Definition of a Citizen
A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a country and has both rights (like protection, education, and freedom) and duties (like following the law, paying taxes, and respecting others) in that country.
Types of Rights
a. Natural Rights
- Rights that belong to every person from birth.
- They are universal and permanent.
- Examples: the right to life, the right to liberty (freedom).
b. Civil Rights
- Rights given and protected by the laws of a country.
- They define how citizens should be treated and what they are allowed to do.
- Often guaranteed in the Constitution.
- Examples: equal protection under the law, freedom from discrimination, right to vote.
Protection of Civil Rights
Civil rights are safeguarded by the Constitution.
The Constitution ensures that every citizen is treated equally under the law.
Universality of Civil Rights
Civil rights apply to all citizens equally.
They are not restricted by gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or disability.
Civic Rights
The basic civic rights are:
- right to public services
- right to freedom of speech
- right to freely practice religion
- right to vote
- right to social justice
- right to a fair trial
- right to education
Civic Responsibilities
Citizens not only have rights, but also duties that help keep the country peaceful, stable, and safe.
Obeying the Rule of Law
- A good citizen must follow rules at home, in school, and in society.
- All citizens should respect and follow the laws of their country.
- In Pakistan, every citizen must learn about the Constitution and act according to it.
Choosing Honest Leaders
- Citizens should know about the candidates running in elections for local and national offices.
- Every citizen must use their right to vote.
- It is our responsibility to elect leaders who are honest and suitable for serving the public.
Protecting Public Property
- The government provides services through hospitals, transport, banks, parks, museums, heritage sites, and monuments.
- Citizens must take care of these public properties.
- No one should damage, spoil, write on, or destroy them in any way.
Respecting Authority
- Respecting authority is important for a civilised society.
- People in authority include parents, teachers, police officers, community leaders, and helpers.
- They should always be obeyed and respected.
Practicing Courtesy and Good Manners
- Citizens should use polite words and show good manners in all situations.
- Everyone should follow the system of queues (first-come-first-serve) in shops, ticket counters, buses, trains, and airplanes.
- Citizens must also respect other people’s beliefs and opinions, even if they are different from their own.
Preserving Natural Resources and Energy
- Water is essential for life and should be used carefully.
- No water should be wasted, not even a drop.
- Many people in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, do not have clean drinking water.
- Citizens should not leave taps running and should fix any leaks immediately.
Preventing Pollution and Climate Change
- Pakistan will face serious effects of climate change in the coming years.
- Citizens should take part in actions to reduce pollution and delay global warming.
- Examples include planting trees, recycling, reducing plastic use, and protecting the environment.
Reasons Why Civic Rights and Responsibilities May Change Over Time
Civic rights and responsibilities are very important for a democracy to work successfully. By fulfilling civic duties, citizens protect their own values as well as the shared values of society.
Civic Values and Duties
- Important civic values include:
- justice, freedom, equality, diversity
- authority, privacy, due process, property
- participation, truth, patriotism, human rights
- rule of law, tolerance, mutual assistance
- self-restraint and self-respect
These values guide how citizens live together peacefully and fairly.
Changing Nature of Society
- Societies grow and evolve with time.
- As societies change, our civic values and responsibilities also expand or adapt.
- Citizens may need to take on new responsibilities depending on new circumstances.
Example of New Responsibilities
- With the rise of new technologies such as social media, new norms and rules of behavior have developed.
- Citizens now have responsibilities regarding how they act and communicate online.
- This shows how responsibilities can shift with social and technological changes.
Role of Citizens in Civic Life
- Part of being a responsible citizen is:
- taking part in community activities,
- staying informed about current issues,
- and being open to different ideas and opinions.
Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship means being a responsible member of the online world. Just like in real life, citizens online also have rights and responsibilities.
Digitalisation and Online Identity
- In today’s world, every citizen is part of a global digital network.
- Activities like taking selfies, posting on social media, or joining websites create your online identity.
- The kind of information you post (pictures, personal details, messages, memberships) shapes how others see you online.
- Just like in real life, there are rules for how a digital personality should behave.
Digital Footprint
- Everything you do online leaves a digital footprint.
- This includes your activity on platforms like email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many others.
- On each forum, you create an identity, and your overall activity across these platforms is your digital footprint.
Ethics of Being Digital Citizens
a. Protecting Identity
- Guard your online identity with a strong and memorable password.
b. Good Manners Online
- Show the same kindness and respect online as you would in real life.
- Use polite language when communicating on the internet.
c. Sharing Information Responsibly
- Be careful about what information you share, when you share it, how you share it, and with whom.
d. Online Safety
- Avoid talking to strangers on the internet.
- If you face bullying online, seek help from a trusted adult.
e. Following Community Rules
- Every online community has its own rules. Make sure to follow them.
f. Handling Differences of Opinion
- Online arguments should remain debates or discussions where people “agree to disagree.”
