KARACHI, March 28: It concluded without a resolution, but the six-day World Social Forum (WSF) held in Karachi reinforced the fading belief that the world would be transformed some day into a more equitable, efficient, democratic, peaceful and humane society. It expressed the will of the people for a change.
The organisational situation and ideological confusion at the gathering reflected that the journey ahead was long and arduous. However, the vigour, enthusiasm and willingness of participants for a dialogue reaffirmed that history was still in the making — and had not ended, after all.
It was like a grand reunion at the KMC Sports Complex where activists seemed to be rejoicing and celebrating their coming together.
Foreign delegates and hundreds of people from different parts of Pakistan were fully involved in a variety of activities at the forum. All of them felt they had gained from the interaction. They saw the event as a huge success, despite any shortcomings it may have had.
“I think attendance of different actors of global and local civil society more than make up for minor organisational flaws,” Maria, a young peace activist from the United States, told Dawn. “The outcome was better than what even organisers had expected,” said another visitor.
Many scheduled seminars were dropped but participants felt that inter-mingling and exchange of ideas and contacts would be useful for those involved in social movements. Several speakers at seminars that covered a wide spectrum of issues related to conflict resolution, privatisation, social sector, media, militarisation, urban issues, religion, children and youth over the last four days were critical of current power structures, particularly the WTO, World Bank and IMF, and the US government that patronises these institutions.
The issue of revival of democracy in Pakistan was also hammered by most Pakistani speakers. The Musharraf government was vehemently criticised for being insensitive to the needs of poorer sections that are denied such basic amenities as water, sanitation, education and healthcare. The government was also criticised for blindly following the dictates of donors at the cost of local interests.
As expected, the event did have radical overtones with cultural tidings, but the government on its part did allow it to happen.
The city government actually facilitated the forum by offering a prime location, arranging for traffic police and security beside hosting dinner for foreign delegates and honouring dignitaries.
A delegate from Latin America arrived at the airport without a visa as Pakistan does not have an embassy in Chile. Auec Kirk said he was moved by the hospitality of Pakistanis. He said that although he had arrived without proper papers local immigration officials helped him to acquire the same.
The World Social Forum, which will formally conclude on Wednesday (today) after non-stop meetings, demos, theatrical performances and cultural programmes, was surprisingly unique for the people of Karachi.
It was different because of the multi-ethnic composition of people and the level of participation by younger people. For the first time, at least a section of the city’s youth was visible as volunteers in a major socio-political event.
Children from local private schools in their uniforms accompanying their teachers were also spotted. A team of girls and boys from Karachi University admitted that WSF was “the experience of a lifetime” and said they were happy to be a part of the forum.
