Current Projects
Better Trade Relations Between Pakistan & Afghanistan Can Help Reduce Poverty, Concludes CRSS’ 8th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue
Speaking at the 8th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue on poverty as the common enemy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director, SDPI, stated one of the most articulated mantras of poverty reduction in developing countries is adopting trade liberalization strategies which can pave the way for business, employment, and ultimately improve livelihoods for people, particularly those living in rural areas. In place of merely pursuing economic growth, reduction of poverty as a primary goal of development efforts has been adopted in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and, also the recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, in particular, need to ponder over such strategies. Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, who was invited as the Chief Guest and Speaker in the session organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), said that both countries can tackle the common enemy of poverty, through improved bilateral and transit trade, business, and foreign investment. While speaking on Pak-Afghan trade, he shared SDPI’s recent Pak-Afghan trade project’s findings. According to the report, he said, the downward trend in the trade between the two countries can be attributed to heightened security protocols on the Pakistani side, improved manufacturing facilities in Afghanistan, the rise in Afghanistan’s trade with Iran and other regional economies, and the increase in informal trade, which resultantly has brought Pakistani exports to Afghanistan to about $1 billion at present from $ 2.5 billion in 2016. He further said that in March 2017, the most popular commodities that found their way to Afghanistan from Pakistan included rice, wheat flour, cane and beet sugar, sucrose, sugar confectionery, household articles, and plastics. Among the export of services, Pakistan provided business and government-related services, telecommunications, information technology and transport, and health services. During the same month,...
Better Trade Relations Between Pakistan & Afghanistan Can Help Reduce Poverty, Concludes CRSS’ 8th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue
Speaking at the 8th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue on poverty as the common enemy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director, SDPI, stated one of the most articulated mantras of poverty reduction in developing countries is adopting trade liberalization strategies which can pave the way for business, employment, and ultimately improve livelihoods for people, particularly those living in rural areas. In place of merely pursuing economic growth, reduction of poverty as a primary goal of development efforts has been adopted in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and, also the recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, in particular, need to ponder over such strategies. Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, who was invited as the Chief Guest and Speaker in the session organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), said that both countries can tackle the common enemy of poverty, through improved bilateral and transit trade, business, and foreign investment. While speaking on Pak-Afghan trade, he shared SDPI’s recent Pak-Afghan trade project’s findings. According to the report, he said, the downward trend in the trade between the two countries can be attributed to heightened security protocols on the Pakistani side, improved manufacturing facilities in Afghanistan, the rise in Afghanistan’s trade with Iran and other regional economies, and the increase in informal trade, which resultantly has brought Pakistani exports to Afghanistan to about $1 billion at present from $ 2.5 billion in 2016. He further said that in March 2017, the most popular commodities that found their way to Afghanistan from Pakistan included rice, wheat flour, cane and beet sugar, sucrose, sugar confectionery, household articles, and plastics. Among the export of services, Pakistan provided business and government-related services, telecommunications, information technology and transport, and health services. During the same month,...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj January 16th, 2018
The latest episode of Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) highlighted various issues from all across Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP). 21 callers from different areas of KP and Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) shared their grievances, mostly about load shedding. A report from Dera Ismail Khan discussed the issues faced by the local bodies’ representatives. Bushra Rahim, Deputy Director Local Government Department KP, said that more than 7,000 female government representatives need to be trained on budgeting. A female councilor, Dilshad Baigum, said that women in the government still face the same challenges as they did before in our patriarchal society. A report from Mohmand agency shared the concerns of parents regarding basic facilities in more than 600 schools of Mohmand agency. Another report, from Swat by Anwar Anjum, shared the problems faced by home-based female workers. AboutSabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms....
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka January 15th, 2018
FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) Reforms – Extension of Judiciary The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) focused on the historic decision of extending court writs to FATA. Under this decision, the Supreme Court and the Peshawar High Court, have access to the tribal areas. The guest of the show, advocate Ejaz Momand, was of the opinion that access to tribal areas can be considered a first step towards justice and equal citizenship. He said that the decision was a result of hardships and struggle with the support of different stakeholders. Shah Jee Gul, Member of National Assembly (MNA), on live call during the show, added that extending writs to FATA will strengthen the long-awaited rule of law and provide the constitutional right of access to justice. He was hopeful that the exploitation and violation of human rights carried out by the traditional Jirga will be mitigated by limiting their involvement. A caller from Mohmand agency said that the Jirga system has lost its credibility and contemporary investigations are needed for providing justice now. A radio report was aired to share the responses from different tribal agencies. A total of 17 calls and three messages were received during the program, seven calls were taken on air. AboutSabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications program, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: CRSS Takes Counter-Radicalization to New Levels
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) has launched a new counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon that uses core constitutional values to foster social cohesion. The core themes that the program aims to promote and reinforce are rule of law, equal opportunities for all citizens of all faiths, tolerance for diversity and respect for fundamental human rights. The maiden radio program as part of this initiative was aired from Radio Pakistan networks across Peshawar, Kohat, D.I. Khan and Abbottabad on January 05, 2018. “The cohesion (taroon) lies in abiding by your social contract and the values in your social contract. It is strengthened by compliance with the core constitutional values like adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance. Understanding and abiding by these values can not only foster social cohesion (Ulasi Taroon) but also result in social peace and harmony in the society. These democratic values are fundamentally essential pre-requisites and primary conditions for any society’s socio-political and economic progress, democratic development and peaceful co-existence”, Mr. Shams Momand, Project Manager, CRSS shared the motivation behind the initiative while adding that program was based on the idea to connect diverse segments of the society by shared values and vision for cohesion. CRSS believes that the change requires concerted efforts where the whole society plays its part for peace and social cohesion. Mr. Safiullah Gul, one of the in-studio guests in the introductory program said, “The key to social cohesion lies in exhibiting tolerance for diversity and acceptance of different opinions”. He further added that Ulasi Taroon was a timely initiative to cultivate the citizens; especially the young population in the core constitutional values given that the youth constituted...
