Current Projects
CRSS Conducts Workshop on “Role Of Media In Shaping Narratives” In Pakistan And Afghanistan
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted a training workshop for the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan on the ‘Role of Media in Shaping Narratives’ in Pakistan and Afghanistan relations on Tuesday, September 26. The workshop was designed as part of CRSS’ Afghan Studies Center (ASC) initiative to bring together the youth of both countries on one platform and conduct joint exercises between them to increase their interaction, awareness and reduce the unnecessarily growing misperceptions on both sides of the border. Senior Broadcast Journalist and Analyst Rehman Azhar, who holds vast experience and knowledge in the field of broadcast journalism having worked at Aaj News, Dunya, Express, Express 24/7 and Geo, and currently hosts a prime time TV current affairs program “Center Stage with Rehman Azhar” at Express TV, was the chief guest and trainer at the workshop. He shared his insights and experience as a senior media person with the participants and the role played by the media and its significance in shaping narratives in the context of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The workshop focused on acquainting the youth with the different dynamics involved in the two countries’ media while also educating them with the potential of media utilization in positive ways. The workshop was attended by 18 young Pakistani and Afghan participants from various universities in Islamabad, including Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), along with other young and vibrant activists. During the workshop, the participants were put through several group exercises using examples from both countries as a way to pinpoint how the media is shaping narratives of the masses. A point of discussion was also whether it is the media fabricating those narratives or the media itself is molded by the larger ideological and national narratives. In the brainstorming exercise, participants from...
Sabawoon Showcase: September, 11, 2017
Merits and demerits of new 4 year degree programs in colleges of KP. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the needs, impact and merits and demerits of Higher Education Commission and approved four year degree programs in all colleges and universities of Pakistan. Most of the students are still feeling uneasy with this new course work of BS 4 year degree program. It consists of a semester examination system in the Universities and Colleges. In this degree program, there is a shortage of expert teachers and facilities that are being provided in different subjects. Moreover the program also sheds light on the importance of starting this program. Mr. Danish Fareed, Assistant Director Higher Education Department KP, and Mr. Tariq Afghan, a social worker and student leader were the studio guests in the show. Mr Danish said that this new 4 year semester system degree program is very important for the youth, as the world has turned into a global village and our degree holders need to compete with students from all over the world in different fields. A report was made part of the show in which the students of different colleges’ complained against this new degree program and mentioned that this is a very expensive program instead of the yearly system. We received 6 calls in which we aired 4 calls live. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. 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: September 7, 2017
Spirit of Qurbani (Sacrifice) in Islam The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the real spirit of Qurbani (sacrifice) in Islam. Eid Ul Azha is the holiest Eid among the two, sacrificial animals are slaughtered during the eid to follow the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Sacrifice is performed in order to distribute the meat among the poor who cannot afford meat. Eid also gives us the message of goodness and equality between the rich and poor. In the past many people performed this religious ceremony but without any spirit of sacrifice and many, may not have performed it according to Islamic principles such as distribution of meat amongst the needy people. Moreover, the discussion emphasized on the spirit of sacrifice instead of merely doing it for the sake of showing off. Mr. Hidayat Ullah, Religious Scholar and Teacher of Peshawar, took part as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Hidayat said: “It is essential to let the youngsters know that they should avoid one wheeling and over speeding during Eid and other especial days.” A radio report was made part of the radio program. The report highlighted the real spirit of sacrifice in Islam. 4 listeners took part in the program through live calls. They requested the public to distribute the sacrificial meat among the poor. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Taroon, September 08, 2017
Reading Habits of University Students. The latest episode of Taroon (Bond) focused on involving students in co-curricular activities. Generally, in educational intuitions emphasis is always on completing the course work as it is perceived that students have less interest and time to devote to co-curricular activities like reading general books, participating in other social activities. The program shed light on how students live on Campus and how they interact with teachers. What are their feelings and observations about current problems and situation of the country and society? The program was recorded in the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, with Professor Dr. Mohammad Adil, Professor Mohammad Ali, along with other students of the faculty. Dr. Adil stated that beside course work, they also teach the students ethical subjects, impart moral values and there are numerous forums of social and co-curricular activities for the students. “We have initiated, Active Citizen Program,” that facilitate the students in grooming and optimizing their hidden skills in the field of debates, sports and other social activities. Farooq Shah, a student of the faculty of Civil Engineering, UET Peshawar, stated that education in universities basically means making the students good human beings and the second priority is turning us into engineers and doctors. In this program, the subject of Civil Engineering and establishment of earth quake center also came under discussion. A modern state of the art laboratory of earth quake center has been established after the massive earth quake of 2005. “After the 2005 earth quake, there was a dire need to learn something from this catastrophe, hence government established this center, and research is conducted here about generating building codes for new structures and we also share our inputs and research papers with relevant government departments, ” stated Dr. Said. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber...
