Current Projects
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of its forces once the UN Commission confirms that the tribesmen and Pakistani nationals and Pakistani troops are being withdrawn.”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...
CRSS’ 6th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue Calls For Focusing On Common Grounds To Counter The Growing Enemy Of Extremism
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted its sixth Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue under its Afghan Studies Center initiative on Friday, November 24, 2017, as part of its ongoing series of monthly dialogues aimed at enhancing people to people contact between the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The theme of the dialogue focused on ‘Addressing the Issue of Extremism in Pakistan and Afghanistan’ which was attended by 26 participants, comprising young Afghan and Pakistani students and activists belonging to Kabul, Islamabad, Ghazni, FATA, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gujranwala, in addition to other areas. Ms. Ammara Durrani, an independent polymath professional and management consultant with 14 years of leadership experience working with international, regional and national organizations on a range of strategic programmatic initiatives in areas of conflict, peacebuilding & counter-violent extremism, was the chief guest, while Mr. Aized Ali, Project Director at CRSS, moderated the dialogue. Ms. Durrani, in her presentation, extended a warm welcome to all the young Afghan and Pakistani participants present, stating she felt excited to be in the same room with Afghan and Pakistani youngsters sitting side by side and showing their goodwill gesture for a positive future. She expressed her grief over the deterioration of the once strong connection of affiliation the two nations held, hoping optimistically for the improvement of their bilateral relations soon in the coming times. Speaking on the theme, Ms. Durrani, categorized the different shades of extremism existing in the present world, delineating that some is religiously motivated, some politically while some even economically, in addition to other contributing factors. She said it was important firstly that the Pakistani and Afghan youth make clear these distinctions between the different types and factors behind each type of extremism to be able to grasp the root cause of growing extremism in the...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra November 23rd, 2017
Violation of Women’s Rights The latest episode of Ranra (Light) focused on women rights and violation of their rights in Pakistan. Ms. Sana Ijaz and Ms. Nazra Syed, female rights activists Peshawar, were the guests of the show. Ms. Ijaz stated that the according to a recent survey by the Aurat Foundation, from January to July 2017, around 188 women were killed, while 44 women committed suicide for various reasons. She further added that there are a number of females in central jail, Peshawar who have been used for smuggling by their brothers or husbands. She added that our society is not ready to give women their rights. Unfortunately, majority of the people are continually violating women rights for their personal benefits and the domestic violence bill is still pending since eight years. Ms. Syed added that as a human, the rights of both men and women are equal and there should be no discrimination. Tremendous development would have been gained, if women were given equal status in Pakistan. A CRSS correspondent report was also played during the show about the views of public on women rights. As many as four callers took part in 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, 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 Jwandai Jazbey November 22nd, 2017
National Youth Carnival for Discovering Hidden Talent of Youngsters The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) focused on the National Youth Carnival, which is a project of the provincial government to discover hidden talents of youngsters. Mr. Syed Furqan Ali Shah, Project Manager National Youth Carnival and Mr. Saqib Iqbal Divisional Trial Manger National Youth Carnival, Peshawar, were studio guests of the show. Mr. Shah stated that the main aim of the carnival is to show the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country full of talented youngsters. The main theme of it for 2017 is to support the anti-corruption and anti-drugs notion. Youngsters, including Madrassa students, are participating in drama, comedy, thematic art, dancing, singing, painting, Qirat, calligraphy, speeches, debates, essay writing, spot photography, extra ordinary talent, chess etc. Mr. Iqbal added that female students of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University in Upper Dir are also participating in the carnival along with 13,000 other participants. He added that the requirement of the project was to have at least 50 percent female participants, but fortunately the have 60 percent representation. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show, about the views of the participants regarding the carnival. Three listener took part in the program and appreciated government initiatives. 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...
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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.