3.
Rights &
Responsibilities
Understanding Civic Duties and Rights under the Constitution of
Pakistan (1973)
Learning Objectives
• Provide an in-depth overview of fundamental rights
and liberties under the Constitution of Pakistan.
• Analyze civic responsibilities and their societal
importance.
• Explore principles of civic engagement, such as
accountability, non-violence, and civility, with real-
world applications.
• Enable students to examine and apply these principles
in various scenarios critically.
Introduction to Rights & Responsibilities
• Rights: Legal entitlements or permissions granted to individuals
to ensure their freedom and dignity. They provide individual
empowerment and protection.
• Responsibilities: Obligations or duties expected of citizens to
contribute to the welfare and order of society. Responsibilities
promote societal harmony and collective progress.
• Examples:
A citizen’s right to free speech comes with the responsibility
not to spread misinformation.
The right to education corresponds to the duty to respect
teachers and school rules.
Fundamental Rights under the
Constitution of Pakistan (1973)
• The Constitution guarantees rights to all citizens to promote justice,
equality, and freedom.
• Categories and Key Articles:
• Personal Rights:
• Article 9: Security of person.
• Article 10: Safeguards against arbitrary detention.
• Article 14: Inviolability of dignity and privacy.
• Political Rights:
• Article 19: Freedom of speech and expression.
• Article 17: Freedom of association.
• Article 25: Equality of all citizens before the law.
• Economic and Social Rights:
• Article 37: Promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils.
• Article 38: Promotion of economic well-being of the people.
Example: Analyze how rights are
upheld or violated
News Story: Landmark Supreme Court Ruling on Women's Inheritance Rights in
Pakistan
Published: March 2025
The Supreme Court of Pakistan recently delivered a landmark judgment
ensuring the enforcement of women's inheritance rights. The case involved a
woman who was denied her rightful share of family property due to patriarchal
norms. The Court ruled in her favor, emphasizing that denying women their
inheritance rights is unconstitutional and violates Article 25 of the Constitution,
which guarantees equality before the law.
[Link]
•Analysis
•Fundamental Right Upheld:
•Equality before the Law (Article 25): The judgment reaffirmed the principle that all citizens,
irrespective of gender, are entitled to equal legal protection.
•Right to Property (Article 23): Ensured that women can exercise their right to inherit property,
aligning with Islamic principles and constitutional guarantees.
•Responsibilities Highlighted:
•Judiciary: Enforce laws impartially to uphold citizens' rights.
•Citizens: Challenge discriminatory practices and seek legal remedies when their rights are denied.
•Civil Society: Raise awareness about inheritance rights and advocate for equitable enforcement.
Civic Responsibilities
• Core Duties:
• Respect and uphold the law.
• Participate in democratic processes such as voting.
• Pay taxes to fund public services.
• Protect the environment by avoiding pollution and conserving resources.
• Promote education and community awareness.
• Examples
• Reporting crimes to authorities.
• Volunteering for community clean-up drives.
• Participating in public hearings and discussions on policy.
• Activity:
• List responsibilities that complement each fundamental right discussed.
Activity
Fundamental Right Complementary Responsibility
Use speech responsibly to avoid
Right to Freedom of Speech (Article 19) spreading hate speech, misinformation,
or inciting violence.
Attend classes regularly, respect
Right to Education (Article 25A) teachers, and contribute to a productive
learning environment.
Research candidates and policies
Right to Vote (Article 17) thoroughly before voting, ensuring
informed decision-making.
Avoid obstructing justice or interfering
Right to a Fair Trial (Article 10A)
with legal proceedings.
Practice eco-friendly habits like
Right to a Clean Environment (Article 9) recycling, reducing waste, and
advocating for sustainable policies.
Treat others without discrimination and
Right to Equality (Article 25) challenge practices that promote
inequality or exclusion.
Principles of Civic
Engagement
•Core Values:
[Link]:
•Definition: Taking responsibility for one’s actions.
•Example: Reporting misuse of public funds.
[Link]-violence:
•Definition: Resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful actions.
•Example: Successful peaceful protests in Pakistan’s history.
[Link]:
•Definition: Engaging in respectful and constructive discussions.
•Example: Debating opposing political views without personal attacks.
Case Study: Non-Violent Movements
in the Subcontinent
• Example: The Salt March (1930)
The Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi, is a prime example of a non-violent movement that
resulted in significant legislative and societal reforms in the Indian subcontinent during British
colonial rule.
Background:
• Issue: The British colonial government imposed a monopoly on salt production and sales,
levying heavy taxes on a basic necessity, disproportionately affecting the poor.
• Objective: To challenge the unjust tax and mobilize Indian citizens against colonial
oppression.
The Movement:
[Link]:
1. Gandhi and his followers marched 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi on the Arabian Sea
coast.
2. Along the way, thousands joined, making it a mass civil disobedience movement.
[Link]-Violent Protest:
1. Upon reaching Dandi, Gandhi symbolically produced salt by evaporating seawater, defying British
laws.
2. This act inspired similar protests across the country, with people illegally producing and selling salt.
(1930)
Legislative and Societal Impact:
1. Immediate Outcomes:
1. The campaign drew international attention to the oppressive policies of British rule,
garnering global support for Indian independence.
2. Long-Term Results:
1. The movement laid the groundwork for the eventual repeal of salt taxes.
2. It catalyzed a series of non-violent protests, demonstrating the power of peaceful
resistance in achieving justice.
Lessons for Civic Engagement:
• Empowerment through Participation: The Salt March involved citizens from
all walks of life, illustrating the collective strength of civic unity.
