Profile of INDUS FUTURE FOUNDATION

2012 - 2014

Introduction: Indus Future Foundation (IFF) emerged as the result of some like- minded persons who are or have been associated with the national and international organizations. These organizations worked during super flood of 2010 in Pakistan. It was also felt that there were some capacity issues of the organization who were active during the emergency 2010 throughout Sindh. The issues such as floods, continuous climate change, and law & order situation, socio-economic vulnerability have become the fate of Pakistan and particularly of Sindh province, which are more pa- thetic. In such situation, Indus Future Foundation was formed in July 2011 and started functioning since August 2011. Registration: FF is a registered entity. It was registered under Society Act (1860) in December 29, 2011. Mandate: FF mandates to address various problems facing vulnerable and under privileged communities. Team: IFF is led by full time Director and professional team with volunteers. The teams work a strategic unit which works as per strategic areas. Vision: I FF envisioned a just and peaceful society where all human beings enjoy basic human rights without religious, racial, sexual and linguis- tic discrimination. Mission: IFF facilitates social movement for people’s equal access to basic social services through delivering and advocating civic and political education, quality formal and non formal education, primary health- care, disaster preparedness and grassroots economic empower- ment. Membership and Affiliations: FANSA (Freshwater Action Network South Asia) a Key partner of FAN (Freshwater Action Network Global) Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council Partners and supporters: USAID/ The Asia Foundation SCOPE HRCP Government of Sindh Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme Aifailaan 2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sr. Name Designa- Experience tion

1 Mr. Punhal Khan Chairperson 30 years of Socio- Sario political experience, key role in peasant and So- cial Movement. 2 Ms. Nazia Bano Vice Chair- 14 years of experience in Baloch person Development sector, environment and fisheries. 3. Mr. Asghar Ali General Sec- 15 years of experience in Laghari retary social sector in Program and Project Manage- ment. 4. Dr. Ashothama Joint Secre- 20 years of experience in Luhana tary Human Right.

5. Mr. Abdul Jabbar Treasurer 15 years of experience in Bhatti Social sector.

6. Ms. Kulsoom Ali Member 10 year in social sector Mir Shah

7. Ms. Ferkhanda Member 10 years in Education Yasmeen Sahar Sector.

Core Development ProgramsCore Development of IFF

4 Disaster Risk Reduction Poverty, vulnerability and disasters are interlinked - it is most often the poorest that are worst affected and suffer most. Their poverty makes them more vulnerable. Their capacity to cope with disasters and recover from the effects is constrained by their lack of resources. But if those people are sufficiently prepared and enhanced their capacity to cope and recover quickly, then these droughts, floods and even earthquakes would not become disastrous. Objectives:  To build capacity of the vulnerable communities to reduce the risk of disaster.  To facilitate public and private development organizations/ firms for designing development projects in line with future hazards.  Develop village level, district level DRR plan for most vulnerable communities in Pakistan.

Water and Sanitation Realizing situation of water and sanitation, In September 2009, the government of Pakistan approved a National Drinking Water Policy and acknowledged to have access to safe drinking water as a basic human right and its responsibility to provide this for all its citizens without any discrimination. Objective  To enable poor communities to access safe water by working with them to build new water sources or rehabilitate old facilities and help people to understand how unsafe water and poor sanitation spread disease.  To provide safe sanitation facilities to each individual (women, child and man) lives in Pakistan.  To educate people regarding National water and sanitation policies of Pakistan and make them to realize that safe drinking water and safe sanitation facilities are their basic human rights.

Agriculture Extension: Economy of every state depends on three sectors i.e. agriculture, industry and commerce. These three are interrelated with each other as the progress or retrogress of one sector definitely effects the other two. Pakistan is an agricultural state thus agriculture gains are of much importance than any other sector. Importance of this sector is manifold as it feeds people, provides raw material for industry and also is a base for foreign trade and investment. There- fore, there is a need to focus on this sector and introduce modern 5 Climate Change It is the world’s poorest people who are hardest hit by devastating droughts, floods and other extreme weather events. This is a mas- sive injustice – climate change is caused by the world’s richest countries. Ways to tackle causes and effects of climate change are including;  Working with communities to reduce their vulnerability to the disasters made worse and more numerous by climate change, and to help them adapt to the longer term challenges which a changing climate pose.  Working with other organizations to share our learning of what works well and what can be done to make Programmes of work with poor communities even more effective.  Working with national and international bodies around the world to create and strengthen policies which reduce emis- sions and encourage funding and focus on adaptation to climate change.  Working with schools and teachers to encourage the delivery of effective, exciting climate change lessons which engage to- day's young people in the issues of climate change, creating a generation of global citizens who understand the impact of their actions on the environment and people around the world.  Launching and supporting campaigns designed to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, and enabling them to take tangible action to support strong and urgent change at the local, national and international level

Reproductive Health, HIV AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculo- sis Like other developing countries Pakistan is badly facing with reproductive health related problems and other highly infectious diseases like STIs, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and tuberculosis. The key objectives to cope with such chronic diseases are as follows.

