R E P O R T Simulation Workshops How to Resolve Real Conflicts?

Transcription

1 REPORT for Members of the Provincial Assemblies of Punjab and Sindh and Legislative Assemblies of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan 2011

2 REPORT For Members of the Provincial Assemblies of Punjab and Sindh and Legislative Assemblies of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan 2011

3 PILDAT is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit indigenous research and training institution with the mission to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. PILDAT is a registered non-profit entity under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, Pakistan. Copyright Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency PILDAT All rights reserved Printed in Pakistan Published: November 2011 ISBN: Any part of this publication can be used or cited with a clear reference to PILDAT Published by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency - PILDAT Head Office: No. 7, 9th Avenue, F-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan Lahore Office: 45-A, Sector XX, 2nd Floor, Phase III Commercial Area, DHA, Lahore Tel: (+92-51) ; Fax: (+92-51) info@pildat.org; Web:

4 CONTENTS Preface Introduction Description of the on How to Resolve Real Conflicts Simulation Workshop for Members of the Parliament Topic: Demand of Kalabagh Dam Simulation Workshop for Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab Topic: Demand for Saraiki Province Simulation Workshop for Members of the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan Topic: Sectarian Conflict in Gilgit-Baltistan Simulation Workshop for Members of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Topic: Pakistan-Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Politico-Legal Conflict Simulation Workshop for Members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh Topic: Ethnic Conflict in Sindh

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6 Preface ILDAT had organised a series of simulation workshops on How to Resolve Real Conflicts for Parliamentarians, Legislators of Provincial Assemblies of the Punjab and Sindh and Legislative Assemblies of Azad Jammu & Kashmir P and Gilgit-Baltistan, Parliamentary staff of these legislatures and youth wings of major political parties of Pakistan in These simulation workshops were organised on real issues being faced by the people of these regions. First workshop of this series was organised for Members of the Parliament on March 21, 2011 in Islamabad, workshops were organised for members the Provincial Assemblies of the Punjab and Sindh on March 17, 2011 in Lahore and on October 24, 2011 in Karachi respectively. Similar workshops were held for members for the Legislative Assemblies of Gilgit-Baltistan on May 04, 2011 and Azad Jammu & Kashmir on September 29, 2011 in Islamabad respectively. These workshops were designed as mock simulation exercises on real issues being faced by the region in which participants were trained through an opportunity to resolve a real issue, in a real time setting, through simulated role playing so as to generate meaningful solutions to the issue. Acknowledgments PILDAT would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the British High Commission, Islamabad through UK Government's Conflict Pool for the project of Orientation of members of the Parliament, Provincial Assemblies of Sindh and Punjab and Legislative Assemblies of AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan on conflict resolution. The report has been prepared under the project. Disclaimer The views, opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the British High Commission, Islamabad or PILDAT. Islamabad November

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8 introduction Introduction PILDAT undertook a series of simulation workshops on How to Resolve Real Conflicts to enhance conflict understanding, resolution and negotiation strategies among elected legislators and office bearers of major political parties through which participants were trained and provided an opportunity to resolve a real issue, in a real-time setting, through simulated role playing so as to generate meaningful solutions to the issue. The concept underlying the simulation setting of workshops envisaged an interactive exposure of the legislators to real-time challenges under a controlled setting to generate and condition thought processes and institutional practices towards meaningful conceptualization of social contexts. Each workshop encompassed a three-phased process of learning in one continuous session namely planning, negotiations and simulated media debrief. Each phase entailed a set of activities as follows: a. Planning Phase Conflict analysis 1) Undertaking pragmatic assessment of national interests and goals under given environment. 2) Wholesome conflict analysis. 3) Understanding intricacies involved in multi-lateral interactions. 4) Challenges in consensus building in a multiparty fluid setting involving contentious issues. 5) Drawing objective conclusions and developing viable response options amenable to political and popular acceptance in keeping with legal demands where applicable. 6) After detailed cost and benefit analysis choosing best available option to resolve the conflict with in-built contingencies to meet unforeseen situations. b. Negotiation Formulating negotiations and implementation strategy in a politically cost effective manner. c. Media Debrief Preparing a media debrief for a simulated press conference as spokesperson of party being represented in the conflict. 07

