The Center

CRSS Background

The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) is an independent think tank established in September 2007. Since its inception, CRSS has been committed to embedding the national narrative in constitutionalism through nonpartisan analysis, strategic communication, and empirical research. As an advocacy center, CRSS is promoting the idea of critical thinking, anchored in global democratic values such as socio-political diversity, rule of law, equal citizenry, and inclusion above cast, creed, or color. 

CRSS Core Values

CRSS strives to embed the national conversation in constitutionalism, and rationalize it over extremism and sectarianism. CRSS believes the path to peace is through embodying fundamental human rights, specifically:

– strict adherence to the rule of law, and stringent implementation
– informing the public on civic education, especially good governance and public accountability
– promoting equal rights for all citizens of Pakistan
– championing women empowerment
– providing training and opportunities to youth to veer them away from radicalization through critical thinking

CRSS’ programming reflects its core values, which CRSS believes can, along with time-tested methodologies in strategic communications, impactful message development, research and advocacy result in a more tolerant and cohesive Pakistan.

CRSS Publications

CRSS produces several publications annually. Our flagship publications are the NAP Tracker, an annual audit of the counter-terrorism/counter-extremism National Action Plan (NAP) of the Government of Pakistan; and the Annual Security Report, a measure of the state of security in Pakistan by gauging the number of violence-related casualties across the country.

In addition to our thematic work, CRSS has also remained dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding through research endeavors and publications. From in-depth analyses of regional and national dynamics to policy recommendations for sustainable development, our publications contributed to informed discourse and evidence-based decision-making. Notable publications include: “CPEC: An Explainer”, “What Lies Behind the Iron Brotherhood?”,“A Critical Review of Taliban Rule: August 2021 – December 2023”, “Rethinking Pakistan’s Economy”, “Climate-Induced Security Threats to Pakistan,” and  Youth, Politics, and Democracy in Pakistan- An Intersectional Perspective.

You can also visit the CRSS Blog here, as well as the website of our sister organization Afghan Studies Center.