upper middle class and politicians, adding, it was the same lot who controlled 80 percent of national wealth but constituted only 20 percent of the population.

He was categorical in saying that until extensive development was not targeted in the agriculture and industrial sector, elimination of unemployment was impossible. He demanded special attention on small and medium enterprises and development projects at eh gross root levels along with effective measures to reduce alarming inflation. He also called for state intervention to curb various cartels and hoarders who manipulate the prices according to their interests.

He rejected the official claims showing only 8 percent unemployment ratio and said no government organisation had ever tabulated information about the issue, while same was the case with those living below the poverty line. He also criticised the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) launched at the cost of Rs34 billion and stated that it could provide ad hoc relief only.

He advocated policies designed in the interest of neglected segments of the society, like those 65 percent residing the rural areas, to improve their living standards and boost up the economy, which would also help is addressing the sense of deprivation prevailing in the society.

Expressing his opinion about the AfPak as announced by US President Obama, Piracha said although Islamabad had appreciated the policy, other political parties had considerable apprehensions regarding its fallouts. He said although Pakistan was going to a recipient of billions of dollars in shape of both military and non-military aid, it was unclear that it could attain the desired aims. He said the basic shortcoming of the US policy against war on terror was that it wanted to tackle it solely through using the military might. But it was deemed to create a backlash in shape of widespread public resentment and even more spreading terrorism. He also called for respecting the popular mandate of February 18 last year and denounced attempts like Supreme Court verdict against Sharif brothers and advised not to pull each other’s legs.

He also pointed out to the sense of dispossession in the parties that boycotted the general elections under the Musharraf regime. He demanded to make all the decisions in consultation with all political parties whether they were in or out of the parliament.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online//Regional/07-Apr-2009/All-problems-emanating-from-poor-governance-Piracha

Can governance be improved in Pakistan?

2009-10-19T01:34:00.001-07:00

Can governance be improved in Pakistan? is an oft-repeated question in the minds of the people in both urban and rural areas of the country. Let me briefly give you my point of view and invite you to express your views openly and frankly.

1. Who needs good governance in Pakistan?

In my humble opinion, it is the 90% population comprising the middle and the lower classes. The elite DOESN'T need it. They can only grumble about bad governance, talk about it a lot against it in private and public but suggest nothing and do nothing to improve governance. The reason being that they know in their hearts that bad governance is the best option for their growth and prosperity. The elite includes everybody who has made big money through wrong means and bad methods belonging to almost all segments of our society.

2. Why don't we have good governance in Pakistan?

In my humble opinion, it is because of the dismal failure and malignant apathy of the so-called educated and enlightened class, by and large, who are more interested in making money, rising in their jobs and increasing their professional practice to bear the cost of the bad governance. These are the people who comprise the civil society of Pakistan, unfortunately.

3. Who can bring good governance to Pakistan?

In my humble opinion, it is NOW only the hand-to-mouth educated middle class who cant bear the cost of bad governance. They don't have money to bribe to get their genuine work done, they don't have money to buy generators, they don't have money to pay for their basic necessities of life without cutting corners and reducing expenses in one head or the other and thus practically reducing their standard of living or quality of life to keep going in their lives.

Let us debate this issue thoroughly, identify the key areas of bad governance, their causes, and their solutions.
Each contributor may please focus on one issue ONLY at one time so that we have a proper perspective.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Chairman
Good Governance Council
Pakistan

What is good governance?

2009-05-09T23:06:00.000-07:00

Let us dismiss hypocrisy and enhance democracyBy changing the process to measure our country’s progress
--Poem "Young People, Take Charge" by TakingITGlobal member

Exercising power and decision-making for a group of people is called governance. It happens everywhere – from urban centres to rural villages – and the well-being of a community depends on the choices made by people granted this authority. Because of the diversity of organizational structures around the world, people such as land lords, heads of associations, cooperatives, NGOs, religious leaders, political parties and of course, government are all actors granted the power to govern.