9 Conduct of the Workshop Workshops were started by the conductor's briefing to highlight different dimensions of the whole exercise including its conduct methodology. The modalities were covered in about 20 minutes. Stages and Grouping The aforementioned phases were conducted spread over duration of five hours broken by planned intervals. The participants were divided into two equal groups where gender balance was ensured in the group compositions. Besides, participants were requested to join a group which in real political arena does not represent their held ideological views. This was done with the purpose to ensure cross-sectional leaning of both the perspective i.e., for or against the issue under consideration. Planning Stage In all, the planning stage lasted for 2 ½ hours. The participants were made to sit in a roundtable manner. During their deliberations, there were monitored and constantly guided and urged to remain focused on the given parameters given in the assignment profile of each group. Negotiation Stage In this stage, each camp was made to sit face to face holding the negotiations with the other side. The discussion was moderated and input was provided to both the sides occasionally how to project and argue their respective views. Negotiations were held for about one hour. Media Debrief In this stage, two spokespersons were asked from both sides, who in a simulated press conference briefed the audience on details of the talks. Both presented their view points. At the end, all participants expressed their views on ways to improve structure and conduct methodology of such workshops in future. Evaluation of Effectiveness of Workshop An evaluation Performa was especially designed to measure the effectiveness of learning intended in the workshop. This was based on Likert scaling method adopting 'yes'&'no' pattern, wherein 13 questions were developed addressing substantive, methodological and administrative aspects of the workshop. 08

10 Simulation Workshop for Members of the Parliament Topic: Demand of Kalabagh Dam March 21, 2011 in Islamabad In an exercise to build conflict resolution and negotiation strategies for Members of Parliament, office bearers of major political parties and for the Parliamentary Staff, a mock simulation exercise was organised on March 21, 2011 in Islamabad, based on a live issue of whether or not Kalabagh Dam should be constructed. Members of the Parliament from all political parties and their youth wings participated in the workshop. The aim of the workshop was to deepen understanding of dynamics generating demand for construction of Kalabagh Dam and practice conflict resolution in order to build planning and decision-making capacity of the Parliamentarians in pursuance of national interests. Mr. Muhammad Feyyaz briefing the Participants of the Workshop Description of the In order to carry out the mock exercise aimed at enhancing conflict management and resolution skills of the participants, they were divided into two groups: the proponents and opponents of the conflict. Skillfully managed, the talks achieved meaningful result, though short of clear victory for either side, the opponents agreed in a media debrief after the talks, which the proponents had valid concerns about the lack of development of water resources and that talks must continue. A background paper on Construction of Kalabagh Dam to assist the participants was also prepared which neither supports nor opposes the construction of Kalabagh Dam. Evaluation of the Workshop by the Participants i. 100 % participants endorsed comfort provided to work. ii. 88 % endorsed the proposal to hold such L-R: Mr. Rauf Salim Khan, Mr. Imtiaz Raja, Ms. Farukh Khan, Ms. Fouzia Naz L-R: Mr. Sajid Ali Khan, Ms. Fouzia Ejaz Khan, MNA, Mr. Malik Shuja, Ms. Sumera Khan 09

11 workshops in future; identical number admired the administrative arrangements. iii % opined the workshop was a useful learning experience and has helped in understanding issue. iv % agreed with this opinion by contending 'somewhat'. v. 86 % were of the view that workshop generated interests while % acknowledged that workshop will help in improving their conflict vi. analysis and resolution skills. Only one person declined to accept that workshop generated any interests. vii % were of the opinion the exercise setting was not wholesome, while nearly 78 did not agreed with this observation. 10