Sabawoon Showcase: September 6, 2017
Students Deprived of College Admissions. The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the SSC students problems; they are not getting admissions due to lack of seats in government colleges. Students are facing problems in admissions in Governmnet colleges, due to high merit and less seats. Most of the students cannot afford admissions in private colleges due to high fee structure, students getting A grades and above 900 marks are still out of colleges. Only in Swat, 9000 students are waiting for admissions in government colleges. The program shed light on the role of government that they must increase the number of seats in government colleges as well as the increase in the number of colleges. Mr. Azmat Ali, Ph. D Scholar in Civil Engineering and Educationist, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Ali said: “16 colleges to cater to a population of more than 42 lac people, are not enough in Peshawar. Government must arrange seats for deserving students on emergency basis to save their educational year. ” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the problems of students. 5 listeners took part in the program. The listeners urged the government to increase the number of government schools and colleges. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: September 5, 2017
Regional Review on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Da Simay Jaaj (regional review) discussed several public issues, such as education, health, water and sanitation, diseases in different districts and Agencies of KP and FATA. Before airing the first report we talked with our telephonic guest Mr. Ali Rehman Regional Manager Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar, in order to update the listeners regarding the cleanliness situation in the City, after massive campaigns regarding the Eid garbage disposal. He stated that the WSSP completed the work according to the schedule. In the first report, we discussed the absence of Middle and High schools in Dawezai area of Tehsil, Pandayali Mohmand Agency. The population of the area is more than 15000 people but there is no Middle and High school for girls and boys. Local people requested the authorities to establish schools in the area. Moreover, the program discussed the hurdles of the local public due to the lack of schools, hospitals and drinking water in Sarokai area of Tehsil Ladha, South Waziristan Agency. People also complaint against their elected representative, for not taking interest in the development of the area. They demanded the government authorities to visit the area and provide basic facilities to the local public. The third report highlights the issue of lack of Tube wells in central Kurram Agency. According to the report there are only two tubes well for a large population of more than 1500 families in the area. Moreover there is no proper piping system to distribute the water among the houses. The local tribal elders requested the political administration to resolve the problem. There were 16 feedback calls in the show, 10 calls were aired live in the show. Callers also discussed their local problems and tried to draw the attention of the authorities through CRSS provided network facility. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)...
Needed — Policy to Counter Extremism
Such a policy can help prevent potentially extremist individuals from a crossing a line and becoming terrorists. Counter-terror and military operations have remained a major part of Pakistan’s security policy since 2004. Yet, even with such a heavy-handed focus on security, Pakistan still lacks a comprehensive policy on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE); with only a generic National Action Plan (with 20 broad points) as the only referred document on such matters. Even though the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), under its Directorate of Countering Violent Extremism, has formulated a National Counter Extremism Policy (NECP), very little information is available on it for the general public. Ironically, NACTA’s national international security policy (NISP) only gives a passing reference to violent extremism a couple of time in its 94 page document, along with a clichéd overemphasis on madaris as a source of radicalisation and terror recruitment. Countering Violent Extremism — also referred to as Preventing Violent Extremism — has remained a major topic of focus among policy makers since the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks in USA and the UK respectively. It was in 2015 that the concept took the centre-stage in global counter-terror policymaking with a three day conference in the White House, chaired by President Obama and attended by ministers from almost 70 countries, followed by a side-line session at the United Nations General Assembly. This also led to a major CVE policy announced by the Obama administration focusing on early signs and intervention of extremism. The major focus of the policy against extremism ought to be on structural causes like lack of religious tolerance, government failures and political, economic, and social marginalization One of the major focuses of any CVE is its focus on structural causes of extremism such as lack of religious tolerance, government/administrative failure, and political, economic, and social marginalisation. By focusing...
