Current Projects
Education Diplomacy Crucial For Better Sustainable Pak-Afghan Relations, Concludes CRSS-ASC 5th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted its fifth Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue under its Afghan Studies Center initiative on Tuesday, October 31, 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 was “Education as a connector for peace in Pak-Afghan Relations”. The dialogue was attended by 31 participants – 13 Afghans and 18 Pakistanis, comprising students enrolled in higher education programs in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar as well as young activists and professionals. Executive Director Mr. Imtiaz Gul welcomed all and introduced CRSS as a civil society initiative, committed to the cause of independent research and non-partisan advocacy. Mr. Aized Ali, Project Director, moderated the session and introduced the participants to CRSS’ Track 1.5/II project Beyond Boundaries aimed at improving bilateral relations between the two neighbors by engaging with influential stakeholders in both groups as well as both the governments and enhancing and fostering people to people contact. He also apprised them of the CRSS initiative of Afghan Studies Center, which he explained had been a product of the Track 1.5/II meetings held over the last two years by CRSS and its Afghan counterparts. Mr. Wasim S. Hashmi Syed, the Advisor Human Resource Development (HRD), Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan was the chief guest. Mr. Hashmi is an engineer by profession and started his professional career at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore in 1986. Five years later he left for United States for higher studies and enrolled in MS leading to PhD program in Industrial Engineering at University of Louisville. In 2003, he moved back to Pakistan and joined the Higher Education Commission under the supervision of Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, who was Chairman HEC at that time. Currently Mr. Hashmi is supervising around 47 projects of HEC and...
Afpak in The Eye of Storm
The latest round of the so called Great Game which has started recently, like the previous ones played in 19th and 20th centuries, has brought new troubles for South Asia in general and for Afghan/Pashtuns in particular. The first round of the Great Game is supposed to have started between the British and Russian empires in 1830 when Britishers decided to connect Bukhara ( now part of Uzbekistan) with British India by road. The Tzarist Russia that regarded Central Asia to be its natural zone of influence wasn’t amused at this strategic British initiative. The ensuing conflict between the two great empires of that era resulted in division of Afghanistan. Afghanistan was turned into a buffer zone to prevent a physical clash between the two big powers. The first and second Anglo-Afghan wars ( 1842 and 1878) erupted when Britishers tried to physically occupy Afghanistan. In 1917 the Bolshevik Revolution turned Russian empire into Soviet Union leading to a severe tussle between the communist block and the capitalist west which was first led by UK and later by US. In 1980 at the peak of Cold War the two blocks fought a devastating war in Afghanistan when the Soviet armed forces entered Afghanistan to support the leftist government in Kabul. Afghan/Pashtuns had to face death and destruction on a very large scale during the war which continued for almost a decade. In 1990s after the collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union and emergence of independent republics in Central Asia there was a hope for end of the Great Game. But as the recent developments have demonstrated that was not to be. The eastward expansion of NATO has resulted in the beginning of a new Cold War between Russia and the West in Europe. US has revived its policy of imposing sanctions against its rivals ( like Russia and Iran) that used to be part of its strategy against socialist states. The rise of China as a great power which is skillfully filling the vacuum created by economic decline of the West is yet...
Sabawoon Showcase: October 17, 2017
Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Da Simay Jaaj (regional review) on October 17, 2017, discussed the strike being observed by the teachers of the region and how it has affected the studies of the students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Mr. Shaukat Yousafzai, Spokesman KP Government, took part as a guest in the show. He advised the protesting teachers to end the strike and follow the government policy, as elected lawmakers represent the will of the public. Furthermore, the program mentioned the health problems faced by the people of Union Council Sadal, District Kohat. Contaminated water has affected the well-being of people and they have threatened to boycott the elections if the situation does not change. Another point of concern raised in the show was the delay in the building of Swat University. It has created difficulties for the students and teachers. Mr. Saleem Ullah Khan, Member National Assembly, Swat, assured the public that they will speed up the process. As many as eight listeners took part in the program discussing the issues faced in their area and their potential solutions. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: October 16, 2017
Dengue management and good governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) on October 16, 2017, focused on the spread of the Dengue virus in Peshawar and the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) government’s efforts to control it. Dr. Iftikhar ul Din, Technical Advisor, Dengue Response Unit KP, was the guest in the show. He stated that only 1% percent dengue positive cases require immediate attention due to high fever and headaches, whereas in 90% of the cases antibodies make patients resistant to the virus. Replying to a question on delayed response and poor governance, Dr. Iftikhar denied poor governance and shifted the blame to lack of public awareness. He said that outdoor spray is not enough because the virus is inside the homes and shops in the affected areas. He said that the health department had now started door-to-door sprays. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show, deliberating on the current situation of Dengue patients in Peshawar hospitals. As many as six listeners participated in the show and asked the guest about preventive measures. 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...