“Good governance” is a relatively new term that is often used to describe the desired objective of a nation-state’s political development. The principles of good governance, however, are not new. Good governance is, in short, anti-corruption whereas authority and its institutions are accountable, effective and efficient, participatory, transparent, responsive, consensus-oriented, and equitable. These are the major characteristics of good governance as outlined by the United Nations.

The World Leaders at the 2005 World Summit concluded that good governance is integral to economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and sustainable development. The views of all oppressed groups, including women, youth and the poor, must be heard and considered by governing bodies because they will be the ones most negatively affected if good governance is not achieved.

For good governance to exist in both theory and practice, citizens must be empowered to participate in meaningful ways in decision-making processes. They have a right to information and to access. Although widespread accessibility remains a barrier for many countries, one of those ways is through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications such as the Internet. E-governance has emerged as a viable means to address development issues and challenges because citizens find empowerment through access to information. For more on this subject, please see our page on Understanding ICT for Development.

http://issues.takingitglobal.org/governance

INTRODUCTION

Recently the terms "governance" and "good governance" are being increasingly used in development literature. Bad governance is being increasingly regarded as one of the root causes of all evil within our societies. Major donors and international financial institutions are increasingly basing their aid and loans on the condition that reforms that ensure "good governance" are undertaken.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Participation

Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand.

Rule of law

Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.

Transparency

Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.

Responsiveness

Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.

Characteristics of good governance

Consensus oriented

There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.

Equity and inclusiveness

A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being.

Effectiveness and efficiency

Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Accountability

Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.

CONCLUSION

From the above discussion it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality. Source: http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm

Elements of Governance

Understanding the Conditions Necessary for Good Governance

ADB’s concept of governance relies on four key elements or conditions

Accountability
Participation
Predictability
Transparency

1. Accountability:Public officials must be accountable or answerable for their actions and responsive to the entity from which their authority is derived. ADB promotes accountability in government to build capacity to undertake economic reforms, implement reforms successfully, and provide citizens with an acceptable level of public services. Evaluation criteria and oversight mechanisms are necessary to measure the performance of public officials and to make sure standards are met.Read more about Accountability.

2. Participation:Participation refers to the involvement of citizens in the development process. Beneficiaries and groups affected by projects or other development interventions need to participate so that the government can make informed choices with respect to their needs, and social groups can protect their rights. ADB promotes participation in governments byEncouraging the participation of project beneficiaries and affected groups Improving the interface between the public and private sectors Empowering local government by letting them take ownership of projects Working with NGOs to mobilize and reach out to project beneficiaries Read more about Participation.

3. Predictability:A country's legal environment must be conducive to development. A government must be able to regulate itself via laws, regulations and policies, which encompass well-defined rights and duties, mechanisms for their enforcement, and impartial settlement of disputes. Predictability is about the fair and consistent application of these laws and implementation of government policies.Read more about Predictability.

4. Transparency:Transparency refers to the availability of information to the general public and clarity about government rules, regulations, and decisions. It can be strengthened through the citizens´ right to information with a degree of legal enforceability. Transparency and disclosure in government decision-making and public policy implementation reduces uncertainty and can help inhibit corruption among public officials. Read more about Transparency at source link.

Source: http://www.adb.org/Governance/elements.asp

Institute on Governance

Through our research and advisory activities, the Institute On Governance (IOG) constantly comes across new approaches, practices and ideas about governance issues. Although we use this information to produce quality programs for specific clients, we also believe that to effectively promote growth in governance issues we must share what we learn. In this spirit, the IOG has been active in professional development services since its beginnings in 1990, and is constantly developing new vehicles for sharing expertise.

The IOG has worked with different levels of government nationally and abroad, developing networks and an in-depth research base. As our activities grow, our professional development series has also blossomed to better reflect the broad range of knowledge, tools and contacts we now have available.

All our programs are research-based and designed to engage participants through active learning. Our programs include expert speakers, lively discussions, problem-solving through role-plays and other interactive techniques.

In addition, IOG’s alumni event provides on-going networking opportunities for those who have attended our learning programs.