Objectives:  To create an enabling environment at policy and societal level for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in rural areas of Pakistan;  To institutionalize the Sexual and Reproductive Health education in education system as well as to promote client-centered SRHR services in health management system. 6 Woman and Child Rights Woman has a key position at family and a nation but in society woman has not equal right as man. This society considers woman a decoration piece and does not allow woman to enjoy the rights, which nature as well as the United Nations recommended for her. Similarly, the condition of children is not good in the country and particular in Sindh province. Literacy ratio is less than 55%. There is much needed to work on child rights. Though, Pakistan is a one of the sig- natory of Convention on the Rights of the Child but the condition of children in rural and urban Sindh is worst. Objectives:  Advocacy, campaigning, lobbying and networking for women’s access to the rights accepted under CEDAW including participation in political process and making decisions.

7 Geographical Focus:

9 WATER, SANITATION & HEALTH: Observed world Toilet day in 2012.

10 Global Handwashing Day 15 October 2012. Marked at Village Mevo Khan Laghari– District T. M. Khan - Sindh.

11 Awareness Rally on Human Right Day 2012.

13 Voter’s Education for Democracy Project:

A capacity building training was organized for volunteers under voter’s education program. 50 volunteers (Boys and Girls) were trained and participated implementation of project activities. Certificate awarded to the participants on successfully completion of volunteers training course on Volunteerism. 14

Four seminars were organized to engage civil society organization and actors for holding free, fair and peaceful election under Voter’s education for democracy project. People were invited through writing a letter to participate into the seminar and raise voice for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. Secondly, to identify gaps/ issues necessary to come over for peaceful elections. Some issues and gaps identified during holding these seminars are as One of the opinion came through this seminar that it was not happened any uncer- tainty during previously polling in general elections. They were of the view that people votes during polls peacefully and everyone is inde- pendent to cast his/ her vote during polls. There were polling before. There was not any issue historically. People are peaceful, and aware of the consequences. Second opinion was that there is issue of rigging technically. They were of the view that people are very poor and majority of them is also illiterate. People lives on the land of land- lords/feudal. They do not have ownership of land on they are living. They are under pressure and have no freedom to cast their vote in- dependently. Voting ration remains always low than 40% previously. Voting ratio is gender biased. Less than 25% women cast their votes during polls. They said voice should be raised against expected rigging during polls for strengthening democracy in Pakistan. They said that civil society should be bridged to communicate voters’ issues to the relevant authorities. They hoped that the efforts taken by civil society organizations and actors will be effective and voting ratio will increase.

15 10 Corner meetings were held for creating awareness among voters. 567 men and women voter’s participated in corner meetings. The objective of this activity was to create awareness among voters and to know the problems/ issues they foresee in election held in 2013. The complaints shared by the participants during corner meetings would share to relevant authorities to take corrective measures pre polls to increase turnover. The team of IFF visits to the villagers/ voters and mobilize them and seek the time to hold corner meeting with mutual consensus. IFF team again visit them with full preparation to hold corner meeting with the voters to educate them and seek the problems they foresee in election held in 2013.

16 Door to Door Mobilization: It was carried out door to door visit to mobilize voters to cast their votes in general election held in 11 May 2013. The objective of this activity was to mobilize and educate voters to cast their votes in general election 2013, which is their basic right and to strengthen democratic process in the country. Secondly, to increase turnover in election held in 2013. IFF selected geographical area and identified polling station lowest turnover during previous general elections particularly in general election held in 2008. Ser- vices of 6 social Mobilizers were sought to carry out this activity. We gave orientation to them. They had planned to reach to the voters and give them message to cast their vote as it is their basic right. It was planned reach at least 5000 households in selected geographical areas/ polling stations. During the visit, social Mobilizers have registration sheets and IEC materials to get register the voters whom they visited. IEC materials were also provided to voters whom social Mobilizers visited and educated.

