Current Projects
BEYOND BOUNDARIES’ CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF AFGHAN REFUGEES STAY IN PAKISTAN
Beyond Boundaries, a Pak-Afghan track 1.5/II initiative, led by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad, calls upon the Government of Pakistan to expedite decision on Afghan refugees’ stay in Pakistan. This is in pursuance of Pakistan Government’s policy decision on February 07, 2017, relating to the management of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Additional steps approved by the Cabinet included extension in validity of the Proof of Registration Cards of 1.3 million Afghan refugees, documentation of Afghan nationals without any identification, adoption of a national refugee law, and a visa regime for different categories of Afghan nationals. Beyond Boundaries urges the Government of Pakistan to allow Afghan refugees’ stay in Pakistan up to 31 December, 2018, to end the nebulous nature of their fate. Any delay in extension only exposes the refugees to avoidable excesses and harassment by relevant departments / agencies. CRSS and Beyond Boundaries also appeal to the government for swift implementation of the new visa regime. Together these steps will generate much-needed goodwill, help overcome angst and clear uncertainty regarding the fate of refugees, in addition to improving precarious Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey December 27th, 2017
Challenges and Cultural Barriers Faced by Sportswomen The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) focused on participation of females in sports and the cultural and religious challenges faced by them. The guest of the show was Shehnaz Kamal, an international female boxing coach from Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP). Kamal was of the opinion that the major socio-cultural barrier for sportswomen in our society is the idea that sports are meant for men, which is widely promoted through traditions, beliefs and social practices. She said that conservative mindset, prevailing cultural norms and personal insecurities were the major challenges she faced while choosing boxing as a profession. She emphasized that females have to stop underestimating themselves while availing the opportunities and resist gender discrimination. She said that it is time that parents, family and society should redefine trust and stereotypical mindset to ensure maximum participation of females in all types of sports. A report shared the success stories of Maria Torpakai in squash and her contributions in the field of sports. There were eight live calls during the show. 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 Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women....
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj December 26th, 2017
Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of the Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) discussed multiple irregularities in the health department faced by the people of KP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The callers in the show spoke about load shedding, schools for girls, and the long-awaited repair and maintenance of roads. The first report was from Kohat by Tahir Rasheed sharing the data of a World Health Organization (WHO) report on mother and child, mentioning the very high rate of 432,000 deaths annually in Pakistan. The report further stated that more than 20,000 mothers died during child birth annually. While discussing another report in the show, Dr. Muntazir Khan, Deputy Commissioner Charsadda, said that they are struggling hard to overcome the irregularities and corruption issues in the district. He said that they conduct surprise visits to different health and educational institutions to know the problems faced by the public of the area. He further added that last week during his surprise visit, he found some corrupt practices in a basic health unit. The third report from D.I Khan mentioned the sugarcane farmers’ issues with the mill. There were demands from the farmers against the mill owners regarding the price of the sugarcane. They were of the opinion that this is a bad governance issue on part of the KP government. 14 calls were received during the show and mentioned their local problems. Three text messages were also received. AboutSabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communication 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 is aired Monday to Thursday every week under the aforementioned four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM....
CIA Drone Strikes in Pakistan: History, Perception and Future
Author: Farooq Yousaf Editors: Imtiaz Gul and Zeeshan Salahuddin EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report is a part of CRSS’s special publication series that focuses on perception and impact of drone strikes on security and counterterrorism in Pakistan. The report discusses the background of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)-operated US drone strikes in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), along with how the success of the first strike and the confusion surrounding it gave the US an unmanned option to target alleged terror heads in the region. Since the first strike in 2004 which targeted Taliban leader Nek Muhammad Wazir, the US has conducted over 400 strikes in various areas of FATA. These strikes on the one hand have resulted in the elimination of high profile targets, while on the other, have contributed to civilian casualties. There are conflicting opinions and sentiments on the issue both abroad and in Pakistan, with arguments that such strikes have led to a spike in extremism and terrorism in FATA. The primary survey conducted in this report suggests that drones remain a complex issue with competing narratives. There are also a significant number of respondents from FATA who believe that drones not only eliminate terrorists, but are also the least of three evils: military operations, Taliban and drones. Finally, the report recommends that if the government of Pakistan has a tacit drone deal with the US government and believes drones are effective in FATA, it needs to formulate an effective and clear narrative in order to give clarity. Please see the full PDF here.