12 Simulation Workshop for Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab Topic: Demand for Saraiki Province March 17, 2011 in Lahore Participants attending the Proceedings of the Workshop objective of the workshop was to deepen understanding of dynamics generating demand for Saraiki Province and practise conflict resolution strategies in order to build planning and decision-making capacity of the Parliamentarians within a national perspective. Second simulation workshop was organised for members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on March 17, 2011 in Lahore. The workshop was organised on the sensitive and burning issue of demand of Saraiki Province. The workshop was attended by large number of members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab; Legislative Staff while youth wings of major political parties including PML- N, PPPP, PML, MQM, PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami also took part in the simulation exercise. In an exercise to build conflict resolution and negotiation strategies for Members of Punjab Assembly and office bearers of major political parties, a mock simulation exercise was conducted based on a live issue of whether or not Southern Punjab should be a separate province. The In order to carry out the mock exercise aimed at enhancing conflict management and resolution skills of the participants, they were divided into two groups: the proponents and opponents of the conflict. The two sides were briefed on how to understand the contours of a conflict and prepare negotiation points in each group. Actively assisted by the Conductor on the strategies of negotiations, the two sides faced each other on the negotiation table in a negotiation that went on for hours. Skillfully managed, the talks though could not result in a clear victory for either side, the opponents agreed in a media debrief after the talks, that the proponents had valid concerns about the lack of development of the South Punjab and promised that development funds will be allocated in the upcoming budget on the basis of L-R: Ms. Misbah Noor, Mr. Zulfiqar Bader, Mr. Ijaz Ahmed Khan, MPA, Maj (Retd.) Zulfiqar Ali Gondal, MPA, Mr. Pervaiz Malik, MNA, Ms. Samea Raheel Qazi, Ms. Riffat Sultana Dar, MPA Participants debating on the Issue of Demand of Saraiki Province 11

13 population of South Punjab. A background paper on Demand for Saraiki Province to assist the participants was also prepared which neither supports nor opposes the creation of South Punjab as a separate province. Evaluation of the Workshop by the Participants i. 100 % participants endorsed comfort provided to work. ii. 88 % endorsed the proposal to hold such workshops in future; identical number admired the administrative arrangements. iii % opined the workshop was a useful learning experience and has helped in understanding Saraiki issue. iv % agreed with this opinion by contending 'somewhat'. v. 86 % were of the view that workshop generated interests while % acknowledged that workshop will help in improving their conflict vi. analysis and resolution skills. Only one person declined to accept that workshop generated any interests. vii % were of the opinion the exercise setting was not wholesome, while nearly 78 did not agreed with this observation. 12

14 Participants of the Workshop attending the briefing by the Conductor Simulation Workshop for Members of the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan Topic: Sectarian Conflict in Gilgit-Baltistan May 04, 2011 in Islamabad Third simulation workshop was organised for members of the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan on May 04, 2011 in Islamabad. The Simulation Workshop was held on the live sectarian conflict in Gilgit-Baltistan. The workshop was attended by Mr. Jamil Ahmed, Deputy Speaker GBLA, Ministers and members of Gilgit Baltistan legislative Assembly. Eighteen (18) members of the G-B Legislative Assembly while the Secretary and the Additional Secretary of G-B Legislative Assembly also took part in the simulation exercise. To assist the members of the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan in enhancing the conflict resolution and negotiation strategies, a mock simulation exercise was conducted based on a live issue of Sectarian conflict in G- B. The objective to organize the workshop was to highlight the salient dynamics and variables generating sectarian conflict in Gilgit-Baltistan. Groups were briefed on how to understand the contours of a conflict and prepare negotiation points in each group. Actively assisted by the Conductor on the strategies of negotiations, they faced each other on the negotiation table. Skillfully managed, the talks achieved meaningful result and the opponents agreed in a media debrief that the proponents had valid concerns about the lack of development on sectarian conflict and that talks must continue. A Background Paper on Sectarian Conflict in Gilgit- Baltistan to assist the participants was also prepared for the workshop and disseminated as part of workshop papers. Evaluation of the Workshop by the Participants Participants were not satisfied with duration of the workshop, insisting on increase in time allocation. Key L-R: Mr. Ali Madad Sher, MLA, Ms. Yasmeen Nazar, MLA, Mr. Jameel Malik, Deputy Speaker, GBLA, Mr. Janbaz Khan, MLA, Mr. Bashir Ahmed Khan, MLA, Presentation by the Conductor of the Workshop 13

15 highlights of the opinion poll are as follows: i. 100 % participants endorsed comfort provided to work. ii. 100 % endorsed the proposal to hold such workshops in future; identical number admired the administrative arrangements. iii % opined the workshop was a useful learning experience and has helped in understanding Sectarian issue. Less than 20 percent agreed with this opinion by contending 'somewhat'. iv. 85 % were of the view that workshop generated interests while 85 % acknowledged that workshop will help in improving their conflict analysis and resolution skills. v. 25 % were of the opinion the exercise setting was not wholesome, while nearly 75 did not agreed with this observation. 14

