It is easy to be critical of the existing systems and the people managing them, just as the common perception around. There is a common belief that someone else is responsible for fixing what is not working and solving all the problems. But the ultimate way forward is the mindset that change starts from the individual, and each citizen has a role in a functional society.

Civic awareness emerges as a crucial thread in Pakistan's societal fabric, weaving together the values, knowledge, and skills essential for fostering responsible citizenship. Rooted in the nation's democratic ethos, civic education is the cornerstone for nurturing active participation, upholding democratic principles, and fostering social cohesion. This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted significance of civic education in Pakistan, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the nation's future and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and country.
The German model of civic awareness is considered highly effective. It follows a structured approach involving both public and private institutions. It begins with federal ministries, federating units, and federal agencies and then extends to local governments, development programs, trade unions, and academia. This model emphasizes the importance of civic duties, encouraging students to take responsibility and fulfil their obligations as active citizens.¹ 

In Pakistan, where governance is deeply embedded in the national ethos, civic education is crucial in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

Civic awareness is essential for equipping individuals with the knowledge and understanding necessary to engage effectively in civic life. In Pakistan, where governance is deeply embedded in the national ethos, civic education is crucial in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.² Civic education instils foundational concepts such as democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law, and civic responsibilities, laying the groundwork for active participation in the democratic process and cultivating a culture of accountability and transparency.
At the national level, only 9.2 percent of the population is engaged in voluntary work on a regular basis. Civic engagement is notably stronger in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) compared to other regions, with GB having the highest participation rate nationwide. In contrast, Punjab exhibited the highest percentage (80.1 percent) of individuals not involved in voluntary work.³
Recent Civic Awareness Initiatives/Projects in Pakistan
There are several campaigns and projects initiated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) launched in Pakistan for the betterment of the society and the nation:
▪Reframing Education Accountability in Pakistan. Reframing Education Accountability in Pakistan (REAP) project is designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education in Pakistan by focusing on accountability mechanisms. It aims to strengthen the capacity of educational institutions, local governments, and communities to monitor and improve educational outcomes. The project emphasizes data-driven approaches, transparency, and continuous procedural engagement to ensure that educational policies and practices meet the needs of students and communities. By fostering collaboration among various actors and promoting evidence-based decision-making, REAP seeks to create a more accountable and responsive education system in Pakistan.
▪Enhanced Democratic Accountability and Civic Engagement Program. The Enhanced Democratic Accountability and Civic Engagement (EDACE) program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), provided short-term, impactful grants to enhance rights awareness, citizen participation, access to justice, and the provision of security services from 2013-2016.⁴ EDACE initiative aimed at bolstering the rights of Pakistani citizens and reinforce democratic processes at both provincial and local levels.

At the national level, only 9.2 percent of the population is engaged in voluntary work on a regular basis. Civic engagement is notably stronger in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) compared to other regions, with GB having the highest participation rate nationwide.

EDACE collaborated with the AAWAZ project in Pakistan, which focused on increasing citizen awareness and participation. By empowering citizens to understand and exercise their rights through democratic mechanisms and enhancing the state's ability to respond to citizens’ needs transparently and accountably, EDACE promoted constructive relationships between citizens and the state.
▪Pakistan Digital Literacy Campaign. The Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness (SFEA) campaign enhances digital literacy and promotes positive online behaviour among social media users. It involves training secondary and higher secondary school teachers, who then educate young individuals and community representatives in their areas. The campaign aims to empower at-risk youth to use platforms like Facebook positively.⁵
▪Youth Development Programme. Youth Development Programme (YDP) by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), empowers young people to become environmental stewards through expert-led training sessions and community action projects. Themes include natural resource conservation, sustainable resource consumption, eco-preneurship, climate change, disaster management, and green energy.
▪Foundation for Awareness and Civic Engagement. Foundation for Awareness and Civic Engagement (FACE) focuses on promoting digital literacy among girls and women, addressing online harassment, and raising awareness about fake news and disinformation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FACE trained women to counter misinformation and hate speech on social media⁶, promoting peaceful coexistence.
▪PAHEL Pakistan. This initiative engages youth to promote human rights, pluralism, and democracy through training and support for grassroots and online campaigns. It focuses on democratic governance, good governance, and pluralism, engaging with local government, educational institutions, and communities.⁷
▪Music for Peace by Citizen Participation and Inclusion. This grassroots campaign uses music events and educational videos to promote democratic values, pluralism, tolerance, and peace among youth and civil society. 
The Role of Youth in Civic Awareness
Youth have a significant stake in the decisions shaping the country. Nearly all issues impact youth, often in unique ways, including education, healthcare, the environment, immigration, housing, violence, and foreign policy, which might involve them or their peers in conflict.⁸ Young people contribute valuable perspectives on these issues by voting, engaging in civic life, and actively shaping their future. The exclusion or non-participation of youth means our democracy fails to represent all citizens and does not reach its full potential.⁹
▪Productive Activities. Extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations (MUN), community service projects, environmental campaigns, and various other initiatives can be organized for children and youth. These activities foster confidence and a sense of achievement while enhancing their organizational and social skills.
▪Workshops and Speaking Sessions. Colleges and universities should frequently invite public figures, activists, industry experts, and social workers to deliver speeches, conduct workshops and seminars, and hold question-and-answer sessions with students. Meeting such motivational public figures can inspire students to follow in their footsteps and positively impact society.
▪Internships and Volunteering. Volunteering, even within the classroom or school, helps groom children to take on and fulfil responsibilities. Parents and schools should encourage children to volunteer for social and civic causes appropriate to their age. Internships can provide similar benefits, helping children discover their interests in terms of career choices and offering practical life experience.
▪Media Literacy. Understanding that not everything read online or heard on news channels is true is crucial. Teaching youngsters to use critical thinking to analyze and evaluate information is essential. They should learn to note the different news sources to differentiate truth from propaganda, especially in this age of misinformation, where anyone can post anything online. An understanding of this will enable informed decision-making.
Today's youth, born in the age of information technology, are more empowered and informed than previous generations. They are better positioned to shape the future they envision for themselves, their country, and the world. By becoming proactive, they can be the change they wish to see and become visionary leaders.
The Role of NGOs in promoting Civic Awareness in Pakistan 
NGOs are crucial in promoting civic awareness in Pakistan through educational campaigns, workshops, and community service initiatives. By raising awareness about social issues, emphasizing media literacy, and engaging youth in democratic processes, environmental stewardship, and human rights advocacy, NGOs help foster a well-informed, responsible, and proactive citizenry.

