Current Projects
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka November 20th, 2017
Health Card Project for Peace and Prosperity The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) focused on the health project of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s aimed at providing citizens wih healthcards. The target of this project is to eliminate extremism and harsh behavior due to lack of access to health facilities. Dr. Sheraz Ahmad, coordinator of the Sehat Insaf Card, KP, was the studio guest of the show. Dr. Ahmed stated that in the first two phases of the project we successfully reached and provided health cards to 1.4 million families. Now, in the third phase of the project, we will issue another 1 million cards to underprivileged families of the province. He added that the KP government will spend Rs. 3.5 billion per annum on the project. He added that this facility can certainly play a vital role in behavioral changes and mitigate extremism. Our listeners took keen interest in the topic and 22 listeners took part in the program through live calls. Some of callers appreciated the project but some of them complained against the listed hospitals’ staff. 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 airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. ...
Kashmir: The Way Forward Workshop by CRSS
A delegation of journalists, experts and social activists visited the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) on Tuesday - November 21, 2017 to attend a seminar on Kashmir and Pakistan’s options moving forward. Dr. Nazir Gilani, President of London-based Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR) who specializes in the jurisprudence of UN resolutions and Kashmir case, and Justice (R) Syed Hussain Manzoor Gilani, Chairman Association for the Rights of People of J&K, member Council of Islamic Ideology of Pakistan (CII) were the chief speakers at the event. Other participants included former IG Police Dr. Shoaib Suddle, former Ambassador Qazi Humayun, senior journalists Mr. Syed Faisal Shakeel, Mr. Tarique Siyal, Mr. Amaad Khalique, renowned human rights activist Ms. Tahira Abdullah, Zahoor Ahmed Mir and Sabzar Bashir - Advocate at High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar. Dr. Muhammad Faisal, spokesperson for the Foreign Office, was also in attendance. CRSS was represented by Executive Director Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Beyond Boundaries Track 1.5/II Project Director Mr. Aized Ali and Director Communications and Strategy Mr. Zeeshan Salahuddin. Mr. Imtiaz Gul welcomed all the participants and let the floor open for discussion after brief introductory remarks about the workshop and chief guests. Mr. Zeeshan Salahuddin moderated the session. It was discussed that Pakistan ought to project Azad Kashmir to the international community as a model for Jammu and Kashmir, probably with the extension of more autonomy to the state of Azad Kashmir. Pakistan has failed to play it cards effectively due to its own internal political instability and stagnant economic performance in the recent years. Islamabad also failed to take up the brutal civilian killings and especially political isolation of youth on the international front effectively. Regrettably, the UN is obligated to resolve the Kashmir issue in the conformity of its own resolutions, creating a sense of...
Combating the enemy in Balochistan
Terrorism has claimed the lives of at least 42 police officials in Balochistan this year, including SP Mohammad Ilyas and DIG Shakeel last week. In addition, dozens of non-Baloch Pakistanis have also been murdered in cold blood, including the 15 bullet ridden bodies recovered from Kech District. These incidents indicate a clear pattern: demoralisation of the security forces in Balochistan. All this points to the proxy war India has imposed on Pakistan, confirmed by the captured Indian spy Kulbushan Jadhav. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a veritable thorn in India’s side — has further incentivised these forces in their destabilisation campaign. The terror impetus is partly driven by the need to disrupt economic activities and scare the Chinese away from Pakistan. The enemy does not realise that China comprehensively understands CPEC and Gwadar Port development hazards. Thus, Chinese involvement remains intact and the development projects are moving ahead. Additionally, certain internal issues in Pakistan are also creating problems for sustainable peace in Balochistan. Efforts by former Chief Minister Dr Malik Baloch to woo Barhbiar Marri or Brahamdagh Bugti into negotiations have been obstructed by the personal preferences of ministers and military officials. The provincial government seems to be unwilling to hold talks. This sentiment is exacerbated by ad campaigns in Europe for a ‘free Balochistan’, designed to paint Pakistan in a negative light. Gazain, son of Marri tribe’s former chief Khair Bakhsh Marri, returned to Quetta in September, but has since been in detention. Gazain faces multiple cases, including alleged involvement in the murder of a high court judge. He had told the media in Dubai, prior to his arrival, that he would face all the cases in Pakistan and join mainstream politics. Analysts in Quetta believe that provincial ministers have been dragging their feet on this issue, instead of prioritising reconciliation and the betterment of the...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj November 17th, 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 issues in different districts and agencies. A report from Kurram Agency, FATA, pointed out that there is no high school for girls in entire central Kuram which has a population of 200,000 people. The report stated that the lack of this basic facility is a human rights violation by the concerned authorities of the area. Mr. Ahmad Khan, Additional Agency Education Officer, talking in the show, stated that due to the absence of proper infrastructure, transportation of building materials to this area is next to impossible, making it difficult to establish a school in the area. Recently, the FATA Education Department and Political Administration have agreed to establish a girls high school as soon as possible. Another report from Mohmand Agency mentions a training work shop by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the primary school teachers to teach Urdu with new teaching techniques and a friendly atmosphere. The report mentions that more than 200 teachers received the training and they were pleased with the activity. Another report from Swat pointed out a health and water pollution issue of a Swat river. According to the report, Mingora city illegally dumps garbage daily around 1500 metric ton on the banks of a river in Swat. This garbage contains all kinds of harmful material which affects the fishes and other animals of the area. Tehsil Nazim Swat, Mr. Ikram Ullah, said that the government has successfully purchased a land, valued Rs. 60 million, for this purpose and very soon the dumping will start at that new purchased area. As many as eight listeners took part in the program and mentioned their issues of the area. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra November 16th, 2017
Positive Utilization of Social Media for the Betterment of Society The latest episode of Ranra (Light) focused on the utilization of social media for the betterment of society, especially as an education platform for youngsters. Ilyas Orakzai, an entrepreneur and social media activist, was the guest of the show. He stated that social media can bring a real change if it is positively used in the country, but unfortunately it is observed that in Pakistan, the misuse of these platforms is on rise from the very beginning which has negative effects especially on the youth. He further added that according to the statistics released by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in 2016, the number of social media accounts in Pakistan is over 44 million, out of which most are fake and are used for spreading hatred and intolerance. A CRSS correspondent report was also played during the show about the views of the youth regarding the use of social media. One listener took part in the program through a live call. 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. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey November 15th, 2017
