Current Projects

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

Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj November 28th, 2017

Regional Review on 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 governance and health issues in different districts and agencies. A report from District Charsadda mentioned the lack of basic health facilities in a Shabqadar hospital. The huge building of this hospital is marked as a category C hospital (110 beds hospital). Unfortunately due to electrical load shedding and unavailability of some specialists, there are no admitted patients. Deputy Commissioner Charsadda, Mr. Muntazir Khan, speaking in the show told that he personally visited this hospital. He agreed with the report and said that work is being done on it. Another report was about the absence of any health facilities like hospital, basic health unit or dispensary in Union Council Jarma of District Kohat. The native village of the District Nazim is also deprived of these basic health facilities leading to difficulties for the people. A third report highlights the objectives of a project of the KP government, Billion Tsunami Tree. Spokesman of the KP government and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Mr. Shaukat Yousafzay, speaking in the show stated that this is a multipurpose project. It will increase the forest area from 21% to 25% which is an international standard. This will make the atmosphere clean and the weather is expected to become normal. This project is providing employment opportunities as well. This project will play a vital role in the future of the province. As many as 09 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...

Gen Nicholson Chasing Mirage in Afghanistan?

Gen John Nicholson, the top US general in Afghanistan, has once more reiterated his country’s displeasure over Pakistan’s alleged support for the Afghan Taliban and said there have been no signs of any change in Islamabad’s policy towards the militants across the border. “We have been very direct and very clear with the Pakistanis… we have not seen those changes implemented yet,” he told reporters. “We are hoping to see those changes, we are hoping to work together with the Pakistanis going forward to eliminate terrorists who are crossing” the border, Nicholson said in Kabul. He responded affirmatively when asked if Taliban leaders still reside in Pakistan or that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) maintains contacts with the Haqqani network. Nothing new or surprising elements in the press talk, but Gen Nicholson’s statement in a geo-politically loaded environment not only ignores some fundamentals but also comes across as ironic, reflective of impatience with a country that has only suffered as a consequence of US partnership in two Afghan wars. Nicholson routinely issues such statements to the disregard of a fundamentals reality that peace in Afghanistan neither depended on the Afghan Taliban leaders allegedly sheltering in Pakistan nor is peace in the hands of Pakistan alone. Old relationships with mujahideen, Hamid Karzai, Professor Rabbani (late) Prof Sayyaf, Mulla Omar, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and several Taliban/Haqqani leaders notwithstanding, its leverage with most Afghan stakeholders has shrunken considerably in past decade or so. Secondly, the US position lack strategy on the convergence among both Russia and Iran as well as former president Hamid Karzai, who all concur that Daesh as an external proxy presents a bigger threat to the integrity and stability of Afghanistan and the region than do the Taliban. And mind you – Daesh factions are ensconced in the mountainous eastern Afghanistan and are only one of the 20 major insurgent/terrorist groups that,...

 Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka November 27th, 2017

Burn Treatment Centers and Related Facilities to Save Lives The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) focused on the treatment of burn victims in burn centers all around Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). According to the Doctors Association, 8,000 burn patients are brought to Peshawar due to terrorist attacks. The patients are usually referred to other provinces in the absence of a burn center, however, it is expected that the first burn center in Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) will be functional in March 2018. The guest of the show, Dr. Tamheed Ullah, Associate Professor Surgery Unit HMC, discussed the causes, challenges, precautions and availability of facilities. Dr. Tamheed Ullah was of the opinion that the establishment of burn centers is a challenge as it costs a lot and there are no health economists who could allocate the budget for this particular area. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) took the initiative to make the burn unit functional though it has existed for a while. He shared that the capacity of the center will initially be 120 patients, including children and women along with the treatment at different stages, rehabilitation and psychological support, nutritional services, teaching facilities etc. Dr. Tamheed Ullah said that the center is to be used as a multipurpose training and teaching institution. He claimed that at least 70 percent case of burns are among women. He suggested precautions as well to minimize the burn cases.   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...

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TESTIMONIALS

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.

Soniya Shams

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar