From Awareness to Action: Civic and Community Engagement
Monday, November 10, 2025: Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA) in collaboration with the Dental College, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, organized a session under the Rural Women Network for Civic Leadership and Participation project on the theme “From Awareness to Action: Civic and Community Engagement.” The session was held at the Institute Complex and was attended by 58 participants, including doctors, faculty members, and students.
Dr. Khatija Tariq welcomed the participants and thanked the PODA team, serving as the session moderator. She emphasized that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) encourages students to engage in civic participation and highlighted the importance of understanding citizenship, fundamental rights, and the structures and functions of government.
Mr. Hamza Bashir Mirza, Program Coordinator at PODA, briefed participants on the organization’s ongoing and completed projects, emphasizing that positive social change is not possible without civic engagement. He highlighted PODA’s work in rural areas, including the Smart Agriculture program.
Advocate Aiman Zahra, Manager of PODA’s Democracy Education Project, discussed initiatives promoting social development and women’s inclusion in decision-making, stressing the importance of digital literacy for accessing government welfare schemes.
Mr. Sohail Yousaf, Project Officer at PODA, outlined grassroots community engagement strategies and advocacy tools, highlighting theatre and interactive performances as effective awareness-raising methods.
Mr. Khawaja Zahid Nasim, Chairman of the Nahida Mehboob Elahi Foundation, provided an overview of Pakistan’s Fundamental Rights and urged doctors to advocate for the inclusion of the Right to Health in the Constitution to ensure equitable access to healthcare.
Professor Dr. Irfan Shah, Principal of the Dental College, appreciated the session’s relevance to the curriculum and its motivational impact, thanked the organizers, and expressed hope for continued collaboration. The session concluded with Dr. Shah presenting a souvenir shield to the PODA team in recognition of their contribution.
