Current Projects
Shady Contractors the Real Winners of the Afghan War?
It appears that the real winners of the Afghan war may be the shady contractors who continue to build their profits through misreporting in the US-funded training and mentoring programs Afghan security forces due to an inadequate monitoring system of accountability. As revealed in the latest performance evaluation analysis by SIGAR, the $457.5 million training programs funded by the US Department of Defense (DOD) for building the intelligence capability of Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) failed to meet their stated objectives, especially in terms of showing any indication of improvement in the overall intelligence operations, due to increased corruption by the contractors and subcontractors involved. The two programs, namely Legacy Afghanistan R&D program and the Afghanistan Source Operations Management (ASOM) program, relied heavily on the contractors which implemented them to measure the readiness of intelligence training sites for transition to the Afghan government thus presenting faulty data to determine the efficiency of the Afghan forces’ intelligence capability. Furthermore, the report reveals, an absence of defined outcomes or performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of these programs by was also found, raising the question if the amount spent was actually even worth the cost. The Legacy R&D program, for example, did not define any outcomes or provide any adequate performance metrics while its stated cost valued at $314.4 million. For monitoring their performance, the Army Contracting Command (ACC) appointed the Combatting Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) as the contracting officer's technical representative which, on its part, simply relied in its assessment of Imperatis Corporation, the contractor (previously known as Jorge Scientific Corporation until 2013), and subcontractor New Century Consulting Limited (NCC) which had actually been submitting false invoices, while also relying on some...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 19, 2017
Women’s strength in different fields and their high spirits The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the role of women, their strength in different fields of life and their high spirits. The following points were highlighted during the show; Women’s role in society and how they are being looked down upon, women’s struggles in the male dominant society, need of family support, women’s contribution in the field of sports, business, education and politics etc. Furthermore, the menace of traffic rules, public awareness about traffic rules and license procedure was discussed. The program shed light on the life struggle and achievements of studio guest Ms. Hamida Bano, DSP Traffic Peshawar. Ms. Hamida Bano, DSP Traffic Peshawar, took part as a studio guest in the show. Ms. Bano said: “One should check fuel and water before driving a vehicle. Vehicles must have mirrors. If not, they should be installed. One must take care of zebra crossings. Cars should be stopped a foot or two behind the zebra crossings so that pedestrians might cross safely.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the achievements and strength of females working in different fields. One caller took part in the program. The caller asked the guest that special arrangements should be made for females while crossing roads. 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....
Neo-Normal in Pakistan: Lie, Cheat, and Forge With No Remorse
For our great neighbour China, the neo-Normal has been a staggering 7%+ GDP growth for nearly a decade. In fact, the term neo-normal had made its way into the economic dictionary simply because of the mind-boggling speed and scale of economic growth of China. But here in Pakistan, we have found neo-normal in other ways: the neo-normal for political leaders, their supporters and sympathisers has been boundless twisting of facts, lying, cheating, and forgery. In Nawaz Sharif’s case, it hardly matters to his supporters and sympathisers if he narrates one story before the Parliament, presents another (Qatari letter) before the Court and conjures up a third narrative in a willful attempt to misguide the public at large. Before as well as after the July 28 verdict, Sharif and his cohorts (some of whom are totally blind followers) have made direct or veiled references to a collusion between the judiciary and the military. On July 30, Khwaja Saad Rafiq has even gone on record to state at a press conference in Lahore that, “No state institution orchestrated the Panama case controversy but we still have our reservations about certain individuals... Imran Khan was used as a pawn”. Nawaz Sharif has told the public that he was disqualified for not drawing a salary since the Court found nothing else against him. This stands out as a grotesque position. Sharif is projecting his innocence on the one hand, and is misguiding the public on the other hand. Or, is he not even unaware of the Constitution of Pakistan? The ‘stick’ that the five judges have used in unison came from the country’s supreme law i.e. the Constitution. Regardless of the merits of Zia-era provisions, the qualifications for a member of the Parliament in the Constitution remain as follows: Article 62 in its clause (d) requires a member of the Parliament to be of “good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions”. Another clause requires the member to have “ adequate knowledge of...