16 Participants attending the Briefing of the Workshop Simulation Workshop for Members of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Topic: Pakistan-Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Politico-Legal Conflict September 29, 2011 in Islamabad Fourth simulation workshop was organised for members of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir on September 29, 2011 in Islamabad. The workshop was attended by Sardar Ghulam Sadiq, Speaker AJ&K Legislative Assembly, Ms. Shaheen Kasuar Dar, Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Ministers and members of AJ&K legislative Assembly. Twelve (12) members of the AJ&K Legislative Assembly while four (4) members from the Secretariat staff including Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of AJ&K Legislative Assembly also took part in the simulation exercise. To assist the members of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in enhancing the conflict resolution and negotiation strategies, a mock simulation exercise was conducted based on a live issue of Pak-AJ&K politico-legal conflict. The objective of the workshop was to deepen understanding of dynamics generating Pakistan-AJ&K politico-legal Conflict and practise conflict resolution strategies in order to build planning and decision-making capacity of the Parliamentarians within a national perspective. Groups were briefed on how to understand the contours of a conflict and prepare negotiation points in each group. Actively assisted by the Conductor on the strategies of negotiations, they faced each other on the negotiation table. Skillfully managed, the talks achieved meaningful result and the members agreed in a media debrief that discourse and negotiations on traditional frictional relationship between the Federation and the State of AJ &K talks must continue. L-R: Mr. S M. Naseem Khan, Mr. Amjad Mahmood, Sardar Ghulam Sadiq, Speaker AJ&K Legislative Assembly, Participants during Media de-brief 15

17 A Background Paper on Pakistan-Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Politico-Legal Conflict to assist the participants was also prepared for the workshop and disseminated as part of workshop papers. Evaluation of the Workshop by the Participants I. 100 % participants endorsed comfort provided to work. i. 88 % endorsed the proposal to hold such workshops in future; identical number admired the administrative arrangements. ii % opined the workshop was a useful learning experience and has helped in understanding the issue under review percent agreed with this opinion by contending 'somewhat'. iii. 86 % were of the view that workshop generated interests while % acknowledged that workshop will help in improving their conflict analysis and resolution skills. Only one person declined to offer any opinion on the question. iv. 15 % were of the opinion the exercise setting was not really wholesome, while nearly 75 did not agreed with this observation. 16

18 Participants attending the Briefing of the Workshop Simulation Workshop for Members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh Topic: Ethnic Conflict in Sindh October 24, 2011 in Karachi To assist the members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, representatives and youth wings of major political parties and in enhancing the conflict resolution and negotiation strategies, a simulation exercise, based on the real issue of ethnic conflict in Sindh was organized on October 24, 2011 in Karachi. The workshop was attended by senior and seasoned legislators from the Provincial Assembly of Sindh and office bearers and representatives of major political parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI). Participants, who took part in various exercises of negotiation strategies and conflict resolution as part of a structured workshop, believed they, along with the Executive, should play an important role in facilitating the discourse among all stakeholders of Sindh to manage the conflict. Participants urged the administrative authorities to be neutral and non-partisan to control ethnic conflict in Sindh. Groups were briefed on how to understand the contours of a conflict and prepare negotiation points in each group. Actively assisted by the Conductor on the strategies of negotiations, they faced each other on the negotiation table. Skillfully managed, the talks achieved meaningful result and the members agreed in a media debrief that tolerance, peace, good governance, economic harmony and most importantly political will of the major political parties is the way forward to manage the historical ethnic conflict in Sindh. Participants during the Negotiation Phase Presentation by the Conductor of the Workshop 17

19 A Background Paper on Ethnic Conflict in Sindh to assist the participants was also prepared for the workshop and disseminated as part of workshop papers. Evaluation of the Workshop by the Participants i. 96 % participants endorsed comfort provided to work. ii. 100 % endorsed the proposal to hold such workshops in future; 88% admired the administrative arrangements. iii. 80 % opined the workshop was successful in generating interest and will help in improving conflict analysis skills. iv. 96 % were of the view that workshop was a useful learning experience. Only two persons persons declined to offer any opinion on the question. e. 56 % were of the opinion the exercise setting was really wholesome, while 44 regarded it somewhat relevant. None however, rendered it irrelevant. 18

20 Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency - PILDAT Head Office: No. 7, 9th Avenue, F-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan Lahore Office: 45-A, Sector XX, 2nd Floor, Phase III Commercial Area, DHA, Lahore Tel: (+92-51) ; Fax: (+92-51) info@pildat.org; Web: