Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Newly Merged Districts – Challenges for Rule of Law

The 124th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.

The first guest on show, Mr. Ejaz Mohmand, an advocate by profession, noted that rule of law is an essential democratic system that comprises laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that upholds accountability mechanism and creates deterrence against crimes in the society. It is meant to hold everyone answerable to law which means that all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws.

Unfortunately, the Frontier Crime Regulation (FCR) that had been used to govern the former FATA areas in the past was extremely detrimental to rule of law. Now in the post-merger environment, rule of law in these districts can only be upheld through the provision of fundamental human rights to the people as their constitutional entitlement. It is also important to make the developmental process more transparent and efficient. The public engagement and education on the constitution; core constitutional values, is equally important to cultivate responsible citizenship. Human rights education always helps preventing human rights violations. Besides, it can further strengthen social cohesion among the people internally connected through their traditions and culture.

The second guest on show, Mr. Rizwan, Student of Sarhad University of Information and Technology and Ulasi Taroon Alumnus, noted that the citizenry cognizant of their responsibility is key for any society to thrive. Youth can play a very important role in this regard, not only to cultivate that responsibility but also to exude responsibility, commitment and participation as exemplary citizens.

The third guest on phone, Ms. Baseerat Bibi, Member, Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that the tribal people were deprived of their fundamental rights previously, especially the female population, due to a range of social and legal factors. The merger is an opportunity to encourage their socio-political and economic inclusion and mobility and improve the overall gender gap index in the region. The male members should also be sensitized about the participation and potential of women for democratic development and overall progress.

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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“For the past nine years, I have been living in Pakistan. Being part of different youth initiatives here has allowed me to witness the incredible warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people, and how they empathize with young Afghans like me. The Pak-Afghan Youth Peace Initiative by CRSS has helped me realize my potential as a youth and refugee leader. I’m determined to spread the messages of peace and friendship that I am taking away from this fellowship.”

Zainab Saee

Afghan Refugee