Current Projects
Sabawoon Showcase: July 4, 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, security, CNIC and tourism in the region. The first report highlighted the raised ratio of unsafe bathing and swimming in rivers. Assistant Commissioner Charsadda, Mr. Inayat ullah Khan spoke as a telephonic guest and insisted that parents of teenage boys should control them from this dangerous and unsafe activity. He informed the listeners that there are several life guards and boats in the river side tourist point (Sardaryab) in District Charsadda, and every one can avail their services in case of emergency. In the second report, we discussed the importance of clean drinking water and drainage system in district Kohat, the lack of funds and staff was also highlighted in the report. Moreover, the program discussed the unavailability of NADRA office in Central Kurram Agency. Ex MNA Kurram agency, Mr. Muneer Aurakzay spoke as a telephonic guest in the show and demanded the opening of Passport office in Lower Kurram Sada area and also NADRA office in Central Kurram (Bagan) area to overcome the hurdles of the public. The fourth report discussed the issue of 25 disputed villages of Mohmand Agency, where the educational and health institutions are handed over to District Charsadda for better functioning and reconstruction. In the last report, it was mentioned that in the current tourist season, nine hundred thousand tourists visited Swat valley till July, although it is a very good sign for the economy of the local public, but the infrastructure of the roads is badly affecting the tourism in the area. 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....
CHINA WATCH [JULY 11 – 17] INDIA REJECTS CHINA’S ROLE IN KASHMIR ISSUE
India rejected China’s offer to play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest country report of Pakistan has discussed the likely impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on country’s economy. Experts and officials from China and Pakistan have discussed the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the CEPC. Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa has emphasised on the civilian institutions to play their respective role in the successful implementation of the CPEC. Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCOSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat has said that Pakistan was aware of the Indian designs to sabotage CPEC project. Iran has sought that Quetta-Taftan railway line be given extra attention by Pakistan under the CPEC. India Rejects China’s Role in Kashmir Conflict India rejected China’s offer to play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay told media “[W]e are ready to have a dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir under a bilateral framework”.[i] He also said that cross-border terrorism supported by the neighbouring country (i.e. Pakistan) was at the heart of the matter. The statement from New Delhi came in response to an earlier statement by Beijing offering to play “a constructive” role in improving relations between India and Pakistan. Spokesman for Foreign Ministry Geng Shuang had said “[T]he conflict is occurring near the Line of Control in Kashmir. This will not only harm the peace and stability of the two countries but also peace and tranquility of the region.”[ii] He pointed out that “[T]he situation in Kashmir has attracted attention of the international community. Both India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia and we hope that relevant sides can do more things that are conducive to peace and stability in the region and avoid escalating the tensions.”...
Sabawoon Showcase: July 3, 2017
Law & Order situation in the region-Fear and Expectation. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the current situation of law and order in the region. In the past one month, the peace situation in the KP and FATA has not been satisfactory once again. The focus points in the show are as following: What are the reasons behind this negative shift? How government and security agencies can control the situation? What will be the role of public in this regard? Senior journalists and analysts, Zahir Shah Sherazi and Aziz Buniry were the studio guests. Zahir Shah Sherazi claimed that even though Pakistan has won the war on terror, it still requires careful monitoring and attention related to the changes in the region. A radio report was made part of the program, in which the public talked about Parachinar blast victims protest and complaint against government response to the victims’ family. We received four live calls during the show, in which the public expressed their views regarding the situation and proposed strict action against terrorists. 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.
