Why working with the Pakistani government is hard work – what is a principled organisation realistically to do? What do they say: rock & hard place..

ASH is very weary of working with the government. In Pakistan, there is a lot of rule-bending which is testing to one’s morals, principles and faith. As often the face of ASH, our chairwoman (Ms. Nisara Abbasi), in particular, has experiences various forms of attempted exploitation, harassment and abuse of all forms in what are very male-dominated and corrupt systems.

ASH is proud to say that it is not willing to compromise on its honour and integrity in any way and is often required to withdraw applications for social work projects because of obscene and atrocious behaviour from the awarding bodies. However, maintaining principles is not cheap and we are very disappointed to say that ASH’s good work is limited by this sad situation.

Here is our latest disappointment – what are we to do?

ASH is currently trying to win a grant with the Community Infrastructure Services Programme (CISP). This programme is functions under the Local Government Azad Kashmir, but is funded by the World Bank. Its focus is largely on water and road improvements, but they also support sustainability projects.

In Feb 2008, the CISP advertised a livelihood project for small and local NGOs to apply to support local communities generate income from growing vegetables. This seemed like an excellent idea because, as we know, since the earthquake people have been struggling to provide for their families. This project essentially meant that those with arable land could be cultivated and generate an income for otherwise struggling families. It also fit into ASH’s remit and did not need to use ASH’s current limited financial resources to accomplish it. We were very excited by this potential opportunity.

We produced an Expression of Interest, as per the requirements, but did not hear anything for 2 months. Finally, we called the CISP office for some feedback, but they claimed the World Bank were managing the proposal. At some point, we would be required to attend a meeting as part of the process. Suddenly, the chairwoman received a call requesting her attendance at a meeting. Non-attendance meant that the proposal would be withdrawn! Thankfully, she managed to attend. This, unfortunately, marked the start of our struggles with this proposal. Sudden requesting of time, changes in rules, requirements for large payments, agreements to give percentages of the funds to administration, and bribes to facilitate the speedy processing of the proposal were made readily and without shame. That 4 other organisations have been approved to undertake the vegetable project suggests that funding is available and the call for proposals is bonafide. But, ASH’s experience is not this. ASH will never drop its honestly, but it is also realistic in knowing that in order to win the proposal, it needs to “play the game”. So, what do we do?

After 3 months of fighting for ASH, the project was approved, but not without conditions. We have only received 15% of the funds required and the remaining 85% is subjected to dishonest working. The chairwoman has contacted a major (now retired) player in the government sector who happens to be involved in this project and his advise was that this is very normal, so do as CISP say, pay whatever they want and get on with the work.

How can we do this? If we do what they want, people might get their livelihood sorted, but at what cost? ASH cannot and will not take part in this corruption. We wish for a better, fairer, honest Pakistan – clearly, we will sacrifice the organisations success for this distant future.

If anyone has any advice about how to manage these situations, please let us know how.