The 57th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 22, 2019, on the theme of “Importance of Constitutional Literacy”.
The first guest on show, Prof. Dr. Dost Mohammad appreciated CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon initiative as to how it endeavors to strengthen social cohesion in the society and termed it as ‘need of the hour’. He noted that the rules and legislations evolved – as the society grew and progressed over the ages – and culminated into the document of constitution to define the roles and responsibilities of different actors in the society including state and citizens. The constitution is an outcome of human experiences and societal evolution over the centuries to regulate the human behaviors for peaceful coexistence. It describes the fundamental human rights available to the citizens of a sovereign state. It also ensures mutual respect between the core pillars of the state.
He added that democracy is a process to uphold equal citizenry, transparency and accountability in the society. It is only by constitutional literacy among the citizens, can their fundamental human rights be upheld. It is an essential prerequisite for access to justice, social capital, inclusion and mobility, and participation in the democratic processes besides preventing violations of human rights.
The second guest on show, Mr. Nangyal Khan, a student from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, shared that the beauty of the law is that it evolves with the progress of mankind. He elaborated that constitution defines the principles to regulate peaceful coexistence of diverse groups in the society. It also outlines the fundamental human rights available to the citizens especially Articles 8-28 in case of the Constitution of Pakistan. Adherence to rules and regulations anchored and fulfilling the roles and responsibilities enshrined in the constitution are critical for not only accountable and inclusive democracy but also for responsible citizenship. The level of citizen’s participation in the democratic processes is determined by the level of constitutional awareness among them. Their active participation in the decision making processes is only possible through their democratic education. Social cohesion comes from self-discipline, collective vision and the realization of individual’s role for the betterment of the society.
He suggested that media can play a key role in raising constitutional awareness.
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.