Women Empowerment and Achievements The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) focused on women empowerment in this modern era. Khushnood Zakir Ullah, a Peshawar based lawyer and social activist, was the studio guest of the show. She stated that women empowerment in the urban areas has been improving and education plays an indispensable role in it. Education is the key tool through which women can reach a respectable position and can work for women empowerment. She further added that women, particularly in the rural areas of Pakistan, are oppressed and considered inferior. They are not aware of their rights, and domestic violence is a major issue. She added that there are discrepanices in laws related to women and their implementation by the government. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show about the nomination of a 14-year-old girl named Hira Akbar for the International Children’s Peace Prize by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Two listeners took part in the program through live calls and urged the listeners to give rights to women. 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. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj November 14th, 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 issues in different districts and agencies. A report from Swat mentioned a primary school near Mingora, where 300 students are facing several noise, pollution and discipline issues, because it is running in two rented shops on the roadside for the last eight years. District Education Officer Swat refused to talk about the topic in the show. Another report from Mohmand Agency mentions closing down of funds by 28 donors running schools in the area, hindering more than 3,000 students from getting further education. These schools were established under a project of an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) three years back. The locals demand FATA Education Department to fund the schools for the future of these students. A report was aired showcasing the newly established Information Technology (IT) Park in the district of Kohat with a cost of Rs. 6 million by the KP government, but soon after the inauguration the doors of the park were closed due to unidentified reasons. The local MPA and administration could not give a satisfactory answer. As many as eight listeners took part in the program and mentioned the issues of their areas. 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...
Q3 Security Report – 2017
Executive Summary: Despite a visible decline in acts of terrorism, shifting loyalties within their cadres, and slowing military operations, militant groups adopted new tactics to sustain their presence and attempt spatial legitimacy. Infighting among terrorist outfits, emergence of new splinter groups and the drive for recruitment and retention seemed to drive the bulk of the militant agenda. They appear to have reverted to primarily targeting security personnel. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a female-centric publication, “Sunnat-i-Khaula”, following Daish’s (Islamic State – IS) footsteps in attempting to recruit educated females. The significant decline in the number of fatalities from violence in KP and FATA during Q3 shows overall progress. The transportation of explosives and confiscation of armaments from FATA and other parts of the country show continued militant tenacity. After a string of successful military operations in the FATA regions, the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh appear to have become the main hubs for militant activity, with a pronounced focus on security forces. Casualties from Violence in Pakistan: During the third quarter of this year, 499 persons lost their lives and 388 were wounded in violence and counter-violence incidents in the country. Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh, suffered the majority of fatalities while the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) were the least affected by violence (table 01). A comparative data of fatalities from violence in Q2 vs. Q3 shows that Punjab and Sindh have had a significant rise in fatalities, while FATA witnessed a sharp drop from 171 in Q2, to 48 in Q3. KP had a marginal drop in the number of fatalities. Overall, the increase in violence-related fatalities is negligible and does not signify any noticeable increase in overall violence across the country. The fatalities from counter-violence operations by security agencies increased two-fold in Q3...
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka November 13th, 2017
Industrial Policy for Employment to Counter Extremism The latest episode of program Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) primarily focused on the industrial policy of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government to produce employment and tackle extremism in the region. President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Zahid Ullah Khan Shinwary was the guest of the show. Mr. Shinwary expressed his views openly and complained against the provincial and federal governments for their lack of interest in this regard. He said that there are a lot of policies for industrial development on federal and provincial level but no implementation and follow up of these policies. He further stated that they were satisfied with the actions of the new Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf PTI led KP government in 2013 for taking solid steps for industrial development, creating employment opportunities, changing the harsh behaviors and countering extremism but unfortunately, even they have their own political preferences. Mr. Shinwary expressed hope for the future because of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a three phased, 15 year long project. There are a lot of employment opportunities in the second and third phase of the project. He added that the agriculture sector also has an opportunity for speedy growth with CPEC activities. As many as six listeners took part in the program, expressing their views regarding the topic. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra November 9th, 2017
Climate Change and Government Responsibilities The latest episode of Ranra (Light) focused on climate change, effects of smog on local population, government responsibilities and policies. Mr. Asim Muhammad, Principle Investigator Climate Change, Agriculture University, was the studio guest in the show. He stated, “I believe growing population and deforestation are the reasons for many of our problems. Unfortunately no concrete steps were taken by the government for prevention of deforestation, and neither was any plan formulated to deal with the disasters caused by climate change.” He added that government’s drive of Billion Tsunami tree drive is terrific, but this needs to a consistent endeavor. He further added that Khyber Pukhtunkhwa government introduced Environmental Protection Policy 2014 to stop deforestation, control emissions and increase the number of water reservoirs and dams but there is no implementation on ground. A CRSS correspondent report was also played during the show about the adverse effects of smog on health. Four 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 airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary...
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TESTIMONIALS
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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.