The 105th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed the journey of programme thus far, through the last two and a half years. It was participated by several project team members and partners to share their experiences, achievements of the initiative, and way forward.
The guest on phone, Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, CRSS, noted that the objective of the initiative was youth leadership development by equipping them with the critical thinking skills and education key to social cohesion and peacebuilding. Ulasi Taroon calls for mutual respect, equality while no room for discriminatory attitudes – on the basis of color, cast or creed – that can tear apart the social fabric. We must have differences but our strength lies in commonalities and only by focusing on them, can we not only give more space to each other – as responsible citizens – but also formulate shared goals of development. As long as we resort to dialogue for conflict resolution, the local solutions will keep flowing and we will continue to coexist peacefully.
This programme is our small contribution to strengthen social cohesion where the endeavor aims to create an empowered mass of youth which is cognizant of the core constitutional values of harmony and peace, and their roles as future leaders. We hope that Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops have been able to hone the social development potential of youth to help them further propagate the core values of cohesion within their respective spheres.
Mrs. Shagufta Khalique, lead trainer (Ulasi Taroon Workshops) and an Educationist, said that the Ulasi Taroon youth alumni – of over 700 male and female students from different universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province – serves as an asset to the initiative and its true capital for sustainable change. As an inherent communal mechanism for peace and development, we cultivated youth as future leaders and peacebuilders, and gave them the much needed constitutional education; especially on its core values. Besides, arming youth with the intellectual tools to dispassionately engage in a democratic dialogue and respect diversity are some other prominent features of the programme.
The presenter for the Ulasi Taroon radio shows, Mr. Shahabuddin shared that we have learned a lot from guest speakers from different walks of life who have participated in the radio advocacy campaign as part of the initiative. It managed to successfully generate a discourse embedded in constitutionalism; core constitutional values of peace and coexistence vide articles 8-28. Such a mechanism of social engagement is critical to enhance public awareness and understanding about their rights and responsibilities.
The second guest on phone, Dr. Jamil Chitrali, a professor from Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar, noted that social education and development is our collective responsibility and not just the job of one, it requires public-private partnerships, cooperative and responsible citizenry and inclusive policy making. State must allocate its resources for social development purposes as an investment in the future of country’s social stability. The foremost educational consideration should be inculcating peace and tolerance perspectives in the young through an inclusive educational curricula. 
Ms. Asma Gul, the presenter for Ulasi Taroon radio shows, shared that she had witnessed incessant energy and spirit of social change in the students post their participation in the Ulasi Taroon youth workshops. Given the reception of the values of social cohesion in the young, its an opportunity not to be missed. The empowered youth are certain to make a difference in the society if we cultivate their vision for a bright and connected future.
The reporter for Ulasi Taroon radio shows, Mr. Inam appreciated the universality of the programme themes such as promotion of democracy, peace-building and social cohesion. Our region has suffered from militancy in the last two decades and such kind of programming was direly needed where CRSS filled this gap, he concluded.
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.