The 27th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 20, 2018, on the topic of “Importance of Democratic Values for Social Cohesion”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Hamid Naveed, a social activist noted that compliance with the fundamental democratic values of respect and equality is the most essential prerequisite for a cohesive society. Social justice, equality, rule of law and provision of fundamental human rights emanate from a truly democratic system which ultimately ensures social cohesion and harmony is the society.
He further added that unfortunately democracy and democratic norms and practices have not fully flourished in our country. The democracy has to be transparent, inclusive and accountable to be called as a true democracy. Mr. Hamid emphasized that our educational institutions and civil society organizations must sensitize youth on these core values.
The second guest on show, Mr. Ismail Khan, a senior Journalist said that democracy in Pakistan has a long way to go and the successful competition of the tenures of democratic governments augur well for its future and strength. Mr. Ismail lamented that the politics in Pakistan has many ills and been plagued by multiple menaces but the democracy must continue no matter how flawed is the political system. The people should believe in the virtues of social cohesion to nurture and strengthen democracy and promote the democratic norms and values as much as possible.
“Democracy and the democratic awareness are the most important ingredients of social cohesion. As citizens, it is very important to understand that democracy is not just about elections or casting vote, rather an ideology that demands mutual respect, equality and rule of law, and more this democratic awareness, more the social cohesion”, said Mr. Zawar Hussain, a journalist and writer during 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.