17 Established Awareness Raising Stalls: Raised awareness among voter’s by establishing stalls on 20 selected location of project area for 50 days. The objective of this activity was to create awareness among voters to cast their vote in general election held on 11 May 2013 and increase turnover. Volunteers and staff gave necessary information on importance of vote and motivated them to cast their vote in coming general election. They also were informed that where to complaint if they have any regarding voting, polling stations and threat from any party. IEC materials were also distrib- uted and displayed on walls. Banners were also displayed at stall. People/ voters have visited stalls and applauded efforts made by team of IFF.

18 Candidate Forum: Candidate Forum was organized to facilitate candidates and voters to sit together and discuss the election agenda of candidate and priori- ties of voters/ public. 265 participants related to different walks of life attended this event. Candidates from different political parties and in- dependent have presented their manifestoes. Candidates ensured people that they will perform for the right of the people of the area and their demands would be included into the manifestoes of the parties and will try to meet the demands of the people.

19 Meeting Relevant Authorities: Meeting was conducted with relevant authorities and facilitate them regarding the problems of the voters to cast their votes. 20 meetings held with local authorities and discussed different issues shared by voters during seminars, stalls, corner meetings. Local officials were cooperative enough and responded positively except few. Decisions were made on the issue discussed and resolved by the authorities.

Meeting MPA, Mr. Aijaz Hussain Shah Bhukhari: A meeting was conducted with MPA, Mr. Aijaz Hussain Shah Bukhari to discuss concerns and complaints of other candidates and reforms in Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) mechanism.

20 Meeting MPA, Mr. Abdul Kareem Soomro: A meeting was conducted with MPA, Mr. Abdul Kareem Soomro to discuss concerns and complaints of other candidates and reforms in

Meeting Mr. Muhammad Umer Memon, District Election Commissioner, T.M. Khan: Agenda of this meeting was to discuss post election situation, Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) mechanism and suggestions for improvement in EDR. Existing EDR may be reviewed and improved so that grievances of losing candidates can be re- dressed and ensures implementation of EDR mechanism was the concluding remarks of Mr. Memon.

21 Meeting Mr. Hadi Bux Zardari, Additional Deputy Com- missioner 1, T. M. Khan: Agenda of this meeting was to discuss post election situation, Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) mechanism and suggestions for improvement in EDR. Polling stations should be increased in double to give access to all voters to use their right to vote easily and without any pressure. Code of conduct strictly be followed and strict action be taken against whom who does not follow the code of conduct. Concluding remarks of Mr. Zardari.

Personal Meeting Candidate NA 222, Mr. Jaffar Ali Ni- zamani, Jamait Islami: IFF Team met Mr. Nazamani and recorded his complaint, grievances and suggestion to improve EDR mechanism.

22 Post Election Seminar: Title: Discussion on Weaknesses of EDR mechanism and Need of Reforms in EDR. Date:18 June 2013. Venue: Sindhi Adabi Sangat Hall, Civic Center T. M. Khan. Participants: 58 Along with others, one of losing candidate Dr. Ahmed Noonari also participated in the event. He was of the view that elections were totally engineered. It was pre planned that the candidates of one selected party will be given support by the machineries. It was totally fraud with the people of this nation. Participants were also of the view that election was engineered as most popular candidates defeated so badly. There is need to improve EDR mechanism.

Recommendations:  Available EDR mechanism should be implemented with its sprits.  District level complaint mechanism should be developed. A committee consisting on civil society actors should be formed to see the complaints.  Vote casting system should be improved as per the need of modern time and technology should be used in this regards.  Election commission itself took notices of where such types of complaints regarding rigging and engineering electoral process.

23 Media Mobilization:

24 25 26 Seminar on Role and Responsibilities of Teachers

A Seminar was organized in collaboration with Alifailaan a national campaign for improving education system in Pakistan. The Seminar was organized in Hyderabad Sindh on 31 December 2013. 27

28 Skill Development Program

A four months skill development program was implemented in collaboration with BBSYDP– Government of Sindh in March 2014 to July 2014 Success- fully. Skill of dress making was imparted to 180 rural women of District Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh. The trained women are earning livelihood by providing stitching services in their villages and also stitching clothes of babies and providing same in the market on a reasonable rate. Each of trainee women also received stipend PKR2500 per months from Government of Sindh, the stipend was paid on the basis of attendance in training.

