Global Week of Action For SDGS celebrated in front of GB Assembly

GILGT: (Daily Mountain Pass) Awaz CDS with support from Global Call for Action against Poverty (GCAP) and The Peoples’ Vaccine (PVA) in collaboration with PDA partner Publishing Extension Network-PEN organized an event for marking the global week for action for SDGs in front of Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly at Gilgit today on 20th September 2022.

The purpose of the awareness event was to highlight the human rights situation in Pakistan as well as the current socio economic and political in the country. Pakistan at this point in time is passing through the most difficult times in terms of increased poverty at 42%, inequality and insecurity increased many-folds where women, People with Disabilities (PWDs), minority groups, trans genders and other marginalized groups do not have access to basic facilities. Rising poverty is exasperating inequalities especially health, as poverty has direct relation to access and affordability of health facilities. Over 40% people, especially women, PWDs and minority groups do not have access to CORONA virus vaccine. Women in agriculture with constitute the 90% of labour force in the agriculture sector are unaccounted for, therefore they are deprived of minimum wage policy, employee old age benefits and social protection programs such BISP and workers’ welfare fund. Overall 40% of population is facing food insecurity, 48% children are stunted in Pakistan these figures will be quadrupled in the wake of super floods which wreaked havoc to life, livelihoods, infrastructure and corps. This is the direct impact of the climate degradation.

Pakistan is considered 2nd worst country in the world as per the most recent gender parity index 2021 released by World Economic Forum. 97% of the women face one or other form of harassment at work places whereas domestic and intimate partner’s violence is also rampant in the country. Recent floods and heavy rains have devastated agriculture lands, homes and properties of the cities and villages besides river Indus. Democracy is in danger for the last many years whereas the current hybrid regime is unable to ensure rule of law in the country. Media is under attack and journalists are restricted to express their view freely and impartially.

Awaz and PEN following the concept of “flip the script” organized with marginalized communities. Around 25 people participated in the event. Coordinator CM GB sabir Hussain highlighted the importance of SDGs proper implementation in Gilgit-Baltistan, and he said the government of GB is committed to achieve the SDGS within given time frame of 2030. All the participants held placards containing slogans for urging government to safeguarding their rights. the participants of the event included people from all walks of life. Men, women, children, PWDs, teachers and other community members were part of the event.

Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Khan founding director PEN, sabir Hussain Coordinator to CM GB and Ms. Shahida Akhlaq chairperson Gilgit-Baltistan Sustainable development Forum spoke at the occasion and they highlighted human rights issues, inequalities, insecurities which people face on every day basis. He/she pledged that the government as protector of their rights should act to fulfill its national and international commitments and provide people opportunities to equal, productive and dignified lives.