Current Projects

Sabawoon Showcase: August 9, 2017

Counseling/Guidance Camps for Students admissions The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the guidance camps arranged by the senior students to help the new comers in filling their admission forms and guiding them about the relevant department, instead of ragging. Admissions have started in colleges and universities and the new students are facing problems in selection of subjects. There is no counseling at college and university level and the students don’t even know how to fill out the admission forms. Different federations and political party’s worker students, came up with an idea and arranged guidance camps for new students and this effort is deeply appreciated by the new students and they were full of praise for the services. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of educational institutions and teachers that along with the studies, they must build character of their students by making them confident enough to help decide about their future themselves. Malik Siraj Afridi, Member of People Students Federation and Dost Muhammad, Member of Islami Jamiat e Talba, Peshawar, took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Muhammad said: “Education plays a vital role in the development of our country. One should get practical education. To get admission in renowned institutions one should work hard to obtain high grades.” Mr. Afridi said: “Students must not limit themselves to course work only. They should avoid learning via mugging up as it would not help in the academic fields ahead. They should get knowledge of every field.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report contained the voices of the students related to how much benefit they are getting from these guidance camps. Five listeners took part in the program through text messages. The listeners shared their marks and asked about the merit of different colleges. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It...

Chinese Commitment and Expectations

Despite the exit of Nawaz Sharif, officials and intelligentsia in China remain confident and exuberant about some early harvest projects - energy, transportation and logistics - nearing close to completion in 2018. They have already begun talking of vigorously focussing on accelerated cooperation in the establishment of an industrial park envisioned under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The fast completion of the Free Zone by end of 2017, with more than 30 Chinese companies already registered for setting up businesses there, is likely to attract greater business interest. Discussions with Chinese officials, businessmen and intelligentsia on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and One Belt, One Road (OBOR) are often a mix of explicit determination, visible confidence, friendly candour, and measured caution on issues ranging from geo-politics to geo-economics. These interactions also convey a sense of urgency for seamless and faster realisation of President Xi Jinping's goals; he is known as a go-getter as well as somebody known for his knack for ruthless accountability. Chairman Mao led us out of the stranglehold of Western powers. So did Deng Xiao Ping, but through the OBOR, President Xi Jinping has designed a modern way of dealing with the circles being laid around China, says a Peking University professor. Most Chinese also love Xi for the massive restructuring of civil-military bureaucracies and his anti-graft campaign that has seen a few thousand people penalised, jailed, dismissed or demoted. This phenomenal journey from rags to riches, from a rural economy to the status of a global factory of nearly all essentials of life - through a sustained series of policies through multiple five-year plans - has instilled nearly all Chinese with confidence and national pride. They don't want any hiccups in the way of the consolidation of their economic achievements. Their message to the outside world is unambiguous; China has a unique political clout and...

Sabawoon Showcase: August 8, 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, life security and anti-encroachment campaign in different districts and agencies in KP and FATA. The first report highlights the issue of delay in the construction of the new building of Liaqat Memorial Women and Children hospital in district Kohat. Advisor to CM KP Mr. Ziaullah Bangash speaking as a telephonic guest said that initially a UN organization was promised for providing a quarter of required funds for reconstruction of the said hospital, but unfortunately they could not fulfill the promise. Now the KP government will provide full funding in the coming two years and the hospital will be rebuild as initially designed. Moreover, the program discussed the hurdles faced due to the rationalization policy of KP education department. ADEO Charsadda Mr. Sajid Ullah khan speaking as a telephonic guest cleared the position of the department and mentioned that positive results have been generated from the policy. He claimed that all efforts are being made for providing quality education in KP. In the third report the issue of explosive and accidental blasts in Swat was discussed, which occur due to the existing explosives in different areas of Swat as a result of previous militancy era. According to the report more than 200 persons were injured in the last two years in the area. Another report mentioned an anti-encroachment drive in DIK of KP and the last report highlighted the importance of a literary event organized by Poetic organization of Mohmand Agency in honor of the position holders of the Agency in Metric examination. There were six feedback calls in the show, four were aired live. 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...

CRSS Executive Director Imtiaz Gul’s Take on Trump’s New Afghan Plan

"The new Trump policy basically will be an extremely difficult thing to implement if not disastrous, because this overlooks certain basic ground realities. The ground reality is that the region currently is divided into two major blocs. One bloc comprises India, Afghanistan and United States of America. The other bloc comprises Pakistan, China, Russia, Turkey and Iran. These countries have their own view on how to move ahead...." Watch CRSS Executive Director Imtiaz Gul's full comment in the video. https://vimeo.com/230728800

Sabawoon Showcase: August, 07, 2017.

