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Track-II Dialogue Calls Upon Pakistan, Afghanistan to Continue Engagement
*Declaration calls for resumption of bilateral trade talks, revisiting of visa regime and organisation of short exchange programmes Members of Pakistani and Afghan parliament, retired military officials, ambassadors, traders, members of civil society and media persons wrapped up unofficial dialogue in Kabul on Sunday, urging both governments to continue the course of engagement. A joint declaration of policy recommendations issued at the end of three-day interaction welcomed the recent exchange of visits between Kabul and Islamabad, particularly consultations between directors general of military operations (DGMOs). They hoped that the current restraint on both sides will augur well for the bilateral relations. The Track-II/1.5 Beyond Boundaries dialogue was organised by the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and its Afghan counterpart, Organisation for Economic Studies and Peace (OESP). The first meeting of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Committee (PAJC) of CRSS and OESP welcomed the recent proposals shared between Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially the start of the process of various working groups to address issues affecting their bilateral relations. In addition, the PAJC held detailed discussions on the current status of bilateral relations, including issues of peace and security, refugees, media cooperation, movement of goods and people across the two countries, facilitation of trade, visa restrictions and educational scholarships in particular. The PAJC strongly called upon on both the governments to convene meeting of the Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordinating Authority (APTTCA) as soon as possible to address pending transit trade issues. It was pointed out by several participants that Afghanistan has not called the meeting for 18 months despite Pakistan’s repeated requests. The participants called for immediate resumption of the bilateral trade talks, including recently imposed regulatory taxes on Afghan exports to Pakistan....
Pak-Afghan Relations: Yet Another Round Of Optimism
A meeting with Chief Executive of the Afghan National Unity government Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Abdul Raoof Ibrahimi, the speaker of the Afghan parliament – Oolassi Jirga – left us wondering whether recent exchanges between Kabul and Islamabad at the Directors General Military Operations (DGMOs) level and the obvious restrain of hostile rhetoric reflects yet another round of optimism in the chequered Pak-Afghan relations. In a first unusually long and passionate interaction with Pakistani and Afghan members of Beyond Boundaries – a Track 11/1.5 initiative at his sprawling palace in Kabul (December 16), Dr. Abdullah Abdullah was all ears for Pakistani delegates including MNAs Rana Afzal Khan (PML-N) and Shazia Marri (PPP) and senators Shibli Faraz (PTI) and Murtaza Wahab (PPP). Dr. Abdullah, in what was certainly a departure from the past, looked extremely engaging and kept asking the Pakistani visitors as to what they and their compatriots thought of the present-day Afghanistan. He was curious to know the status of Pakistan-funded development projects in Kabul and elsewhere. MNAs Shazia Marri and Rana Afzal, alongwith former defense secretary Asif Yasin, explained to him that most Pakistanis ask as to why despite decades of hospitality, Pakistan is still viewed negatively in Afghanistan. They also mentioned the ‘unusual Afghan tilt towards India’ as mindboggling for most Pakistanis. Dr Abdullah looked visibly upset when informed of certain bureaucratic bottlenecks that were impeding the import and installation of crucial medical equipment at the Jinnah Hospital in Kabul. Early this year, Dr Abduallah had instructed all relevant departments to remove all tariff impediments and expressed his displeasure over non-compliance by his bureaucracy. Dr. Abdullah welcomed recommendations to both governments by the Track-11/1.5 but sounded extremely cautious in his responses, and appeared to be groping for the right words to explain the Afghan point of view. He blamed the...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra December 14th, 2017
Interfaith Harmony - A tool for Peace Building The latest episode of Ranra (Light) following the theme of interfaith harmony as a peace building tool emphasized that the state, religious leaders, educational institutions, and media has to work in collaboration to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance. Molana Ashraf Ali Marwat, a religious scholar, was of the opinion that Islam itself is a religion of peace and has concrete examples from the life of Prophet Mohammad PBUH, where practical examples of tolerance and acceptance towards non-Muslims were presented. He added that the religious leaders and media need to understand the importance of their role in the society in spreading peace. He said that the religious institutions, be it a mosque, a church or a temple, must be utilized to promote human rights, tolerance and acceptance instead of promoting controversies and hate. The Sikh Community representative, Mr. Charan Jeet Singh, said that all religions convey a message of peace for humanity. It is time for the state to look into the curriculum and text books as that is the starting point for instilling intolerance towards the minorities living in Pakistan. The majority of Muslim population must exhibit tolerance towards other faiths as Islam promotes tolerance and acceptance. 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, 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey December 13th, 2017
Importance of Volunteerism in Promoting Civic Sense The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirits) focused on the importance of volunteerism which will promote civic sense in the society. Haseeb Ullah, pharmacy student and volunteer at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, participated as a studio guest in the show. Haseeb Ullah stated that every person can volunteer as volunteering doesn’t require any formal education. But, he added, the people are not ready to leave our comfort zone for the betterment of society. By engaging the youth in healthy and productive activities, we can prevent them from getting into negative activities. He added that a cause for imbalance among individuals in our society is that materialism has overcome humanity. Haseeb Ullah stated that females are also actively participating in volunteer activities and recently 13 females have joined PRC for Shangla, where they conducted a survey for seven days. The arrangements of accommodation for the female participants of National Youth Carnival were also done by female volunteers. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show about the public views regarding volunteerism and civic sense. Seven listeners took part in the program through calls and text messages and encouraged youngsters to volunteer along with studying. 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, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay...
