October 30, 2018: The 35th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on September 14, 2018, on the topic of “Role of Civil Society for Social Cohesion”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Imran Takar noted that the concept of civil society is a very broad which unfortunately has a very narrow understanding; referring it to the nongovernmental organizations only. The role of civil society is critical in almost all aspects of the public life. Nearly all private-owned media, out-of-government political parties, various non-profit social, political and economic associations of people, institutions and organizations form civil society of a country. The criticality of its role is manifest in the nature of their work that aims to sensitize and educate the masses on the fundamental components of democracy, good governance, human rights. Even some civil society organizations are supporting the elected representatives in the parliament and members of local councils to better deliver their outcomes.
The second guest on show, Miss Baseerat emphasized that the civil society organizations are meant for the protection of human rights and sustainable peace in the society, however, they are working in isolation which is counterproductive to their role. She suggested that they need to be brought under one umbrella to develop an information sharing and cooperation mechanism to increase their efficiency.
Mr. Imran Takkar added that the role of civil society organizations is also crucial to the economic growth and development; a factor than can greatly influence the social peace, prosperity and rule of law.
He said that the importance of these organizations all over the world cannot be denied and their role becomes much more important especially in the developing countries where the issues relating to social cohesion and strengthening the social fabric of the society is not just the governments’ domain and within its capacity. Civil society can mobilize people from all walks of life to work together for the shared goals.
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.