Viral diseases and prevention steps taken by KP GOVT. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the role of Health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regarding the steps taken to control viral diseases like Dengue etc. Dengue is a seasonal disease, spread by a mosquito, growing in rainy season and on clean water. It is a viral disease, causing high temperature, this particular mosquito specially attacks in the morning and evening time. The debate revolved around the preventive measures and care of the patient and more over the discussion during the show was focused on the data and measures undertaken by the KP government in this regard. Doctor Shaheen Afridy, Director Public Health department of Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was the studio guest in the show. She stated that Dengue is not a very dangerous disease but one should take extreme care. Mrs Afridy further elaborated that the disease can be diagnosed in any laboratory in the country. She insisted that the public should take preventive measures to avoid Dengue. A report was made part of the show in which the data of dengue patients was shared in three major hospitals of Peshawar. We received six calls out of which we aired two live ones with one SMS reply. 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 significance for, youth,...

Participants of CRSS’ Third Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue Stress On Cultural Cooperation In Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted its third Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue under its Afghan Studies Center initiative on Monday, August 21, 2017, in Islamabad, as part of its ongoing series of monthly dialogues aimed at enhancing people to people contact between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The theme of the dialogue highlighted culture as a common ground for cooperation between the people of both countries which was attended by 17 participants – seven Afghans and ten Pakistanis, most of whom were students enrolled in higher education programs or young working professionals. Some of the participants had travelled from Bannu, Peshawar, Mardan and other distant areas to participate in the dialogue. Qazi Humayun, former Ambassador to Turkey and Afghanistan, was invited as the chief guest while Mr. Aized Ali, CRSS Project Director Beyond Boundaries, moderated the discussion. Mr. Qazi Humayun welcomed the participants to the dialogue in his opening remarks and expressed his emphasis on the role of culture in connecting people beyond boundaries. Referring to historical engagements between the two neighbors, Mr. Humayun elucidated that cultural interaction has been a centuries-old factor in the relations between the people that resided in present day Pakistan and Afghanistan since the time when there was no air travel and Afghanistan was the only gateway to Central Asia for India and vice versa. Furthermore, he explicated, that while refugees in most countries remain confined to refugee camps, Pakistan did not place any restrictions on the movement of the 1.5 million Afghan refugees that have been living in Pakistan. As a result, Afghan culture has blended into many customs in the Pakistani society. He also commended the efforts of CRSS on maximizing positive interactions between the youth of both countries to find commonalities and push for peaceful narratives. Mr. Aized Ali further introduced the participants to CRSS’ track 1.5/2 efforts to...

The Youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan Come Together In A Workshop On Motivation, Leadership & Communication Skills

As part of its endeavors to bring together the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan through joint activities, the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad, conducted a workshop for young Pakistanis and Afghans on “Motivation, Leadership and Communication Skills” under its initiative Afghan Studies Center at its head office in Islamabad on Thursday. Security analyst and journalist Zeeshan Salahuddin, who was invited as the trainer for the workshop, coached the participants from both countries on strengthening their capacity and motivation to become good leaders and problem solvers not only in their lives but also their respective countries and the region. The workshop aimed at helping the youth become messengers of peace and cooperation beyond boundaries by inculcating qualities of leadership, a sense of motivation, and critical problem solving skills in them. Participants included students from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and Islamic Relief, along with other young and vibrant activists. Mr. Aized Ali, Project Director Beyond Boundaries Track 1.5/II at CRSS, who was also present, welcomed the participants and apprised them regarding CRSS’ Pak-Afghan Beyond Boundaries Track1.5/II initiative which led to the emergence Afghan Studies Center (ASC). He told the participants that Beyond Boundaries had been a conscious effort to bridge the gulf of mistrust between the two neighbors and encouraged them to network among themselves to help improve local perceptions on both sides. The Afghan Studies Center – which aims at providing a platform for the youth of the two countries to interact, exchange ideas and engage in joint cultural, academic and sports ventures. During the workshop, the participants were put through several group exercises using examples from both countries as a way to pinpoint commonalities and create better understanding between the two groups. Through such activities, the center...

The Youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan Come Together In A Workshop On Motivation, Leadership & Communication Skills

As part of its endeavors to bring together the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan through joint activities, the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad, conducted a workshop for young Pakistanis and Afghans on “Motivation, Leadership and Communication Skills” under its initiative Afghan Studies Center at its head office in Islamabad on Thursday. Security analyst and journalist Zeeshan Salahuddin, who was invited as the trainer for the workshop, coached the participants from both countries on strengthening their capacity and motivation to become good leaders and problem solvers not only in their lives but also their respective countries and the region. The workshop aimed at helping the youth become messengers of peace and cooperation beyond boundaries by inculcating qualities of leadership, a sense of motivation, and critical problem solving skills in them. Participants included students from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and Islamic Relief, along with other young and vibrant activists. Mr. Aized Ali, Project Director Beyond Boundaries Track 1.5/II at CRSS, who was also present, welcomed the participants and apprised them regarding CRSS’ Pak-Afghan Beyond Boundaries Track1.5/II initiative which led to the emergence Afghan Studies Center (ASC). He told the participants that Beyond Boundaries had been a conscious effort to bridge the gulf of mistrust between the two neighbors and encouraged them to network among themselves to help improve local perceptions on both sides. The Afghan Studies Center – which aims at providing a platform for the youth of the two countries to interact, exchange ideas and engage in joint cultural, academic and sports ventures. During the workshop, the participants were put through several group exercises using examples from both countries as a way to pinpoint commonalities and create better understanding between the two groups. Through such activities, the center...

Pakistan’s Image Problem Is our Own Doing

Pakistani officials often hold external factors responsible for the country's negative image abroad. They pay little attention to their own conduct that in many cases is the cause of such perceptions. A little scrutiny of recent events suggest that civilian and military bureaucracy itself often thinks and acts in self-destructive ways, nullifying even the best of endeavours. Three case studies illustrate how institutional inertia, little or no proactive thinking and absence of a whole-of-government approach combine make our actions appear contrary to what the state of Pakistan commits itself to. Firstly, Pakistan is implementing a scholarship programme for 3,000 Afghan students through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The first batch of students will likely join Pakistani educational institutions in a few weeks. It is a big investment in Afghanistan's future leaders as well as a means to promote bilateral relations. Additionally, around 150 seats reserved in Pakistani medical colleges for foreign students are usually taken up by Afghan students, mostly on self-finance basis. But grant of visa application remains a big hassle for prospective students. Upon their arrival, Afghan students are required to report to local offices of Special Branch within a week from where they can get their short-term visa extended for a longer period of time. The process, however, is not smooth in most cases. Neither is it corruption free. Occasional hold-up by the police or security agencies is another headache for the guest students just because there is no standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide the security authorities. Manhandling of such cases obviously leads to bad blood, and a negative image for Pakistan. Such cases often entail additional headache for the HEC itself. Officials at HEC have in fact been proposing to act as one-window clearance for Afghan students screened at its premises. The self-funded Afghan students face even tougher conditions. Though enrolled...

Pakistan's Image Problem Is our Own Doing

Pakistani officials often hold external factors responsible for the country's negative image abroad. They pay little attention to their own conduct that in many cases is the cause of such perceptions. A little scrutiny of recent events suggest that civilian and military bureaucracy itself often thinks and acts in self-destructive ways, nullifying even the best of endeavours. Three case studies illustrate how institutional inertia, little or no proactive thinking and absence of a whole-of-government approach combine make our actions appear contrary to what the state of Pakistan commits itself to. Firstly, Pakistan is implementing a scholarship programme for 3,000 Afghan students through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The first batch of students will likely join Pakistani educational institutions in a few weeks. It is a big investment in Afghanistan's future leaders as well as a means to promote bilateral relations. Additionally, around 150 seats reserved in Pakistani medical colleges for foreign students are usually taken up by Afghan students, mostly on self-finance basis. But grant of visa application remains a big hassle for prospective students. Upon their arrival, Afghan students are required to report to local offices of Special Branch within a week from where they can get their short-term visa extended for a longer period of time. The process, however, is not smooth in most cases. Neither is it corruption free. Occasional hold-up by the police or security agencies is another headache for the guest students just because there is no standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide the security authorities. Manhandling of such cases obviously leads to bad blood, and a negative image for Pakistan. Such cases often entail additional headache for the HEC itself. Officials at HEC have in fact been proposing to act as one-window clearance for Afghan students screened at its premises. The self-funded Afghan students face even tougher conditions. Though enrolled...