Current Projects
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...
Power Politics and Its Effects on Balochistan, KP
As sincere Pakistanis, we should spare Balochistan and KP the power politics that have run down these regions and constrained their socio-political growth. Most politicians, former military and civilian officers and their followers often ignore some basic facts when they judge the claims and performance of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This they do in a way as if the PTI has a magic wand to heel the wounds inflicted on the province and the region around it as a result of decades of an elitist model of governance that takes care more of the ruling civil-military elites than the common man. The same hue and cry was raised when Chief Minister Pervez Khattak donated 300 million to the Darul-Uloom Haqqani, Akora Khatak. One must underline that the kind of education this and other seminaries impart cannot extricate the students from an obsolete medieval ages mindset. Nor can this system induce critical thinking into them. It’s the collective social and state failure if these kids from the poor strata of the society are there and forced to rot-learn. Having said that, it is not difficult to figure out that nearly all politicians, not just those of the PTI, work to protect and expand their vote bank and thus are hostage of fear and expedience. Lots of Punjab Auqaf and Zakat Funds go to direct or indirect affiliates of SSP/LeJ — name them and they will be there as recipients of state largess — stipends for Malik Ishaq of LeJ are just one case in point. Secondly, religiosity in the society has become so entrenched in general that no politician can dare shoot himself in the foot by directly taking on the mosque-madaris power — however right the cause may be. The Faizabad and Lahore sit-ins as well as former law minister’s imploring messaging via the social media are the latest examples. In fact the Sharifs are feting people in religious rites at home these days offers another glimpse of their fears of the deep-seated mindset. Thirdly, nobody really speak of...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj December 5th, 2017
Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) focused on the issues faced by the people of KP and FATA with special emphasis on law and order, education and basic human rights. The show discussed the reasons and impacts of last week’s terrorist attack on the Agriculture Directorate in Peshawar. Senior journalist, Safi Ullah Gul, talking in the show said that the attack highlights the importance of National Action Plan to be implemented completely. He added that the courage and quick action of the security personnel is appreciable but there is a question mark on the role of intelligence agencies. Initially it looked like these agencies failed to mention the threats in time. Mr. Gul insisted that there should be close coordination of all security and intelligence agencies for more success and elimination of terrorism. Another report discussed the issue of Peshawar University’s students’ protest which lasted one week. The demands of the students were to decrease the semester fee, betterment of security situation, student’s organization election etc. Dr. Fakhr Ul Islam, Director Area Study Center, talking in the show said that the university’s management is negotiating with the protesting students. He said that some of the demands are related to the Higher Education Commission and some with the KP Government. He added that the country’s direction is questionable that even the students are protesting to have their demands met. It has become a culture in the country to resort to prolonged sit in which is harming the country. Another report highlights the problems of Mohmand tribes due to the ban on court degree for the amendment in the computerized National Identity Card. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka December 4th, 2017
Weak Implementation of Laws Leads to an Overburden on Judiciary Guests: Sangeen Khan, Advocate High Court, Shakeel Awan, Advocate High Court The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) addressed the weak implementation of systems and procedures in different institutions. Judiciaries’ excessive involvements in taking sue motto actions of various such issues was also discussed. The guests highlighted the issues related to private schools, including fee structures and different administrative costs introduced by these schools and certain violations of court orders in this regard. In a democratic society each and every institution has a predefined role and responsibility. But unfortunately when it comes to the implementation of certain policies and legislation, it takes years for the effective implementation and still the institutions are unable to perform up to the mark. The situation exists in more or less all government departments. This results in numerous cases against the government institutions for the provision of basic needs and rights. A recent example is of the fee hike in private schools, which seems unattended despite the various legislative measures and laws including the 1962 ordinance for private schools, the 1990 approved act by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, then a well defined 2001 ordinance providing clear guidelines for all the academic, financial and administrative issues related to the running of private schools. The various costs and expenses, including the tuition fee hike, seems unattended though there have been orders by the courts to the schools for a proper procedure. The guests were of the opinion that we have enough orders, legislation and laws but the major issue is the implementation that is weak and driving the ordinary citizens towards courts for a solution of their problems. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)...
Pakistani Scholar Accuses Indian External Affairs Ministry of Distorting History Regarding Kashmir
Following is a Letter Written by a Pakistani Scholar and Researcher to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Islamabad-based scholar Muhammad Abdul Qadeer has accused Indian External Affairs Ministry of distorting the history and thus not only refusing to hold a plebiscite but also considering Kashmir as an integral part of India. India neither wants to negotiate with Pakistan nor wants any third-party mediation to resolve the issue. Prime Minister’s Office South Block, Raisina Hill New Delhi-110011 October 11, 2017 Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi, For years the government of India has maintained that Pakistan did not fulfil the preconditions for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. It maintains that plebiscite was “conditional upon Pakistan fulfilling Parts (I) & (II) of the United Nation’s resolution of 13 August, 1948 which required Pakistan to withdraw its troops and to secure the withdrawal of both tribesmen and Pakistani nationals and that India would withdraw the bulk of its forces once the UN Commission confirms that the tribesmen and Pakistani nationals and Pakistani troops are being withdrawn.” The government of India believes that Pakistan never fulfilled these commitments and argues, because Pakistan did not withdraw its troops from the state, normal conditions under which a plebiscite could be held were never created. Attached herewith is the image of India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ website which claims that the government of Pakistan did not fulfil the preconditions for a plebiscite in Kashmir. The claims that Pakistan did not fulfil the preconditions for a plebiscite are incorrect. In October 1967, a United Nations mediatory report on Kashmir noted that in the provisions of part II of the 13 August 1948 resolution, the requirement for the withdrawal of all the Pakistani forces was related to the required withdrawal of...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra November 30th, 2017
Role and Interest of Youth in Politics The latest episode of Ranra (Light) focused on the role of students in politics and how they are developing their interest in politics. Saeed Safi, President Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Youth Jirga Momand Agency, was the guest in the show. He stated that people open their children to limited professions; they are not encouraged to be a social activist, a politician, a banker, a teacher or a writer etc. Parents have a major role in discouraging their children from opting for a profession of their interest. He added that politics was considered unimportant, but recently the youngsters have realized that Pakistan needs an educated and sincere leader. They are now preparing themselves for participation in active politics. He further added that the Political Parties Act was extended to FATA in 2011 but in this very short span of time FATA youngsters have developed a very good political sense. They are now active members of FATA Youth Jirga and are demanding their rights from the government. A CRSS correspondent report was also played during the show about the role of Youth Assemblies in creating political awareness among the youth. Two listeners took part in the program through live calls. 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 airs on...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey November 29th, 2017
Proper Utilization of Time is the Key to Success The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) focused on the importance of time management and its proper utilization. Hammad Safi, student, lecturer and the youngest freelancer of Pakistan, participated as a studio guest in the show. He stated that time does not wait for anyone and it cannot be recalled either. He feels that even though people get a degree after completing sixteen years of education, yet they do not have any direction. He added that the upbringing of a child also plays an important role in this regard. Children are provided with mobiles and computers by their parents but often, they are misused. He further added that there is a lack of proper career counseling in our society. Often the career goals of a child are disapproved by their parents. This causes lack of interest and the lack of interest in a particular subject could end up in a failure. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show, about the importance and time management of students. Four listeners took part in the program through text messages and praised the spirits of Hammad Safi. 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 airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth,...
CIA Drone Strikes in Pakistan: History, Perception and Future
Author: Farooq Yousaf Editors: Imtiaz Gul and Zeeshan Salahuddin This report is a part of CRSS’ 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. Download
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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.