The 95th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 22, 2019, on the topic of “Values of Social Cohesion”.
The first guest on show Mr. Umair Tayyab, from University of Peshawar said that social inclusion – one of the key values of social cohesion – means equal citizenry where every citizen feels to be an important member of the society and is given equal opportunities to participate in the decision making processes. Also everyone is entitled to equal fundamental rights – as enshrined in the constitution – without any discrimination at all. Marginalization of any group in the society makes them feel discouraged and disgraced which can lead to disastrous disintegration in the society.
Inclusion demands that the differently abled people in the society are given ample opportunities to fully showcase and channelize their true potential. The state is responsible to provide job and equal education opportunities to all its citizens. Women empowerment is crucial for national development where the role of male counterparts is very critical; exhibiting more respect and understanding. Religious leaders are the vital actors to promote inclusion of disenfranchised groups in the society, he concluded.
The second guest on show, Ms. Arzoo Khan, President, Transgender Community, termed social education of the society at large as the primary precondition for inclusion of marginalized segments in the society. The transgender community is deprived of their due rights which jeopardizes social cohesion. The exclusion of marginalized groups from the socio-political activities and decision making processes leads conflicts and only furthers polarization.
The transgender community deserves equal opportunities for social mobility, progress and to contribute and participate in the development processes including democratic and political. There is a huge onus on the society to support, give a conducive environment to, accept and respect the transgender and other marginalized sections. The provision and protection of fundamental human rights in the society only strengthens the social fabric and harmony.
The third guest on phone, Ms. Malalai Akhtari, representative of Bahai community, said that the behavior of the society needs to be changed towards the marginalized and minority sections. The core consideration in the child-rearing process should be the cultivation of positive messaging and acceptance perspectives to prepare a cadre of responsible and enlightened future leaders.
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 strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.