Workshops:

New!! Knowing Where You Are Going
Strategy & Performance Measurement in the Public Service Answering Back
Preparing your Minister for Question Period Art & Craft of Policy Making I Art & Craft of Policy Making II Telling It Like It Is
Oral & Written Briefings Demystifying the Treasury Board Submission Process Means, Ends, Indicators
Basics of Public-Sector Performance Measurement Getting Real about Results
What Public Service Executives Need to Know about Results-Based Management Aboriginal Governance
Challenges and Perspectives Building Effective Relationships with Aboriginal People Diversity in the Workplace How Government Works Values and Ethics Strategic Planning Leadership, Change and Resilience Getting Governance Right
Boards in the Non-profit and Public Sectors and more Knowledge Management Capturing Experience

The IOG Memory Stick Program Special Series Seminars on Science Policy Aboriginal Workshop Series Roundtables and ForumsTowards a New Aboriginal Governance Agenda (TANAGA)

Biotechnology Forum CityScapes Roundtable Series and more

The overview documents below list IOG courses offered in the National Capital Region over the next year.

The Learning Centre is currently growing to expand our offerings and develop new courses, and our fully revised calendar will be released in August 2008.

Learning Centre Interim Course Calendar 2008-09 Occasions d'apprentissage 2008-09

Source: http://www.iog.ca/learning_centre.asp
4:23 AM

FORUM PRINCIPLES OF GOOD LEADERSHIP

1. Respect for Law and System of Government

(i) Respect for and upholding of democratic processes and institutions, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and the legislature to:
(a) Allow for the peaceful and lawful transfer of power; and
(b) Respect and promote the separation of powers by ensuring the financial autonomy of the judiciary and Parliament, and ensure that the judiciary and Parliament are free from unlawful interference by the executive;

(ii) Upholding a just, fair and honest government through:

(a) Respect for and enforcement of the decisions of the courts and independent tribunals;
(b) Enforcement of lawful instructions and lawfully created policies;
(c) Compliance with the letter and spirit of the laws, which are made for the benefit of the public;(d) Disclosure of fraud, corruption and mal-administration, of which the leader has become aware;
(e) Refraining from exertion of pressure, and abuse of persons carrying out their lawful duties;
(f) Refraining from using any legal immunity or privilege as a clock or shield for behaviour of a lower ethical standard than that reasonable expected of the leader by citizens;
(g) Establishing and empowering bodies, such as Ombudsman Commission, to independently investigate public complaints against government actions;
(h) Ensuring that the Auditor-General reports directly and in a timely manner to Parliament/Congress;

(iii) Protection of fundamental human rights

2. Respect for Cultural Values, Customs and TraditionsRespect for cultural values, customs, traditions and indigenous rights and observations of traditional protocols in the exercise of power

3. Respect for Freedom of ReligionRespect for religious beliefs

4. Respect for People on whose behalf Leaders Exercise Power

(i) Proper use of official powers;
(ii) Honesty in dealing with the people and Parliament, with any misleading information corrected at the earliest practical opportunity;
(iii) Publicising information on legal wrongdoing, ethical lapses and false or misleading statement;(vi) Giving priority to official duties over private interests;
(v) Performance of public duties uninfluenced by fear of personal cost or any hope of personal benefit;
(vi) Public and private conduct does not lead to a conflict of interest, or in which the fair and impartial exercise of duties might not be compromised;
(vii) Ensuring that public facilities are used only for public purposes, and not for personal purposes unless authorised by legislation or by a public decision of Cabinet

5. Respect for Members of the PublicTreatment of members of the public honestly and fairly with proper regard for their rights and obligations

6. Economy and EfficiencyEnsuring that public resources are not wasted, abused, or used improperly or extravagantly

7. Diligence

(i) Exercise of proper diligence, care, and attention;
(ii) Always seeking to achieve high standards of Public administration

8. National Peace and Security

(i) Promotion of peace, security and harmony;
(ii) Refusal to give or obey an illegal order to use force against another citizen.

9. Respect for Office

(i) Exercise authority and interact with people in a manner that is open, transparent, accountable, participatory and decisive but fair and equitable;
(ii) Seek to strengthen the integrity of a leader’s Office and its effectiveness

http://www.forumsec.org.fj/pages.cfm/good-governance/forum-principles-of-good-leadership-accountability.html