Current Projects
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...
Sabawoon Showcase: August 2, 2017
Traditional Games and Festivals The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the importance and revival of traditional games and festivals for bringing peace in the region. Importance of traditional games and festivals is something the youngsters cannot comprehend, due to their alienation from the culture. Internet and indoor games have taken their place, cultural festivals which were a source of promoting tradition also faded away. It is the responsibility of the youngsters and elders to play a role in promoting and bringing these games and festivals back, in order to maintain and sustain peace. Moreover, the program shed light on the role of Directorate of Culture and Tourism Corporation which is taking initiatives for arranging such events. Mr. Khaista Rehman, Journalist, writer and member of a theater group, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Rehman said: “A person either stands firm on either belief or culture. Youth plays the role of the backbone in every activity. No money is required to keep the culture alive although resources are lacking. However, if our aim is clear, resources will be arranged automatically. Culture would definitely be promoted, if organizations like CRSS continue making the effort.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the recent event of Shandor Polo Festival in Chitral. Two listeners took part in the program. The listeners stated that youngsters should learn about their culture from elders. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 31, 2017
Overview on Minority rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the present situation of Minority rights and their living standard in the province. The key points of discussion in the show were: Minorities are full citizens of Pakistan, constitutionally they have all the rights like other citizens, they have their members in National and Provincial assemblies, but they still face a lot of problems living in Peshawar KP. Jatendar Singh, a youth activist and member of Sikh community, belongs to Peshawar Cantt and was the studio guest in the show. He demanded a community centre and a minority school in Jogan Sha area of Peshawar Cantt, where more than 500 minority members of Sikh community are living for the last eighty years. He further asked for an open election, for the minority members instead of selection on reserve seats. He said that the selected members of other sects, refer them to their own community elders so that the problem is resolved within the community, instead of proactively solving the issues as per the law. The report was made part of the show, consisting of details and voices of the minority of KP. There were three calls in the show. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 27, 2017
Importance of Scholarships for Needy and Talented Children The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the importance of scholarships and monthly stipend for needy, talented and orphan students. Students of KP and FATA are talented but they lack proper guidance, many students stop education due to financial issues, some have no access to higher education, mostly terrorism hit areas have orphaned children who have lost their parents and have no means of living, private donors also offer scholarship to the needy children. The program highlighted the role of government that it should offer more and more scholarships for the needy children. Shahzad Khan, Student and volunteer, and Umair Khan Student and volunteer took part as studio guests in the show. Mr. Khan said: “I would just say everything is possible, but we just need courage and effort, students should focus on education. Education makes a nation and without it we cannot be a civilized nation.” Mr. Umair Khan said: “Talent and hard work never goes unrewarded. During summer vacations or after examination, students have a lot of time to prepare themselves for different tests. They can also appear in tests for getting foreign scholarships. They can apply for different academic courses and coaching classes to improve their skills.” A radio report was made the part of the radio program. The report highlighted the need of scholarships and stipends for eligible children and report also contained the comments of a young boy who was awarded scholarship and is now getting free education. Five listeners took part in the program. They said that the government must keep a check and balance on the government school teachers. 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...
Whole-of-Government Approach Needed
Beijing has literally pulled Pakistan out of a generally hostile international environment through the CPEC. Recent interviews of President Trump’s National Security Adviser HR McMaster sound like alarm bells for Pakistan. While talking of an Afghanistan strategy packaged in a regional collaboration context, McMaster resonated a White House desire for a ‘change in behaviour.’ And this desire singles out Pakistan. “This is Pakistan in particular that we want to really see a change in — and a reduction of their support for these groups,” he said. “I mean, this is — of course, you know, a very paradoxical situation, right, where Pakistan is taking great losses.” “They have fought very hard against these groups,” McMaster argued, “but they’ve done so really only selectively.” During her recent visit to Islamabad, the US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ms Alice Wells conveyed more or less the same message, once gain resonating expectations in Washington that Pakistan needed to change as a peace enabler. The crux of her official and unofficial meetings was hardly different from that of McMaster’s. That is why a number of analysts and ‘unnamed officials’ are cautioning Pakistan of an impending US policy on Afghanistan which will likely hit Pakistan it more than ever before. Chinese officials sound pleased with the special security division for protection of CPEC projects in Balochistan, but they remain wary of slow response to other critical issues Beyond doubt, this thinking reflects the conflation of the Indo-American-Afghan views on Pakistan. Nothing new indeed. Although politically embattled, Pakistan requires a lot of coordinated steps with courage and confidence to counter and turn around the negative international narrative on it. Most outsiders overlook the internal confidence and indirect diplomatic strength that the Chinese strategic embrace has lent to Pakistan through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Beijing has literally pulled...
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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.