Job Opening: Social Media Associate
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) is looking to hire a Social Media Associate. Job Description: - Manage CRSS’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc -Engage in social media presence creation on new and emerging social media platforms -Create dynamic written, graphic, and video content -Create content that promotes audience interaction, increases audience presence on CRSS’s sites, and compels audience to participate -Assist social media management during projects and events -Propose new ideas and concepts for social media content -Use timelines and scheduled content to create a consistent stream of new content for audience interaction while analysing, managing, and altering schedules where necessary to optimize visits Who can apply? Excellent proficiency in English Proven working experience in social media marketing or as a digital media specialist Excellent writing, editing (photo/video/text), presentation and communication skills Demonstrable social networking experience and social analytics tools knowledge Positive attitude, with good multitasking and organisational ability How to Apply: Send your CVs at info@crss.pk along with a cover letter.
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra Janauary 11th, 2018
Challenges for Home Based Female Entrepreneurs In connection with the objective of women empowerment, the latest episode of Ranra (Light) brought forward the various challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and home based workers. The studio guest were Ms. Saima Amjad, a female entrepreneur, and Ms. Asma Sadaqat, a social worker working with home based skilled females and connecting them to local markets. Ms. Asma, while sharing her experiences, said that time, costs, minimum wages and fixed prices by the wholesalers are just some of the major challenges faced by the home based workers. Ms. Saima said that majority of the home based workers are unaware of existing labor laws, minimum wages and working hours so they are easily exploited. She elaborated that even though Civil Society Organizations and Women Chamber of Commerce are trying to support these women, yet more intensive efforts are needed so that they can access the national and international markets. Ms. Asma was of the opinion that women in remote areas face more cultural and social challenges if they opt for a business and try to access the markets. A report was aired to share the views of females entrepreneurs. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, JargaMaraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da SimayJaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. JwandaiJazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for,...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey January 10th, 2018
Street Children for Peace Building The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the initiative of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government’s Zamung Kor, a shelter for homeless children. Among the studio guests were Mr. Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, Chairman Zamung Kor and Mrs. Fauzia Aleem, Director Zamung Kor. Mr. Gilani was of the opinion that the growing intolerance and extremism is a result of an imbalance in society caused by various factors. He added that children and women are the most vulnerable to abuse and harassment. He said that the state has to declare education as the top most priority by allocating more budget to it. He further added that it is imperative to make our education equitable to compliment the National Action Plan, as it is an antidote to all that Pakistan has suffered in the last 30 years. Mrs. Fauzia Aleem emphasized that the state must look into the establishment of more shelters for the street children so that they don’t fall prey to terrorists and extremists. A report was aired during the program and children shared their experiences of living in Zamung Kor. One call was received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, JargaMaraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da SimayJaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. JwandaiJazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural...
Why Not Embrace Afghans Living In Pakistan As Citizens?
Goodwill for Pakistan in Afghanistan, particularly in the capital Kabul, is practically non-existent. Nobody wants to associate himself with the name ‘Pakistan’. While the anti-Pakistan sentiment is driven and fueled by a certain lobby as part of a geo-political tit-for-tat, short-sighted and tactical Pakistani approaches too are to blame for the toxic narratives. In its responses such as abrupt border closures or absence of a long-term policy on Afghan refugees, a nuclear-armed country with the seventh largest army, which enjoys a special ally status with the new global economic power China, appears to have stooped itself to the levels of a war-battered country. In the latest example of ‘shooting yourself in the foot’, propensity became evident when Pakistan extended the stay of Afghan refugees only by less than 30 days. Not only was the announcement, made after a federal cabinet meeting on January 3, mind-boggling but also exposed the absence of a well thought-through strategy. Who made or influenced this decision? The prime minister must come clean on this. Following a meeting with the Afghan refugee and repatriation minister and UNHCR representatives a few days ago in Turkey, Pakistan had reportedly agreed to extend the stay of about 1.4 million Afghans in the country until December 31, 2018. But the January 3 decision on the extension stunned almost everybody. “After detailed discussion, the [federal] cabinet agreed to grant 30 days extension for PoR and also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan refugees shall be raised with UNHCR and with the international community,” the announcement had said. It took even the Afghan refugees and repatriation minister Sayed Hussain Alami Balkhi, who had been all praise for Pakistan’s generosity on the issue after last year’s agreement on extension, too by surprise. Media reports suggest that the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) has sent a separate summary to the prime minister for a longer...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj January 9th, 2018
The latest episode of Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) focused on various important issues of the region. Nine callers shared the issues of their areas and were concerned with the unavailability of their respective Member of National Assembly (MNA). A social activist, Shakeel Waheed Ullah, said that the public still needs to be sensitized about the idea of accountability of the elected representatives. A report from Charsadda by Aisha Tehseen shared the details of an open forum organized by the district administration. The forum was specifically arranged for women, including female representatives from minorities of the area. The participants were of the view that the representatives of the district administration have to be consistent in arranging such open forums in remote areas so that the issues of females are timely reported and addressed. Gull Hussain from Momand Agency reported that the political parties were concerned with the delay in the issuance of National Identity Cards to the women of the area. This is because the recent directives of the election commission of Pakistan tell that the elections will be nullified if the women votes are less than 10%. The local residents suggested that mobile vans by The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) can help out in speeding up the process. The fourth report was from Kohat by Tahir Rasheed. It addressed the issues faced by the residents and the local body representatives. Five text messages were received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM....
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TESTIMONIALS
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.