Pakistan and Afghanistan to hold Track-II dialogue today
The unofficial dialogue will take place amid signs of improvement in relations as both governments are making efforts to remove the mistrust. KABUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold Track-II dialogue in Kabul today (Friday) to explore ways to improve relations between the two neighbouring countries, organizers here said. The unofficial dialogue will take place amid signs of improvement in relations as both governments are making efforts to remove the mistrust. Pakistani delegation led by Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, member of the National Assembly belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), arrived in Kabul on Thursday. The dialogue is part of Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/ II initiative titled: “Beyond Boundaries”, which started in October 2015 as part of efforts to help improve relations between the two countries and enhance people-to-people contacts. Pakistan ambassador Zahid Nasrullah hosted a reception for the Pakistani and Afghan delegates at the embassy and lauded the efforts at the unofficial level to bring the people closer. Earlier, the ambassador briefed the Pakistani participants on the relationship between the two countries. He said Pakistani embassy issues up to 1,600 visas to Afghan nationals every day to facilitate them travel to Pakistan for trade, education and treatment. Similarly, the Jalalabad embassy also issues more than 1,500 visas every day. Members of the dialogue will also hold meetings with Afghan leaders including Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former President Hamid Karzai and several ministers. Both sides will review policy recommendations of the previous meetings and review of political and other significant developments in Pak-Afghan relations- both negatives and positives- between now and last meeting held end of March, 2017. They will also share views on how to work jointly and build on the positives and Peace and Reconciliation Strategy. There will also be interactive discussion on Trade and Transit Relations...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj December 12th, 2017
Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) discussed multiple governance issues faced by the masses KP. The callers in live calls 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 grievances of load shedding of Sui gas in the area, particularly early in the morning. The complainants shared that due to the lack of interest by the department, illegal connections and narrow pipelines, the gas supply to the houses is minimal. The Deputy Chief Engineer of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGL) responded to the queries that there have been a few issues of supply on part of the two companies resulting in low pressure; however, the department is trying to cope up with the challenge of demand and supply. The second report from Yakka Ghund Mohmand Agency by Gul Hussain highlighted the role of political administration and the continued use of Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). Though the security and law enforcing agencies are playing a key role in the maintenance of peace and rule of law and efforts are being made in the National Assembly for the merger of FATA and abolition of FCR, yet the local political administration seems to be utilizing its authority by implementing FCR. The third report was from an exhibition in Gore Gathri, Peshawar. The event was organized in connection with the 16 days of activism campaign by the Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC). The Vice Chairperson of WPC said that the caucus intended to support the campaign as well as provide an opportunity for skilled women to showcase their pieces of arts and craft. She added that it is playing its role within the assembly and four important bills have been tabled already. The fourth report was from Swat, Mangora by Anwar Anjum, about a Mushaira arranged for the students conveying the message of peace and love for the masses. Poets from...