In Kashmir, The Young Are Paying For India’s Lack of Vision
Fourteen-year-old Insha Malik lies unconscious in the surgical ICU of the Sri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital in Srinagar, her eyes pierced by pellets. The damage caused to her vision, according to a doctor attending her, is irreparable. “Her right eye has been ruptured and her left eye is lacerated. She will be blind in both eyes for her entire life,” said the doctor. Among the toppers in her school at Sedow village in Shopian district, the class 9 student is the latest pellet-victim admitted to the SMHS hospital where hundreds of civilians – mostly teenagers injured in action by security forces in the wake of July 8 killing of militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani – are recuperating. According to Vakil Ahmad, her cousin, Insha was having dinner at home on Tuesday evening when the pellets fired outside by security forces personnel came inside the kitchen and hit the teenage student in her face. With each passing hour the hospital receives fresh eye-injury cases, most of them from south Kashmir, the epicentre of renewed protests in the Valley after the killing of Burhan. While the 70-bed ophthalmology ward of the hospital is full with the patients including teenagers and even minors, the administration had to manage space in the adjacent ward No. 3 and 4 (medicine wards) for treatment of eye-injury patients. “We have already operated upon 102 patients with pellet injuries in one or both eyes,” said Dr S. Tariq Qureshi, head of the ophthalmology department at SMHS, adding that while 42 of these patients would regain “good vision” in their injured eye(s), the remaining cases would require multiple surgical interventions before “anything can be said about them.” Termed a “non-lethal” weapon by the government, pellet guns were used by the police and CRPF for the first time in 2010 as a means of quelling protests. The pellets, essentially tiny ball bearings, come in grades of 5 to 12 – 5 being the fastest and most damaging, said a police official, adding the...
In Kashmir, The Young Are Paying For India's Lack of Vision
Fourteen-year-old Insha Malik lies unconscious in the surgical ICU of the Sri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital in Srinagar, her eyes pierced by pellets. The damage caused to her vision, according to a doctor attending her, is irreparable. “Her right eye has been ruptured and her left eye is lacerated. She will be blind in both eyes for her entire life,” said the doctor. Among the toppers in her school at Sedow village in Shopian district, the class 9 student is the latest pellet-victim admitted to the SMHS hospital where hundreds of civilians – mostly teenagers injured in action by security forces in the wake of July 8 killing of militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani – are recuperating. According to Vakil Ahmad, her cousin, Insha was having dinner at home on Tuesday evening when the pellets fired outside by security forces personnel came inside the kitchen and hit the teenage student in her face. With each passing hour the hospital receives fresh eye-injury cases, most of them from south Kashmir, the epicentre of renewed protests in the Valley after the killing of Burhan. While the 70-bed ophthalmology ward of the hospital is full with the patients including teenagers and even minors, the administration had to manage space in the adjacent ward No. 3 and 4 (medicine wards) for treatment of eye-injury patients. “We have already operated upon 102 patients with pellet injuries in one or both eyes,” said Dr S. Tariq Qureshi, head of the ophthalmology department at SMHS, adding that while 42 of these patients would regain “good vision” in their injured eye(s), the remaining cases would require multiple surgical interventions before “anything can be said about them.” Termed a “non-lethal” weapon by the government, pellet guns were used by the police and CRPF for the first time in 2010 as a means of quelling protests. The pellets, essentially tiny ball bearings, come in grades of 5 to 12 – 5 being the fastest and most damaging, said a police official, adding the...
Afghan Conflict Needs Closure
India is trying to pin Pakistan down in domestic conflicts, as it expands its influence through trade with Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world In a recent interview with the Voice of America, the Under Secretary of State Alice Wells made a rare reference to Pakistan’s strategic interests in Afghanistan and the region. “I believe that Pakistan’s strategic interests are going to be served by a stable and peaceful Afghanistan and so how do we work together to achieve a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. ... what is of our overriding priority in the region which is stabilising Afghanistan.” If the US and other countries pursue their strategic interests — often to the disregard of issues such as sovereignty and international human rights charter — why should they have an issue with Pakistan pursuing its interests? This is a theme that has possibly evolved ever since Richard Olson, US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson, began peddling it since his retirement early this year. Pakistan considers the Afghan Taliban as its “core strategic asset” and thus unlikely to abandon them. ... for the Pakistani establishment, the Afghanistan policy is “about geo-strategic manoeuvring against India,” Olson had said in April during a talk on Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Stimson Institute in Washington. This realisation or the acknowledgement of it has been missing in Washington all these years. Inherent in the “do-more or face consequences” mantra is the US monopoly over decision-making, both for itself and others — all in the name of national interests. This propensity essentially disregards other nation’s right to take decisions for them. And thus results in occasional frictions with other countries. This has also defined the Pak-US relationship in since the traumatic 9/11 terrorist attacks, and obstructed a logically understandable conversation on peace in Afghanistan. That is why the uproar and wave of concern in the aftermath of the Trump...
TOP STORIES
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.