CRSS Hosts Dinner for Visiting Afghan Parliamentarians Delegation
Taking advantage of the presence of a few Afghan members of parliament in Islamabad, the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) hosted a dinner in their honor on 25 December, 2017. The Afghan MPs were led by Khalid Pashtoon, a prominent member of the CRSS Pak-Afghan Track 1.5/II dialogue project “Beyond Boundaries.” These MPs were part of a 16 member delegation, led by Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, which participated in the six country regional first Speakers’ Conference on 24-25 December held in Islamabad to discuss “the challenges of terrorism and inter-regional connectivity”. Beyond Boundaries’ members included Mr. Khalid Pashtoon, and Mr. Mirwais Yasini; other parliamentarians present were Ms. Nasima (Helmand), Engineer Qarar (Leghman), Mr. Qari Hanifi (Herat) and and Mr.Najrabi, head of the Woolasi Jirga’s committee on internal security. Pakistan Beyond Boundaries members present included Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Mr. Zahid Hussain, and Tahir Khan. Other distinguished guests invited were Mr. Ayaz Wazir, former Ambassador, Mr. Salim Safi, senior journalist, and Mr. asif Bhatti, a correspondent with the daily Jang. Led by Qari Hanifi all guests also offered a collective prayer for peace in both countries and prayed for uninterrupted people to people contacts as well. Ambassador Ayaz Wazir on behalf of CRSS, welcomed, Afghan guests and urged for continued engagement to rub off bilateral acrimony and reduce mistrust. He thanked CRSS for arranging an informal working dinner to discuss with the parliamnetraians the Pak-Afghan bilateral realtions, the issues jointly faced by the two coutries, and a chance to listen to Afghan memebrs who attended the recent Spaekers Conference. He said peace and prosperity and economic connectivity are not only important for Pakistan and Afghanistan, but for the entire region. He hoped that with this high level Speaker’s delegation’s visit, more such multilateral or bilateral contacts should follow. The Afghan...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra December 21st, 2017
Impact of Co-curricular Activities in Educational Institutions The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the impact of co-curricular activities in educational institutions, with Dr. Sareer Bacha, Chairman Statistics Department Islamia College University Peshawar. The program aimed at discussing the importance of such activities along with academic excellence, particularly among the youth. Dr. Bacha emphasized that in the current scenario of the region, the state must prioritize its target areas. Efforts must be made towards ensuring access to a standardized quality education with equal facilities for all. He was of the opinion that co-curricular and extracurricular activities refine the soft skills of the youth, preparing them for real life practical activities. He said that logical debate and dialogue should be encouraged to enable our students to think critically and find solutions for existing problems faced by their communities. Encouragement of co-curricular activities will guide the youth in a positive direction, drifting them away from negativity and extremism. A report was aired to share the concerns of the masses on quality education and its importance in handling the growing intolerance and extremism. There were six live calls and three SMS messages during the program. AboutSabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communication 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 is aired Monday to Thursday every week under the aforementioned 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey December 20th, 2017
Importance of Arts and Music in Peace Building The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirits) highlighted the importance of arts and music in peace building. The guest for the program was Irfan Kamal, a famous Pashto singer. Ismail, a Pashto artist, was taken live on call during the show as well. Mr. Kamal was of the opinion that quality music can be the best tool to promote social cohesion in society. He added that the revival of folk music and classic poetry needs the supervision of state and institutions. Ismail shared his view that it is the growing extremism and the association of Pakhtoon culture with guns and weapons that motivated him to present the image of Pakhtoons as peaceful people. He said that he also aimed at reviving the classic Pashto poetry, specifically with reference to peace and tolerance so that the image could be redefined. He added that in the past, Hujra used to be the center of all sorts of social activities including music, arts, and craft, and would promote a message of social cohesion. Unfortunately, that culture is diminishing now. With the invasion of different genres of music, the survival of traditional arts is in dire need of a revival. A report was presented about the recent events and musical programs carried out in the province and were seen as a positive sign for a region that has been a victim of conflicts and terrorism. There were two live calls and three SMS received during the show. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj December 19th, 2017
Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) discussed multiple governance issues faced by the people of KP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with emphasis on role, authority, and responsibility of the local government representatives. The callers in live calls spoke about special people’s rights, load shedding, schools for girls and the long-awaited repair and maintenance of roads. The first report was from Kohat by Tahir Rasheed, sharing the initiative (Kohat Dost Campaign) of district administration for the motivation of mediation committees and members of local governments in the district. The second report was from Charsadda, in which the women members of District Council complained about the non-release of the annual developmental funds to them. They were of the opinion that no one knows about their rights and responsibilities in the council. Ex-mayor of Kohat, Molana Niaz Mohammad, said that there are so many flaws in the local bodies Act 2013. The members and Nazims are helpless and disappointed due to the delay in releasing of annual developmental funds. He said that the local bodies Act 2002 was better and it should replace the new one again. The third report was by Gul Hussain from Mohmand Agency, FATA. It discussed the political protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s Mohmand workers for the merger of FATA with KP. The workers were protesting against the black law of Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). Member of National Assembly from Bajure Agency, Mr. Shahab Ul-din Khan, stated that this is a suitable time to demolish FCR and merge FATA with KP. He said that this issue is now of the national interest and that hopefully this will be resolved forever. The fourth report from Swat, Mangora by Anwar Anjum, was about the snow fall and tourist visits to Malam Jaba, Swat. The tourists enjoyed the weather but complained about the damaged roads of these scenic points. 12 listeners called during...
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka December 18th, 2017
Elements of Good Governance The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Counsel) discussed the elements of good governance, keeping in view the issues people faced due to the different development projects in Peshawar, particularly Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The guests of the show were Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Fazal Ilahi from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and a journalist Lihaz Ali from Mashriq TV. Mr. Ilahi was of the opinion that good governance is only possible if the individuals understand their responsibility towards the state. He added that a proper need assessment is carried out by the planning and development department whenever any mega project is launched. To strengthen the idea of good governance in a democratic manner, media has to understand its role. Mr. Ali was of the opinion that media has played a vital role in raising awareness among masses and people do understand the concept of good governance and the importance of initiatives for them. He further added that while launching such huge projects, the government must take the public onboard with a well-organized campaign through media. It should also come up with possible solutions for the masses to minimize their problems. There were three calls 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 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 Jazbey...
Can ‘Diplomacy’ By Pakistan Match This?
Recently I was stunned to see the following message by current German ambassador to Pakistan, Martin Kobler: “I have a special request, maybe one of you can help me: i need to print new business cards and want to add my name in braille script for the blind. can anyone message me institutions for the blind to help me in that? Thanks.” This message underscores the ambassador’s relentless pursuit of reaching out to every Pakistani citizen. He has been all over – from Namak Mandi in Peshawar to Lahore and Chitral. And now he is looking out for ways to connect with the blind in Pakistan. I can’t resist but salute his passion and wonder how many of our ambassadors abroad indulge in this pro-active and incessant public diplomacy. Lijian Zhao, the deputy head of the Chinese embassy, is a second outstanding case study. This diplomat is single-handedly taking on all the detractors of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. While a lot of Pakistanis, motivated by western aspersions and doubts on the nature and the perceived long-term consequences for Pakistan, keep grumbling and cribbing, Lijian is acting as a one-man demolition squad for this opposition, as a real spokesperson for Pakistan. Sushma Swaraj, the Indian foreign minister, stands out as a third example of pro-active public diplomacy. She presumably has a team that monitors the social media. But action-oriented response to any issue involving China, Pakistan or Afghanistan is exceptionally prompt. Particularly requests for urgent, mostly, patient visas, elicit instant and almost real-time response to the respective diplomatic missions of India. And the missions do respond to these instructions by the foreign minister. These three case studies stand in pretty sharp contrast to our diplomacy in general. Responses by the Foreign Office or our missions abroad to situations with direct implications for Pakistan’s image are usually slow, if not missing altogether. Even the Indian embassy in Kabul outsmarts the Pakistani...
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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.