Reframing Education Accountability in Pakistan (REAP) project is designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education in Pakistan by focusing on accountability mechanisms.

Mobilizing citizens to participate in the decision-making process is a vital element of democratic good governance. Intellectuals and international development agencies have recognized civil society organizations (CSOs) as crucial in promoting sustainable development and a vibrant democratic culture.¹⁰ CSOs have gained significant attention in countries like Pakistan as a key tool for encouraging public involvement and participation.
The Role of Government in Promoting Civic Awareness in Pakistan 
The Government of Pakistan plays a pivotal role in fostering civic awareness through various initiatives. Integrating civic education into school curricula ensures that students understand their rights, responsibilities, and the workings of government institutions from an early age. Public awareness campaigns across media channels further educate citizens on critical issues like voting, public health, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the government supports community engagement through workshops and public forums, promotes legal frameworks that protect civic rights, and collaborates with NGOs dedicated to civic education. Utilizing digital platforms and empowering local governments also helps in disseminating information and encouraging public participation, thereby strengthening democratic engagement and societal responsibility. 
The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Civic Awareness in Pakistan 
International organizations (IOs) significantly promote civic awareness in Pakistan by providing resources, expertise, and funding to support various initiatives. They collaborate with local governments, NGOs, and community groups to implement educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and civic engagement projects. Through partnerships, IOs facilitate the development of educational materials, host training workshops, and conduct research to address civic issues. Their involvement often includes advocating for policy reforms, enhancing transparency, and fostering dialogue on human rights and governance, thereby contributing to a more informed and active citizenry in Pakistan.
Improving service delivery requires increased citizen involvement in decision-making. However, the effectiveness of this involvement largely depends on the influence of CSOs and their level of social connectivity. Civic awareness topics, such as types of political systems, human rights, the importance of voting, and the responsibilities of citizens, are briefly covered in schools and often presented in unengaging ways. Consequently, few students pay attention, leading to a lack of knowledge about their rights and duties as citizens. To cultivate principled and democratically aware adults, educating young people on these matters more engagingly and interestingly is essential.
It is easy to be critical of the existing systems and the people managing them, just as the common perception around. There is a common belief that someone else is responsible for fixing what is not working and solving all the problems. But the ultimate way forward is the mindset that change starts from the individual, and each citizen has a role in a functional society.

The writer is a policy researcher based in Islamabad. She currently works as a Research Associate at the Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS).
 E-mail: [email protected]

1.      Ayshum Ahmed, Fatima Idrees, Iman Mujahid and Maheen Humayun, “Pakistan’s Need for Civic Education”, published on May 28, 2023, https://www.paradigmshift.com.pk/civic-education-in-pakistan/ 
2.      “Civic Education: Nurturing Responsible Citizens for a Stronger Pakistan”, Rehan Zahid, Imarat Institute of Policy Studies, published on March 19 2024, https://iips.com.pk/civic-education-nurturing-responsible-citizens-for-a-stronger-pakistan/#:~:text=Central%20to%20the%20nation's%20progress,the%20destiny%20of%20the%20nation. 
3.      Durr-e-Nayab, “Social and Civic Engagement”, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, published in 2023, https://pide.org.pk/research/social-and-civic-engagement-building-community-or-bowling-alone/ 
4.      “Pakistan—Enhanced Democratic Accountability and Civic Engagement (EDACE)”,  https://www.dai.com/our-work/projects/pakistan-enhanced-democratic-accountability-and-civic-engagement-edace#:~:text=The%20Enhanced%20Democratic%20Accountability%20and,are%20strengthened%20at%20provincial%20and 
5.      PDLC, https://sfea.pk/portfolio/pakistan-digital-literacy-campaign-2/ 
6.      Asifa Khan, World Faiths Development Dialogue, published on February  9, 2022, https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/interviews/a-conversation-with-asifa-khan-co-founder-of-foundation-for-awareness-and-civic-engagement-face-in-okara-district-pakistan 
7.      National Endowment for Democracy, published in February 2024, https://www.ned.org/region/asia/pakistan-2021/ 
8.      “Why Is Youth Civic Engagement Important?” Centre for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement 
9.      Ambreen Arshad, “Why youth civic engagement matters”, Dawn, Young World, Published on March 23, 2024, https://www.dawn.com/news/1823272 
10.   Shahid Habib and Zain Rafique, “The Role of Civil Society Organizations in the Consolidation of Democratic System of Governance: The Case of Pakistan”, ISSRA Papers, Volume-XI, Issue-II, 2019