- Resolve differences peacefully, using respectful and polite words.
- Sometimes, it is wiser to walk away from an argument. If you continue, keep your words polite, short, and respectful.
How to Deal with Difference of Opinion
People often disagree because they have different opinions. If disagreements are not resolved early, they can turn into bigger problems. Handling differences can sometimes be stressful, but there are helpful ways to manage them peacefully.
Importance of Resolving Differences
- It is always better to solve a disagreement before it becomes worse.
- Resolving differences of opinion helps keep relationships respectful and healthy.
Communicate Honestly and Respectfully
- Talk openly and honestly with the other person.
- Respectful communication is the most important way to solve disagreements.
Find Common Ground
- Start the discussion by finding points both sides agree on.
- This creates a friendly and positive environment for solving the issue.
Do Not Make It Personal
- Avoid insulting or putting down the other person’s ideas or beliefs.
- If you are angry, remember you are upset with the idea, not the person.
- Negative remarks make the situation worse and stop progress.
Be a Good Listener
- Listening carefully shows respect and understanding.
- When you listen to someone’s point of view, they are more likely to listen to you too.
Stay Calm
- It can be hard to remain calm when you feel angry, but it is very important.
- Staying calm keeps the discussion on track and helps to resolve the disagreement peacefully.
Human Rights
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world.
The UN Declaration of Human Rights
- In 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- Almost all countries of the world accepted it.
- Even though many countries have constitutions that guarantee rights, violations still happen.
- Many people are still deprived of basic needs like water, food, shelter, education, and security.
Fundamental Human Rights (According to the UN Declaration)
a. Equality and Freedom
- All human beings are born free.
- Everyone is equal in dignity and rights.
b. Right to Life and Security
- Every person has the right to life, liberty (freedom), and personal security.
c. Right to Basic Needs
- Everyone has the right to food, shelter, clothing, and social security.
d. Right to Education and Health
- Every person has the right to receive education and to enjoy good health.
e. Freedom from Discrimination
- No one should be treated unfairly because of race, religion, gender, or other differences.
f. Freedom from Slavery
- No person should be kept in slavery or forced to serve against their will.
g. Freedom of Movement
- Every individual has the right to move freely and choose their place of residence within their country.
h. Right to Vote
- Every citizen has the right to take part in elections and vote for their leaders.
Diversity and Tolerance
Equal Rights and Respect for All
- Human rights ensure equality and fair treatment for every individual.
- Accepting diversity means respecting racial, religious, cultural, and ethnic differences in others.
- Despite these differences, all people have equal rights.
- We must treat one another with dignity and respect, no matter where we come from or what we believe in.
2. Meaning of Tolerance
- Tolerance is the ability to recognise and respect other people’s values and beliefs.
- Being tolerant means:
- Accepting that other people may be different from us.
- Respecting their opinions even when we disagree.
- Acknowledging the rights of others before expecting our own rights to be respected.
Importance of Practicing Tolerance
- A good citizen is tolerant and respectful of individual differences in opinion.
- Tolerance towards other people’s religious beliefs, values, and way of life creates peace and harmony in society.
- It prevents negative feelings, hatred, or discrimination against people of different races, religions, or ethnic backgrounds.
Importance of Freedom of Speech
- Freedom of speech is recognised as a human right under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- It is also a key part of democracy because it protects the rights of all citizens.
Meaning of Freedom of Speech
- Freedom of speech means being able to express ideas and beliefs openly.
- It allows individuals or communities to share their opinions without fear of being jailed, censored, or discriminated against.
- It also includes the right to find, receive, and share information or ideas in any form or medium.
Why Freedom of Speech Matters
- Citizens are empowered when they can speak out against injustice and unfair practices.
- It helps protect their well-being, dignity, and security.
Peace and Conflict Management
Conflicts and disagreements happen in daily life, whether at home, in school, or in society. To build peace and harmony, it is important to manage conflicts in a calm and respectful way.
Importance of Discussion
- People often disagree or fight over small matters because they do not accept the opinions of others.
- Example:
- Saad, a young student, used to argue both at home and in class.
- He often disagreed with his sister and cousin over small issues.
- His parents discussed with him how his behaviour was harming him and disturbing peace at home and in school.
- After listening to them, Saad understood and made peace with his sister and cousin by agreeing on how to share space.
- This shows that open discussion helped solve his problem.
- Lesson: Talking about problems and listening to advice can resolve disagreements and restore harmony.
Negotiation and Discussion as Tools
- Negotiation means talking to reach an agreement that is fair for everyone.
- Discussion means openly sharing ideas and listening to others.
- Both are powerful tools to resolve disagreements peacefully.
- It is always better to talk things over, listen carefully, and reach a balanced solution.
Negotiating Tools to Resolve a Conflict
To solve conflicts peacefully, citizens should:
- Negotiate a solution by having a calm discussion.