In Pictures: China’s ‘World Class’ Army Holds Military Parade to Mark 90th Anniversary
"The world is not all at peace. Peace must be safeguarded," says Chinese President Xi Jinping at military parade. Chinese President Xi Jinping touted the need to build a “world-class” army capable of “defeating all invading enemies” at a military parade held on Sunday to mark the 90th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Since coming to power in 2012, the president has trumpeted building a stronger, combat-ready army, while leading efforts to centralise the ruling Communist Party’s control over the PLA, the world’s largest standing military. Sunday’s procession — including 12,000 service personnel and about 700 aircraft and pieces of ground equipment — marked the first time Xi has observed a parade of this size staged in the field, according to the ministry of defence. “The world is not all at peace. Peace must be safeguarded,” Xi, wearing a camouflage military suit, said in a speech at the expansive Zhurihe training base in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. “Today we are closer than ever before to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and — more than any other time in history — we need to build a strong people’s military.” Read more: China must have ‘world class’ army, says Xi Chinese military helicopters fly in a formation to make the number "90" during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. ─ AFP The Chinese flag is raised during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. ─ AFP In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops march past military vehicles Sunday, July 31, 2017 as they arrive for a military parade to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. ─ AP Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jets fly past during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. ─ AFP In...
In Pictures: China's 'World Class' Army Holds Military Parade to Mark 90th Anniversary
"The world is not all at peace. Peace must be safeguarded," says Chinese President Xi Jinping at military parade. Chinese President Xi Jinping touted the need to build a “world-class” army capable of “defeating all invading enemies” at a military parade held on Sunday to mark the 90th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Since coming to power in 2012, the president has trumpeted building a stronger, combat-ready army, while leading efforts to centralise the ruling Communist Party’s control over the PLA, the world’s largest standing military. Sunday’s procession — including 12,000 service personnel and about 700 aircraft and pieces of ground equipment — marked the first time Xi has observed a parade of this size staged in the field, according to the ministry of defence. “The world is not all at peace. Peace must be safeguarded,” Xi, wearing a camouflage military suit, said in a speech at the expansive Zhurihe training base in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. “Today we are closer than ever before to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and — more than any other time in history — we need to build a strong people’s military.” Read more: China must have ‘world class’ army, says Xi Chinese military helicopters fly in a formation to make the number "90" during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. ─ AFP The Chinese flag is raised during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. ─ AFP In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops march past military vehicles Sunday, July 31, 2017 as they arrive for a military parade to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. ─ AP Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jets fly past during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. ─ AFP In...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 18, 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 health, life security, narcotics addiction and NADRA registration center etc. The first report, discussed the scarcity of professional staff and the related problems that crop up in the rehabilitation center, in district Kohat. A drug addict, Mohammad Iqbal in a report lodged, complained about the unethical and harsh manner in which the staff dealt with the patients along with the unavailability of professional doctors in the center. Mohammad Hussain, a rehabilitation officer while talking in the show as a telephonic guest speaker live, agreed with the complaint lodged by the patient and instead projected the other facilities available and shared some of the success stories of the center. The second report, was about the NADRA registration center in Yakka Ghund Mohmand Agency. A local of the area, complained about the non-availability of clean drinking water, sheds to protect oneself from strong sun rays and no rules to stand in a queue along with a number of other irregularities being committed. The third report, discussed the encroachment issue on the river side in district Charsadda. Assistant Commissioner Charsadda, Mr. Inayat ullah Khan speaking as a telephonic guest accepted the charge that there were a lot of encroachers on the river side and the Administration was coming up with strict measures to vacate the government land from them. The last report, pointed out the dire need of a blood bank in Kurram Agency. People of the area demanded a full-fledged operational blood bank from the Health department of FATA primarily to meet the needs of thalassemia patients and the injured of the locality. There were 6 calls during the show in which 3 calls were aired live. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 17, 2017