Dialogue on Kashmir
Will the recipe to start an all-inclusive dialogue, while sticking to the policy of muscular and military solution, win the hearts of the Kashmiri freedom fighters? Already the solution forwarded by the BJP government to appoint an interlocutor to initiate talks in Jammu and Kashmir is seen with suspicion and termed just eyewash. So where does the solution lie if not in dialogue and guns? Probably the solution to the Kashmir issue lies in the intentions of the Indian government. Unless Delhi agrees that there is a problem in Kashmir, and lend sincere ears to the aspirations of the Kashmiris and then work towards giving voice to these aspirations through rightly guided steps, Kashmir will remain a sore in the Indian body of politics. Kashmiris are asking for Azadi (independence). There are many versions to independence. Some want an independent Kashmir. Some want annexation with Pakistan. While some want autonomy under Article-370 of the Indian Constitution that allows Kashmiris right to handle all matters except defence, currency, and foreign affairs. It is because of this ruling that Kashmir has a separate constitution and flag. Likewise, no provision of Indian Constitution can be applied in Kashmir without the concurrence of the local government. Though even this Article has never been implemented in entirety, it is another Article in the Indian Constitution that the BJP government seeks to repeal. The sinister design behind the elimination of Article 35A lies in changing the demographics of the Kashmir valley so that the question of the plebiscite, the question of independence, the question of autonomy and the question of becoming part of Pakistan, all are drowned to obscurity, in one push. Article 35A prohibits non-natives of Jammu and Kashmir from owning immovable property or political franchise there. Together, both Article 370 and 35A establishes a quasi-autonomous relationship of Kashmir with India. In its landmark judgment, the High Court in Kashmir had...
Sabawoon Showcase: October 12, 2017
Cultural Non-Acceptance of Mental Distress as a Disease The latest episode of Ranra (light) on 12th October, 2017, focused on the importance of World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, and the reasons behind our society’s negative attitude towards mental disease. The program discussed how the wave of militancy severely affected the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This psychological anguish, along with the lack of resources, impacted their worldview leading to frustration and negativity. Their inability in differentiating between trauma and ill effects of constant pressure hindered them in actively seeking the services of mental health experts. The absence of professional help was another factor inhibiting mental treatment. Perhaps most significantly, the population regarded seeking mental health treatment as a taboo activity. Dr. Aziz Muhammad, Registrar Psychiatry Ward of Khyber Teaching Hospital was a guest in the show. He stated that a lot of children develop psychological issues due to the negligence of parents and their inability in detecting signs of stress. He suggested that this is one area that should be addressed as early as possible. A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show showcasing public perception regarding mental health problems. One caller asked the guest about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 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...
New Inter-Play of Conflicting Geo-Political Interests Does Not Augur Well for Afghanistan, Says Mosharraf Zaidi
Listen to What Mosharraf Zaidi, Pakistan's leading political analyst, says on the latest geo-political trends in South-West Asia. CRSS asked him as to what the new US Afghan policy means for Pakistan and whether it will help Afghanistan extricate itself from the current cycle of violence. Zaidi believes the inter-play of conflicting geo-political interests of the coalition comprising USA, India and Afghanistan on the one hand and Pakistan on the other (also supported by China and Russia) does not augur well for Afghanistan. https://vimeo.com/240445942
CRSS Holds Training Workshop On Motivation And Future Leaders For Pak-Afghan Youth
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted a training workshop on “Motivation and Future Leaders” for young participants from Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday, October 25. 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. Mustafa Malik, a development professional with years of experience as a master trainer, was the chief guest and the trainer in the workshop. Participants included young Afghans and Pakistanis studying in various universities in Islamabad, including Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), as well as other vibrant activists. The workshop encompassed a series of interactive exercises probing the participants from both sides to critically evaluate their short and long-term goals and the motivation behind them. Several stories of famous and successful icons were shared with the participants as a way to motivate them to achieve their goals. Further, each participant was asked to share a personal story and how it had shaped his life and his cognitive approach. Several female participants were of the view that being a female in the Pakistani and Afghan society puts them at a disadvantage as compared to men in achieving their goals and pursuing their dreams. Many participants narrated some of the most personal stories and how refueling one’s motivation to achieve one’s goals is a critical need for the young generation in both countries. They thanked CRSS for providing the opportunity to the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan to sit together in a joint forum and engage in critical thinking exercises to develop their leadership skills and motivation for making a better future. Mr. Aized Ali, Project Director Beyond Boundaries at...
China, Pakistan and Gwadar Port
"The deep-water Gwader port lies at the convergence of the three of the most commercially important regions of the world i.e. the oil rich Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia. Beijing is developing Gwader as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor known as CPEC. The two countries launched the fifteen years project in 2015 to jointly build highways, railways, power plants, communications and industrial zones in Pakistan. With the Chinese investment initially estimated at 46 billion dollars. The aim is to link Gwader with landlocked Western China... This Report originally appeared on the Voice of America October 24, 2017. Original link.
Sabawoon Showcase: October 11, 2017
Speed Literacy Program for the Uneducated The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) on October 11, 2017, focused on the importance of a speed literacy program for uneducated individuals. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government with the help of Vision 21 Organization has launched this program for all age brackets. Its aim is to ensure education via evening schools, especially for children involved in labor. Moreover, the program highlighted the KP government’s education reforms. Mr. Muhammad Saqib Shinwari, Coordinator KP Vision 21, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. He stated that it is the aim of his organization to cater to the educational needs of the underprivileged children with the support of the KP government. The organization would be grateful to get the response of the public as feedback for future initiatives. For contact information; 051 - 5501288/ 2505030, www.speedliteracy.org A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show promoting the inauguration of an adult literacy program in Mardan Central Jail. This literacy drive will be further extended to all district jails. As many as three listeners took part in the program sharing their views on the education system of KP. 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...
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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.