- Listen to everyone’s point of view and decide on a fair solution.
- Sometimes, in a small quarrel, it is wiser to walk away instead of arguing.
- Learn to identify feelings of anger and frustration and control them during disagreements.
- Never make fun of another person’s opinions.
Common Etiquettes
1. Meaning of Etiquettes
- Etiquettes are socially accepted and encouraged behaviours or actions.
- They show good manners, respect, and tolerance.
- A person who is polite and respectful will be welcomed in any society or country.
- Practicing good manners helps create peace and harmony in the world.
2. Role of Religion, Culture, and Traditions
- The etiquettes followed by people in different countries come from their religion, culture, and traditions.
- In Islam, good manners and values are taught from an early age to build a harmonious society.
- The Islamic greeting means “peace,” and it promotes kindness and respect.
- Most other religions of the world also encourage similar rules of conduct and good manners.
3. Common Etiquettes Around the World
Here are some etiquettes that are commonly respected everywhere:
- Show respect and care for elders, nature, and the environment.
- Greet people politely when you meet them.
- Say “thank you” to express gratitude.
- Follow proper table manners when dining at home or outside.
- Show kindness and help others in need.
- Knock on the door before entering a room, home, or office.
- Be punctual (on time) for work, school, and events.
- Dress appropriately according to the occasion.
- Exchange gifts as a sign of care, love, and friendship.
- Pay attention when with others — do not yawn or use your phone while someone is speaking to you.
Circle the correct answer
- Every citizen must know the contents of the Constitution of Pakistan and follow them.
- Obeying majority/authority is the key to a civilised society.
- You leave your digital footprint on the internet.
- All human beings are born free and are equal in dignity and rights.
- Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
Questions
1. What are a citizen’s rights according to the Constitution of Pakistan?
Citizens have basic rights like
freedom
equality
and dignity
They can move freely within the country and have the right to live where they choose.
2. What are the ways in which you can show responsibility as a citizen?
You can show responsibility by following
good manners and etiquettes,
being respectful to others,
helping people in need,
being punctual, and
following the rules of your country.
3. How will a citizen preserve the natural and energy resources of their country?
Citizens can show respect and care for nature and the environment . This means not wasting water, electricity, keeping places clean, and protecting trees and animals.
4. How and where is your digital identity defined?
Your digital identity is created through your digital footprint on the internet. Everything you do online – like posts, comments, and searches – creates this identity.
5. What ethics should you follow when you are online as a responsible digital citizen?
Be kind and respectful online, don’t share false information, protect your personal information, be attentive when communicating with others, and follow the same good manners online that you would use in person.
6. How would you deal with a difference of opinion?
Be tolerant and respectful.
Listen to others, stay calm, and try to understand their point of view even if you disagree.
7. What do we mean by human rights? Identify the fundamental human rights as stated by the UN Charter.
Human rights mean that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of who they are.
Circle the correct answer
- Being tolerant of others’ religious beliefs and way of life creates harmony
- Freedom of speech means to be able to freely express beliefs and ideas.
- Sometimes in a small quarrel, it is better to walk away.
- If you are well-mannered, tolerant, and respectful, you will be accepted in any society and country.
- We should knock on the door before entering a room or someone’s home or office.
Questions
1. Why is it important to recognise diversity among people around you? Explain how important this characteristic is to human relations.
It is important to recognize diversity because people come from different religions, cultures, and traditions. When we are tolerant and respectful of others’ different ways of life, it creates harmony and peace. Being well-mannered toward people who are different from us helps us be accepted everywhere and builds good relationships with everyone.
2. Fights and arguments take place in your home and school. Explain two ways of dealing with these conflicts to resolve them.
Two ways to deal with conflicts are:
- Walk away from small quarrels instead of fighting or arguing more
- Be tolerant and respectful when talking to others, and try to understand their point of view
3. Explain how freedom of speech in a democratic society supports the rights of its citizens.
Freedom of speech means people can freely express their beliefs and ideas. This is important because it allows everyone to share their thoughts and opinions without fear, which helps create a fair and peaceful society where all voices are heard.
4. List the common etiquettes practiced around the world.
Common etiquettes include:
- Showing respect and care for elders, nature, and the environment
- Greeting everyone when meeting them
- Saying ‘thank you’ to express gratitude
- Using good table manners when eating
- Being kind and helping others
- Knocking on doors before entering
- Being punctual at work and events
- Dressing properly for different occasions
- Giving gifts to show care and love
- Being attentive and not using phones when others are talking
5. Identify the etiquettes being practiced around you from your own religion and culture.
From Islamic culture and religion (as mentioned in the content):
- Good manners and values are taught from early age
- The Islamic greeting means peace
- Being respectful and courteous to create harmony
- Following rules of conduct that promote peaceful coexistence with others