Current Projects

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...

Sabawoon Showcase: August 4, 2017

Importance of friendship, gatherings and social relations with each others. The latest episode of Taroon (Bond) shed light on the importance of friendship, social gatherings and its impact on the behaviors. Good friends are the valuable gift of God, relationships between friends is stronger than blood relationships. Friends try to make each other happy, their presence makes life joyful. The program shed light on the importance of good relations and emphasized on finding and sparing time for such positive activities. This was a like a road show, recorded in a Fishing Hut, at a picnic spot in Chakdara, district Dir. More than twenty college friends belonging to different areas of KP and FATA, were there to meet each other after an absence of 25 years after leaving college. They expressed love and respect for each other and requested the youth of today to find time for real friendships instead of connectivity through social media. They also requested the visitors to ensure that the areas visited by them across Pakistan should be kept clean. 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, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.

Sabawoon Showcase: August 3, 2017

Unlawful Speed Breakers and Metal Spike Strips The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the unlawful speed breakers and metal spike strips and the manner in which the public and transporters are facing problems due to it. Speed breakers are made to reduce over speeding, avoid accidents, mostly people in the region don’t care about the traffic rules. There are laws which are not implemented, public have constructed unlawful speed breakers which is causing damage to vehicles. The ones carrying patients are facing problems, no check and balance is seen from the side of administration. Speed breakers should be build according to the standards (SOPs). Moreover, the program highlighted the role of public in obeying traffic rules and avoid over speeding on busy roads. Mr. Noor Muhammad, President Mutahida Transport Workers Federation, Peshawar, took part as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Muhammad stated: “We are the citizens of this country and are supposed to obey state’s laws and not to create problems for others. Similarly passengers should not tease drivers while driving, by arguing with them on petty issues and should not force them to pick and drop on wrong sides.” A radio report was made part of the radio program. The report highlighted the problems of public due to speed breakers. Two listeners took part in the program through live calls. They praised the show on highlighting public issues. 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...

From Foreign Fighters to Returnees: The Challenges of Rehabilitation and Reintegration Policies

More than 40,000 fighters from 120 countries are believed to have travelled to Syria and Iraq since 2011 (Institute for Economics and Peace 2016 Institute for Economics and Peace 2016, Global Terrorism Index 2016: Measuring and Understanding the Impact of Terrorism, Sydney: IEP. [Google Scholar]). While the notion of foreign fighters joining extremist groups is problematic, it is not new. However, the sheer volume of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) provides reason to be concerned. Actual and perceived lack of inclusion in Western communities and other pull and push factors have led to a tremendous growth of the FTF phenomenon today. These factors have been the subject of many studies as well as approaches designed to address the problem. Overwhelmingly, the response under the counter-terrorism banner has favoured punishing and ostracizing the offenders, rather than addressing the causes of their alienation and ultimately their exodus. Faced with this bleak prospect, those FTFs wishing to return may succumb to the temptations willingly or through coercion to create havoc elsewhere, thus further perpetuating and expanding violent extremism. Effective strategies responding to returnees can only be devised with a clear understanding of the multiple dynamics at play. In the 1980s and 1990s, foreign fighters from Arab countries, the US, and European nations flocked to ongoing conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban attracted close to 20,000 FTFs over a period of 12 years (1980–1992). The Islamic State (IS) has been known to command more than that number and relies heavily on its promotion of the foreign fighter, both as a security threat and as a recruiting ploy. While a range of extremist organisations attract foreign fighters, for the purpose of this paper the group under examination is solely IS and all references to foreign fighters and returnees are reflective of that. Furthermore, the term ‘foreign fighters’ denotes a state-centric definition and...