PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Renowned constitutional expert, civic educator, and public policy analyst Zafarullah Khan has emphasized that democracy, constitutional awareness, and economic development are deeply interconnected and essential for Pakistan’s long-term stability and national progress.
He expressed these views while addressing a high-level dialogue titled “Knowledge, Citizenship & National Renewal – Building an Informed Society,” organized by Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) at its Islamabad Office.
Addressing participants, Mr. Zafarullah Khan observed that “economy and democracy are like two wings of a bird; if one fails, the country cannot move forward effectively.” He stressed that democratic continuity, institutional strength, and informed citizen participation are necessary foundations for economic stability and sustainable development.
He further highlighted that one of Pakistan’s major challenges is the limited understanding of constitutional rights, civic duties, and democratic processes among citizens, particularly youth. He called for introducing civic and constitutional education as a regular part of university and educational curricula to help nurture informed, responsible, and active citizens.
Mr. Zafarullah Khan also emphasized the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and informed public debate in overcoming polarization and strengthening democratic culture. He noted that universities, media institutions, civil society organizations, and policy platforms must work collectively to promote critical thinking, democratic values, and evidence-based public engagement.
The dialogue brought together distinguished academicians, legal experts, policy practitioners, media professionals, researchers, development leaders, and representatives from civil society to deliberate on informed citizenship, constitutional literacy, democratic participation, and national renewal.
Among the prominent participants was Mr. Awais Satti, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (ICSTSI), who has been actively advocating for small business development, entrepreneurship facilitation, and economic reforms aimed at supporting traders and SMEs in Pakistan.
Dr. Ziaullah Ranjha, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan and constitutional law expert, also participated in the session and shared perspectives on constitutional governance, rule of law, and democratic accountability.
Renowned gender rights expert, public health advocate, and social development specialist Dr. Rakhshinda Perveen highlighted the importance of inclusive citizenship, women’s participation, and social justice in building an informed and progressive society.
Ms. Sameena Imtiaz, Head of Programs at the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), contributed to the discussion from the perspective of governance, peacebuilding, policy engagement, and social development initiatives.
Dr. Ansar Abbas, senior academic and Head of Department at Hamdard University, emphasized the role of higher education institutions in promoting research culture, civic responsibility, youth engagement, and intellectual leadership for national development.
The session was moderated by Dr. Shahbaz Tariq, Head of Research (Economics & Governance) at Freedom Gate Prosperity, who underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, civic responsibility, and intellectual engagement in strengthening democratic culture and social cohesion in Pakistan.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Gate Prosperity, reaffirmed FGP’s commitment to promoting informed dialogue, democratic awareness, and collaborative engagement among professionals, institutions, and communities. He noted that sustainable national development requires informed citizens, stronger institutions, and platforms that connect knowledge with practical policy solutions.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion, networking session, and a collective call for promoting informed, inclusive, and responsible citizenship in Pakistan.
