Khudayar Mohla
Lauding the efforts of the author Sharafat A. Chaudhry who recently published a book ‘Law and Development’, speakers on Friday termed introduction of law as an alternative indicator for measurement of development as a groundbreaking theory to measure human development.
Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) has published the book which launched here in Iqra University Islamabad.
Speakers said that law would be an important indicator of Human Development Index which used to rank countries into existing tires of lifespan, education and GDP per capita income.
While addressing the book launching ceremony, chief guest Barrister Zafarullah Khan said that a weak legal system and a lack of proper rule of law has contributed towards non-development of various sectors in Pakistan including the economy.
Author of the book Sharafat A. Chaudhry, an aluminous of the Iqra University, also secured gold medals in MS Development Studies and MPhil in International Development.
Two points in the book have been established, firstly, there is a strong relationship between law and development, adding even with all of its different manifestations and meanings, development is almost impossible without the intervention of law.
Secondly, that the measurement of a society’s development is just as possible through the use of indicators relating to law as it is by using the social indicators (education, health, housing, water & sanitation and poverty) employed by the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) in Human Development Report.
Based on Amertya Sen’s concept of ‘freedom from tyranny’, the author suggested that measurement of human development in a society may also be possible from the perspective of law; by developing indices like Rule of Law, Access to Justice, Tolerance in Society and Type of Litigation (disputes) that are prevalent in a society. This may very well become an addition to the Human Development Index in the future.
He emphasized that inclusion of law related indices in Human Development Report would make the governments realize for investing in the justice system to establish an equitable and just society.
Valerie Khan, chairperson Group Development Pakistan while appreciating the effort of researcher said that voluntary contribution for the protection of human rights in the country.
Member National Commission for Human Rights Shafique Chaudhry termed the book a meaningful contribution for decision-makers in the protection of human rights, adding that the book shall not only brought the earnest interest of law students and people of development sector but shall provide valuable input for the policymakers and legislatures.
On the eve of book launching, Dr Muhammad Islam vice president of the University Dr. Muhammad Islam said that the university is the pioneer in offering development studies program in the country which is proud of numerous remarkable researchers through imparting quality education. Commenting on the book Dr. Islam said ‘Law and Development’ authored by an Iqra aluminous is a living example of quality education Iqra is offering.