US media/intelligentsia delegation at CRSS
A US media/intelligentsia delegation visited CRSS Tuesday, December 12, 2017, for a roundtable on Pakistan's current situation. The roundtable also touched on regional issues such as Afghanistan, Pakistan's relations with the US, India, and China. American visitors were curious to know as to whether the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) means China has replaced the US in Pakistan's geostrategic calculus. Executive Director Imtiaz Gul, and Director Strategy and Programs Zeeshan Salahuddin gave the delegation a tour through Pakistan's socio-political and economic landscape. Both explained that the goal for peace in Afghanistan will remain elusive and American stated policy questionable as long as they efforts excluded the other big neighbor of Afghanistan, i.e., Iran as well as the Central Asian Republics and Russia. Pakistan alone cannot be the solution to Afghanistan's problems. Nor should it be singled out for violence in that country, Gul explained. Both Gul and Salahuddin also explained why CPEC has injected new life into Pakistan to the context of a hostile international environment, exacerbated by the Indian narrative on the country. The Trump administration, by elevating India in its strategic calculus, has unnecessarily raised alarm in Pakistan and drawn it much closer to China. Under CPEC more than $62 billion in Chinese investment during the next 15 years will lead to a network of roads, rails, communications, special economic zones, and power plants in Pakistan. The corridor aims to provide landlocked western China access to international markets through the southwestern Pakistani Arabian Sea port of Gwadar while addressing Islamabad’s energy needs and economic development. Beijing considers CPEC as the flagship project of its global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The delegation was also briefed on the major players inside Pakistan, the country’s slowly improving security and economic situation, and political landscape. The frank discussion...
Pak-Afghan Youth Come Together In A Workshop On Learning To Appreciate Diversity For Sustainable Peace
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted a training workshop on “Learning to Appreciate Diversity” for young participants from Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday, November 28, 2017. The workshop was designed as part of CRSS efforts under its Afghan Studies Center (ASC) initiative to bring together young minds from both countries on one platform to interact and exchange ideas from their personal experiences as a way to mitigate the unnecessarily growing mistrust between the two peoples. Ms. Sehar Tariq, Pakistan country representative for United States Institute of Peace (USIP), was the chief guest and the trainer in the workshop. Participants included 16 young Afghans and Pakistanis studying in various universities across the country, including Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), National Defense University (NDU), Islamia College University Peshawar, Karakorum International University (KIU) Gilgit, as well as other young vibrant activists. Frank Sun, a Chinese researcher also attended the workshop. The workshop began with an address by Mr. Aized Ali, project Director at CRSS, who apprised the participants with the objectives of Afghan Studies Center which emerged from the recommendations of CRSS’ track II/1.5 diplomacy initiative Beyond Boundaries that has focused on improving the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2015. Ms. Sehar was then invited to commence the session on the theme whereupon she invited introductions from all participants to begin on an interactive note. She told the participants that appreciating diversity meant respecting and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual in a society. She emphasized on the need to challenge the negative stereotypes that have built in our society, especially between young Afghan and Pakistani students, and not judge anyone based on how they look, where they belong or even according to how the majority perceives...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra December 07th, 2017
16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence The latest episode of Ranra (Light) focused on the 16 days of activism against gender based violence campaign which is being observed across the globe, from November 25th to December 10th, in order to eliminate violence against women. Ms. Sana Ijaz, women rights activist, Peshawar, was the guest in the show. She stated that this is celebrated in over 200 countries of the world including Pakistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) different programs and seminars are held to create awareness among the people regarding the elimination of gender discrimination. She added that non-government organizations not only highlight different kinds of issues, but also recommends ideas to the government to make better laws. She further added that the policy for women was made in 2014 and launched in 2015. However steps were not taken to implement it and it only remained on paper. Female lawmaker, Meraj Bibi, and other lawmakers worked on the policy and it was launched again yesterday aiming to protect the social, political, economic, and legal rights of women. A CRSS correspondent report was also played during the show about the views of people on gender based violence. Three listeners took part in the program. 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, 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey December 6th, 2017
Mainstreaming Madrassa Students The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) focused on the importance of mainstreaming madrassa students. Tariq Hayat, Program Manager Peace Education and Development, Peshawar and Hafiz Jihad Ahmad, madrassa student, Peshawar, participated as studio guests in the show. Hayat stated that regular schools are monitored by the government but unfortunately madrassas are ignored. Peace Education and Development Foundation tried to explore the ways of collaboration with madrassas and facilitate the students. In order to facilitate madrassa students, one should talk to them first about their needs and problems. Ahmad said that madrassa students have a very strict routine and they only find time in the evening for about an hour in which they can play. He said that the administration of Wifaqul Madaris should be requested to extend the time duration of extracurricular activities while adding contemporary education because this is a basic need. Hayat stated that under the National Action Plan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, registration of madrassa’s are in progress. He added that madrassa students are very talented and disciplined as in a sports gala for school and madrassa students, the winner was a madrassa student. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show, about the National Youth Carnival, in which for the first time madrassa students took part in different competitions including chess. One listener took part in the program via text messages and told that despite a ban on corporal punishment, the children still face it in schools and madrassas. 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...
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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.