Importance of Accountability & its impact on Society. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the importance of accountability, its impact on society and the ways to eradicate corruption. Across the board accountability, is the strength and back bone of a prosperous society. Eliminating corruption is the worldwide slogan of all nations… acquiring illegal money, misuse of authority and accumulation of assets without any known source are all examples of corruption. In Pakistan there are several departments to control corruption and ensure accountability across the board but unfortunately due to one reason or the other, the society still faces the impact of corruption and malpractices. Prof Doctor Dost Mohammad, a well-known writer and analyst as a studio guest analyzed the current scenario, efficiency of our anticorruption institutions and politicization of some political leaders’ related cases. He emphasized on the role of public to raise their voice and facilitate the anticorruption institutions to eradicate corruption from the society. A radio report was made part of the program, in which the public demanded accountability across the board. 13 calls were received during the show and all were aired live, the callers took keen interest in the topic and expressed their views openly. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 13, 2017
Enmities in Pashtun Society The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the causes and solution of enmities, which provoke youngsters to indulge in criminal activities by default. Lack of tolerance is the major reason for the initiation of enmity, as it can start on very petty issues. Role of elders in resolving issues is of paramount importance as old customs and traditions of tribal areas along with misunderstandings can lead to severe animosities between people of different tribes. One should follow the teaching of Islam and social media can be used for promoting awareness campaigns. Most of the time it’s the eruption of family enmities that lead the youngsters towards crime along with their fascination and love for weapons. Jirga system to resolve such issues must be revived. Moreover, the program highlighted the adverse role of enmities on females and children, as they suffer the most in enmities between families primarily as pawns. Mr. Ihsan Dawar, a Tribal journalist and Writer, took part as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Dawar stated that, “We should educate our children to derive knowledge and wisdom from it. This will keep away the darkness of ignorance. Secondly, we should promote patience in ourselves and not take everything seriously that could lead to scuffling or argument.” A radio report was made part of the radio program. The report contained the comments of a person named Mr. Iftikhar Khan, who also had an enmity and how he suffered due to it. 4 listeners took part in the program through text messages and one caller also participated. They advised the youngsters to be patient in every situation. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 12, 2017
High Spirits of Youth (Matric Result) The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the high spirits and achievements of youngsters in Secondary School Certificate exams. Overall achievement of boys and girls in the Matric Exam was announced by the KP Board in Matric. The role of youth in the development of a country was emphasized. In addition, a topper of Peshawar Board shared his daily routine and time table with the listeners. The importance of extracurricular activities along with studies was also stressed upon. Moreover, the program shed light on the importance of character building of students in educational institutions. Mr. Omar Anwar, Peshawar Board Topper, and Ms. Hifsa Rifaqat Ali, 2nd position holder of Peshawar Board took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Anwar stated: “My message to juniors is Education, Islamic Education, hard work, serving people and last but not the least…… work, work hard and work consistently hard.” Ms. Ali reaffirmed the statement by emphasizing that, “Students should work hard day and night, but should not limit themselves only to studies. They should also participate in extracurricular activities.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the effort and achievement of a blind student by the name of Mr. Intikhab Alam, who secured first position in Malakand Board despite his disability. Four listeners took part in the program. The listeners appreciated the achievement of the studio guest and urged the government schools to provide quality education to the students. 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...
Pak-Afghan Youth Highlight The Role Of The Media In Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral Relations
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted its second Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue – under its initiative Afghan Studies Center – on Monday, July 24, 2017. The theme for this dialogue was: “Role of Electronic, Print and Social Media in Pakistan and Afghanistan Relations: The Youth Perspective.” It was attended by fourteen participants, comprising Afghans and Pakistanis, some of whom had traveled from Gujrat, Lahore, Peshawar and Bajaur Agency, explicitly to participate in the dialogue. Mr. Aized Ali, Director Beyond Boundaries, moderated the session. CRSS Executive Director Mr. Imtiaz Gul, in his opening remarks, expressed his grief over the tragic suicide bombing in Kabul that morning, and stressed that the aim of the forum was to sow the seeds of friendship and build a positive understanding between the peoples of both countries, keeping in view the continued misunderstandings and misperceptions that have persistently wreaked their bilateral relations. Senior Journalist Mr. Tahir Khan, who holds years of experience reporting on Pakistan and Afghanistan affairs, was invited as the chief guest for the dialogue. He encouraged the Pakistani and Afghan youth to speak their minds and play a positive role on the social media and spread constructive messages of peace and harmony. The participants were also connected through live Skype calls with Senior Afghan journalist, Mr. Danish Karokhel, Director Pajhwok Afghan News, and Mr. Mozammil Shinwari, former Afghan Deputy Minister for Trade and Commerce, from Afghanistan. Mr. Karokhel was of the view that the youth, civil society and the media should take on a responsible role and put pressure on their governments to adopt positive narratives and engage in cooperative measures with each other, reminding that the two were neighbors as well as Muslim states. Mr. Mozammil Shinwari appreciated the participants on their eagerness and emphasized on the need for more similar forums for the youth to come forward and...
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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.