29 Observed world water day 2014: Indus Future Foundation marked the world water day under banner and slogans for the water for all and claimed that water is a right, recognized by UN. On the occasion Mr. Punhal Sario, Chairperson INDUS FUTURE FOUNDA- TION, speaking to the participants said that Pakistan has to face many challenges on account of providing drinking water and safe sanitation to the people of the land. Despite high population growth the country has increased the share of the population with access to an improved water source from 85% in 1990 to 92% in 2010, although this does not necessarily mean that the water from these sources is safe to drink. Mr. Asghar Laghari, Deputy Provincial Focal Person (FANSA) Sindh Chapter told to the participants that FANSA is marking this day worldwide to remind Governments of the hour their commitment to the water and sanitation. They said MPs in the parliaments of National Assembly and 4 provincial Assemblies made commitment to the people of Pakistan during their election campaign that they will raise the voice to solving the water and sanitation issues of the Paki- stan. Mr. Aakash Mallah, a Nationalist political Activist said that water is a right of the people and need without water people cannot survive. He further said 80% population of Sindh is fallen in different water born diseases due to non availability of safe drinking water and safe sanitation. They consume more than 60% of their earning on medical treatment of their children and them- selves. He said it needs serious attention to solve and water and sanitation issues of people of Sindh particular.

WORLD WATER DAY 2014 - At Hydera- bad Sindh - Pakistan.

31 Event on World Water Day 2015

Speakers have said that vast coastal areas in Sindh province have been intruded by seawater dis- turbing the livelihood of common man as required amount of water to downstream and delta is not being released. The intrusion of seawater could have been resisted if proper and required amount of freshwater had been released by the federal government, they said, adding that thousands of acres of land were intruded in Badin and Thatta districts by seawater. They said this while speaking on the occasion of “World Water Day 2015” held at SEARCH office Hyderabad on Sunday which was organized by Indus Future Foundation (IFF) where a large number of civil society, media, stu- dents and other stakeholders participated.

The Sindh University conducted studies on this issue where it showed intensity of problem if it was not resolved in time, he said, adding it also showed that if such intrusion continued on this speed, majority areas of Badin and Thatta and Karachi would be submerged by seawater within short span of time.

Coordinator Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Dr Ashothama said that the water was fundamental right of every person but after every passing day it was being previous resources where multi-national companies were selling at exorbitant prices and they were putting it in bottle. Aside from this, other resources of water are depleting speedily due to not renewing groundwater because the freshwater is not being released in Indus, he added.

Director Indus Future Foundation, Asghar Laghari said that the government should take appropri- ate measures to resolve such issues. Besides, the irrigation system in province should be improved for transparent distribution of water among small growers and farmers and for preventing losses of water occurring due to water seepage as the scarcity of water could be eliminated in the province. Member of the HRCP, Sahib Oad said that there was a need of dialogue on the issue and in addi- tion to this, the civil society should take all efforts to get it resolved.

32 Project: Education People on Local Government System in T. M. Khan. Objectives and Achievements: Objective No.1. To establish informed public opinion 3and create awareness about the importance and need for efficient and elected local government systems; Objective No.2 To sensitize relevant stakeholders (political parties, ECP, elected representatives, citizens, media etc.) about effective implementation of the local government laws; and Objective No.3 To build public pressure on the provincial government to hold timely local government elections. Achievements: 4988 beneficiaries were contacted and imparted knowledge, understanding on importance of local government system and educated them on Sindh Local Government Act 2015. Out of 4988 beneficiaries 1876 are women and remaining 3112 are men from all sections of the society, and especially from marginalized and underprivileged sections. Around 3000 youth and 800 from minorities were the beneficiaries of the project. The beneficiaries were engaged through different kind of activities that includes capacity building, Citizens Assemblies, Public Forums, Interactive Conferences, Debate Competitions, Estab- lishment of Informative Stalls, Meeting with District Officials of ECP, and Meeting with District Leadership of Political Parties, IEC Dissemi- nation, Signature Campaign, Walk and Media Event.

People got knowledge and understanding on importance of local Gov- ernment system and functions, mandate and structure of LG, and how LG is helpful for solving local issues. A discourse generated for delays in holding of local government elections in Sindh province.

As a result of project, demands were created for holding of local government elections in Sindh without further delay, and to remove all the barriers to prevent women to take part in upcoming local government elections, and norms and ethics of ECP for elections should be followed for free and fair elections.

33 Capacity Building Event for Volunteers: IFF Trained 35 youths on the theme of importance of Local Government System. It was two days long training. The contents of training includes De- mocracy, State, Government, SLGA2015.

34 Organizing of Citizen Assemblies: Citizens’ Assemblies were organized to create awareness among people on the importance of local government system, and knowledge on SLGA 2015. Three assemblies were organized in different towns/ cities of district Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh.

Citizens’ Assembly at Town Committee Bulri Shah Kareem, T. M. Khan.

Citizens’ Assembly at Moya (Ghulam Shah Bagrani), T. M. Khan.

Citizens’ Assembly in City Tando Muhammad Khan.