Current Projects
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...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 11, 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, education, life security, narcotics addiction etc. The first report highlighted the rising ratio of unsafe bathing and swimming in rivers. Assistant Commissioner, Charsadda, Mr. Inayat ullah Khan, spoke as a telephonic guest and strongly emphasized that parents of teenage boys should control their children from this dangerous and unsafe activity. He informed the listeners that there were several life guards and boats in the river side touristic point (Sardaryab) in District Charsadda, and every one can avail its services in case of emergency. In the second report, the role of different departments in cases of emergency was discussed. In district Kohat, during an accidental fire in a market there was a 4 hour delay in controlling the fire, although there were three different departments in Kohat for the same purpose. Two reports dealt with health related issues, spread of a new drug in Shabqadar district Charsadda, and the efforts of police and local people to eradicate it. A seminar was held in Peshawar regarding HIV /Aids awareness. The fifth and last report was related to initiation of traffic warden system in Swat to overcome the traffic issues. There were 7 calls during the show in which 4 calls were aired 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,...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 11, 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, education, life security, narcotics addiction etc. The first report highlighted the rising ratio of unsafe bathing and swimming in rivers. Assistant Commissioner, Charsadda, Mr. Inayat ullah Khan, spoke as a telephonic guest and strongly emphasized that parents of teenage boys should control their children from this dangerous and unsafe activity. He informed the listeners that there were several life guards and boats in the river side touristic point (Sardaryab) in District Charsadda, and every one can avail its services in case of emergency. In the second report, the role of different departments in cases of emergency was discussed. In district Kohat, during an accidental fire in a market there was a 4 hour delay in controlling the fire, although there were three different departments in Kohat for the same purpose. Two reports dealt with health related issues, spread of a new drug in Shabqadar district Charsadda, and the efforts of police and local people to eradicate it. A seminar was held in Peshawar regarding HIV /Aids awareness. The fifth and last report was related to initiation of traffic warden system in Swat to overcome the traffic issues. There were 7 calls during the show in which 4 calls were aired 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,...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 10, 2017
Analysis of public and private sector schools SSC result. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the current secondary schools certificate result, of all eight examination boards in KP. Last week all eight examination boards of KP announced SSC result, in which the public sector schools showed poor results compared to the private. The following needs to be explored in order to find out the reasons behind this discrepancy: how to strengthen the public sector, the issues faced by the public sector and the means private sector employs to get top positions in boards. A spokesman of KP education department Mr. Najeh ullah Khattak and Mr. Shahid Wali, President of Private Schools Association were studio guests in the show. Mr Khattak claimed that there are dozens of public sector students in top 20 positions in more than five examination boards. He rejected the media report of poor results of public sector schools. Mr. Wali, on the other hand objected on the laws and regulation authority regarding private schools. A radio report was made part of the program in which public demanded accountability of both public and private sector schools. During the show 12 calls were received and seven of them were aired live. The callers expressed their views and complaints against private schools use of illegal means, in examination. 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...
Q2 Security Report – 2017
Executive Summary: The overall security situation in the country improved considerably during this quarter as the number of fatalities dropped. However, security challenges remain multi-dimensional both domestically and along Pakistan’s borders. Violence along the border areas increased significantly and the militancy inside the country assumed a new dimension as they shifted their respective areas of operations and attacks. Most regions, such as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan and Punjab saw a reduction in the number of fatalities (compared to the same quarter last year), while Sindh saw a small rise in violence-related casualties. Overall, Q2, 2017 (494) also saw a significant drop in violence-related fatalities over Q1, 2017 (594). However, within the overall reduction, the number of criminal and militant fatalities declined, whereas the number of security and government official and civilian fatalities increased. This is also indicative of the observed change in the terrorists’ overall strategy, as they shift their focus from soft targets to government and security officials and installations – very obvious from the overwhelming number of attacks on the state security apparatus. To assess and evaluate what new challenges and threats are being faced by the country, this report draws on national print and electronic media sources. At the same time CRSS endeavors to ensure that the data is as accurate as possible within the available resources. However, it does not rule out errors and omissions, which are always a possibility in such public-source statistical work. Such mistakes, nevertheless, do not grossly affect the overall outcome and conclusions of this report. It must also be said that this work cannot take into account incidents of violence-related fatalities and casualties that go unreported. Readers can approach CRSS for information related to this report. Alternately, you may send your queries to...
Why not Just Say no to CSF?
The US decision to withhold $50 million remaining in military reimbursements to Pakistan for fiscal year 2016 for not doing "enough to blunt the Islamist militant Haqqani network," should not surprise any body. It conveys a plain fact; neither the on going nearly daily losses of the army and the police nor the counter-terrorism drive that has seen marked reduction in violence nor the battering the Pakistani economy has taken since the onset of the counter-terror war have convinced the US establishment of the intent. Nor does the June 2014 Operation Zarbe Azb, very much aligned with a longstanding US demand for action in North Waziristan, seem to have impacted Washington’s narrative on Pakistan. The do-more-mantra has continued relentlessly and now narrowed down on the Haqqani Network and thus the latest decision to withhold the $50 million funds from 2016. It’s about time to act like a self-respecting and confident nation which is ready to correct its own course as well as being poised to address others’ concerns on issues such as terrorism, regional peace and cooperation Based on the incessant and at times acrimonious pressure and disagreements on Afghanistan and India - and the alignment of these three countries’ position on Pakistan - one would tend to conclude that the partnership that began with the Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2001, eventually covered under the US Coalition Support Funds program has nearly run its course. Neither did major non-NATO ally status for Pakistan help change the primary US narrative on Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism. While the US security establishment sticks to its old narrative, new factors also appear to have come into play that are making this narrative politically superfluous. It has outlived its utility for various reasons. Firstly, the new regional realignment that separates the geopolitical Indo-Afghan-US alliance from that the one comprising China, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey and to a certain extent Iran. Both...
Panama Leaks Lesson: Judiciary Is the Bulwark Against Elites
The circumstances surrounding and events accompanying the Panama Papers remind me of two meetings I had with former premier Benazir Bhutto in March/April 1999 shortly before Ms Bhutto flew out into exile. One meeting took place in the presence of Barrister Masood Kausar and Rao Iqbal Sikandar. The other in the presence of a couple of journalists, including Talat Hussein and Ayaz Gul. Farhatullah Babar, the unflinching PPP support, may or may not remember but he was also present on both occasions. Only hours before that conversation, Bhutto had spoken to the press at the Marriott Hotel, where she vented her frustration with the Ehtesab Bureau Court (headed by a former Sharif henchman Saifur Rehman). As she was explaining the highhandedness of the government, I asked her a question related to the Surrey Rockwood Estate that Asif Ali Zardari had bought a few months earlier. Instead of responding on the spot, she asked me to meet her at the Zardari House in F-8/2 later that evening. Just for five minutes, she said, waving to Babar sahib. When I eventually met her in the presence of Barrister Kausar and Rao Sikandar that afternoon, we ended up interacting for nearly an hour. No admission of the Surrey estate though. “It’s all bullshit.” She also defended the news about millions of dollars in her foreign currency accounts. The law permits that, she said referring to the FOREX laws enacted by Nawaz Sharif. But is that fair for a public representative not to declare the source of income, I quipped. I am not supposed to declare those things... I have earnings from my lectures. May be that is a bad law. But did you ever attempt to amend a bad law, which has become a conduit for money laundering? No, may be we should have done it, she said. And then the climax when I turned the conversation again on the Surrey Mansion (which Zardari eventually claimed as his property shortly before the UK authorities were to put it to auction in 2004). Left with no plausible answer on the...
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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.