• Legislative Reform through Persistence: Non-violent, sustained efforts
compelled policymakers to reconsider oppressive laws.
• Healthcare Relevance: Similar strategies could be employed by healthcare
professionals to campaign for reforms such as equitable access to medicine or
Discussion: How do these principles improve trust
between citizens and the government?
These principles—accountability, non-violence, and civility—are essential in
fostering trust between citizens and the government. When citizens see the
government holding itself accountable for decisions, being
transparent in its actions, and treating people with respect, they feel
more inclined to trust the system.
For instance, if the government uses peaceful means to address protests or
disagreements rather than resorting to violence, it demonstrates a
commitment to democracy and fairness.
Conversely, when citizens engage in civic discussions with respect and
abide by the rule of law, they help maintain societal order. This mutual
respect creates a collaborative environment where both the government and its
people can work toward shared goals. Trust, therefore, becomes a two-way
street, built through responsible actions and ethical governance.
• Encourage students to explore real-life scenarios where these principles were
applied or violated and discuss the outcomes. This helps them understand the
practical importance of trust in building a cohesive and progressive society
Role of Healthcare Professionals in Civic
Duties
• Connection to Rights and Responsibilities:
• Advocating for patient rights and informed consent.
• Ensuring equal treatment for all patients irrespective of background.
• Educating communities about public health and safety.
• Examples:
• Campaigns for vaccination awareness.
• Initiatives for mental health advocacy.
•The ethical responsibility to act as whistleblowers in cases of malpractice.
•Collaborating with NGOs for public health drives.
• Thoughtful Question: How can nurses serve as role models in
promoting civic engagement?
How Nurses Can Serve as Role Models
in Promoting Civic Engagement
Nurses are uniquely positioned to act as role models for civic engagement due to their
daily interaction with individuals from all walks of life. They embody compassion,
responsibility, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others, which can
translate into fostering civic awareness and action in their communities.
Key Ways Nurses Promote Civic Engagement:
[Link] for Public Health Policies:
1. Nurses can influence policy by speaking out about critical issues such as
healthcare access, vaccination programs, or environmental health concerns.
2. Example: Participating in campaigns that promote preventive healthcare
measures.
[Link] Communities:
1. Nurses often engage in community outreach programs, providing education on
topics like hygiene, nutrition, and chronic disease management.
2. Example: Leading workshops in underserved areas to increase health literacy.
[Link] Modeling Active Citizenship:
1. Nurses exemplify how to fulfill civic responsibilities through their dedication to
public service and adherence to ethical practices.
How Nurses Can Serve as Role
Models in Promoting Civic
Engagement
[Link] for Patient Rights:
1. By ensuring that all patients receive equal and respectful care, nurses
highlight the importance of justice and equality, fundamental principles
of civic engagement.
2. Example: Standing against discrimination or bias in healthcare settings.
[Link] with Civic Organizations:
1. Nurses often work with NGOs, local governments, and other
organizations to address community needs.
2. Example: Partnering with non-profits to distribute resources during
public health crises.
[Link] Responsibility and Accountability:
1. Nurses can inspire others to take responsibility for their communities by
setting an example in their professional roles.
2. Example: Encouraging young people to participate in blood donation
drives.
Challenges to Upholding Rights and
Responsibilities
• Common Challenges:
• Lack of awareness among citizens.
• Corruption and misuse of authority.
• Cultural or societal barriers.
• Inadequate enforcement of laws.
• Economic disparities limit access to fundamental rights.
• Potential Solutions:
• Strengthening education systems to include civic education.
• Encouraging community participation in decision-making processes.
• Building stronger legal and accountability frameworks.
• Addressing economic inequalities through targeted social programs.
• Can you tell: How civic responsibilities can be enforced without infringing on
personal freedoms?
enforced without infringing on personal
freedoms?
Civic responsibilities can be encouraged and enforced through positive reinforcement, community
involvement, and robust educational frameworks rather than coercion.
Education and Awareness:
•Teach citizens about their responsibilities, emphasizing their connection to the rights they enjoy.
For instance, understanding that paying taxes funds public infrastructure.
•Use media campaigns and public outreach programs to explain the benefits of fulfilling civic
duties.
[Link] Participation:
•Create opportunities for voluntary engagement in community service, making responsibilities feel
empowering rather than burdensome.
•Celebrate role models and stories of individuals who exemplify civic responsibility, inspiring
others.
[Link] and Rewards:
•Offer tax benefits, public recognition, or other incentives for responsible behavior, such as voting
or participating in community initiatives.
[Link] Governance:
•Build trust in government systems by ensuring accountability and reducing corruption, so people
feel their responsibilities lead to tangible societal benefits.
[Link] Without Overreach:
•Implement laws that encourage civic duties but avoid infringing on personal choices. For example,
making voting accessible without making it mandatory.
[Link] Collaboration:
•Foster dialogue between citizens and local authorities to create a shared understanding of mutual
Let’s think!
• Scenario 1: A citizen’s right to freedom of speech clashes
with another’s right to privacy. How should this be
resolved?
• Scenario 2: A community refuses to pay taxes, citing
mistrust in the government. What steps can be taken to
address this?
• Scenario 3: A healthcare professional notices unethical
practices in their institution. What should they do?
Conclusion
• Rights and responsibilities are inseparable and mutually
reinforcing.
• Fundamental rights under the Constitution ensure individual
dignity and collective justice.
• Active civic engagement is essential for societal progress.
• Healthcare professionals have a unique role in bridging civic
awareness and practice.
• Actionable Advice:
• Be proactive in understanding and exercising your rights.
• Encourage others to fulfill their civic responsibilities.
• Stay informed about legal frameworks and societal issues.