August 16, 2018: The 24th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 29, 2018, on the topic of “Role of Political Parties in Social Cohesion”.
The guest on show, Mr. Arif Yousuf, former MPA, said there are more than 72 regional and national level political parties in the country as per the Election Commission of Pakistan. These political parties can be very instrumental in strengthening the social fabric and fostering national cohesion and progress. If all these parties pursue the common objective of social cohesion, the dream of a sustainable peace will become a reality for Pakistan. He emphasized that the political parties must educate their workers on core democratic practices and values; critical to social cohesion.
The guest on phone, Ms. Shagufta Malik, former MPA, was of the opinion that political leaders can easily promote the concepts of tolerance, respect and brotherhood among their followers besides the best democratic practices within their respective parties. Both state and civil society need to make concerted efforts to raise awareness among the masses and particularly women on the importance of participating in the democratic processes and utilize these avenues to foster social cohesion in the society.
“Political parties are one of the most important stakeholders when it comes to social cohesion. They can play an enormously important part in bringing public together on a single platform, and build on commonalities”, said Malik Falak Naz, a student in the radio report.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.