JIT Report and other Murmurings
The JIT report is damning and damaging to the lives and careers of the Sharif family. Commentators and analysts are all actively giving their analysis. But there are a few key things that we should not overlook in the resultant cacophony. First, the public should not and must not forget the vociferous and vehement manner in which the party’s media strategy was contorted and refocused to defend and obfuscate the actions of the Sharif clan. With the report out, the big guns of PML-N have shifted to discrediting and disowning the JIT and the investigation it has conducted. The interior minister made a statement claiming the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is involved in money laundering and corruption at the highest echelons. With apologies Mr. Minister, the sins of your rivals do not wash away your misdeeds. Ironically, when the April split decision concluded there was insufficient evidence to remove the PM, Nisar had asked parties to “respect the verdict”. The same court’s JIT’s report has now been summarily labelled a “piece of trash”, and emphatically rejected by PML-N. It is a major turning point for Pakistan, one where the cycle of economic self-destruction is mitigated by prosecuting and jailing money launderers and corrupt officials. A turning point where rule of law and national interest take centre stage To summarize, the PML-N doctrine is: accept everything that supports us, trash everything against us (even if the two are from the same source). Second, the PML-N will have us believe that this is a conspiracy, designed to dismantle the party, attack democracy, destabilise the parliament, and throw the country into chaos. This grandiose and almost juvenile claim is false for several reasons. The party is not under investigation, the Sharif clan is. All too often, political parties equate any action against them as an attack on democracy. You do not singlehandedly represent democracy, and part of the consolidation of the democratic process is ensuring...
Panamagate: Time to Face Up The Reality?
If the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) finding about two declarations submitted by Maryam Nawaz is correct, she will be facing criminal prosecution on account of forgery. For many, this finding has affirmed apprehensions regarding our ruling elite’s propensity to lie, cheat and obfuscate facts. These apprehensions stands in contrast to the way Maryam Nawaz had conducted herself a few days ago after her deposition before the JIT. “What is the charge against us,” she had then asked emphatically. The JIT’s findings come as a direct response to her question. With evidence on forgery of documents in front of them, the JIT may have been left with little doubt to conclude that Maryam Nawaz submitted fake documents and misled the Supreme Court on the matter of ownership of London flats. This is a moment to ponder for all those who had started fancying her as the future prime minister candidate. Regardless of whether or not she holds a public office, she bears responsibility if forgery has really been committed insofar as she had a media advisory role at the Prime Minister’s Office. The second lesson Pakistanis should draw from the JIT report concerns what now seems to be fiction woven around the letter attributed to the Qatari prince. The account of the letter now seems to be a trick played on the Pakistani nation. How can conscientious Pakistanis live with such elites? Ayan Ali's arrest had just exposed a tiny tip of the iceberg of money laundered out of Pakistan. We've have also heard about a former Prime Minister using his nephews under the cover of official protocol to smuggle dollars out of Pakistan. The third lesson worth considering relates to the oft-hurled charge of the military establishment's long hand behind the country's political crises. The JIT findings have discredited allegations and insinuations made by PML-N leaders that the establishment was worked against the ruling Sharif family. For too long have Pakistani politicians hidden behind the 'over-reach'...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 22, 2017
Prevention of Aerial Firing The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the prevention of aerial firing, its negative impact and role of police in eradicating this issue. In the current situation of aerial firing in different areas, 37 people sustained injuries when Pakistan won the final match of Champion’s Trophy against India, one child also died after sustaining injuries. Government’s ban on aerial firing on “Chand Raat”, civil society’s role in awareness campaigns and demonstrations in the aftermath of aerial firing were promoted. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of police and their strategies against the culprits of aerial firing on “Chand Raat”. Mr. Tahir Dawar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Peshawar, took part as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Dawar said: “KP Police is instructed by the higher officials to strictly implement section 144 and punish people under section 188 and 337H (2). Under this section, there will be no bail out for the person involved in celebratory firing and he will have to spend six months in jail. I request the public that instead of aerial firing, support the poor families financially.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the impacts of celebratory firing and respondents also stressed that government must introduce strict punishment against aerial firing. Five callers took part in the program. The callers stated that the parents must keep their children away from toy guns and elders of the community, also help the police in identifying the wrong doers. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 21, 2017
Eid-Ul-Fitr and Our Old Traditions The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations and old traditions, which are now fading day by day. Eid is celebrated after Ramzan, children and female get engrossed in its preparations. Pashtuns own culture, traditions and custom of celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr along with Hujra culture is promoted and highlighted in a conducive manner. This helps the youngsters in comprehending its true values and the customs and traditions that change from time to time. Moreover, the program shed light on the relations between families and relatives which is now based on materialism. Internet and mobile have created physical distances between people. Professor Qazi Muhammad Khamis, a Peshawar based senior TV and Radio artist, took part as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Khamis said: “Our environment will improve with the increase in literacy rate. Youngsters must give respect to elders. I appeal to people to increase tolerance. We should adopt love and affection. We must rebuild our Hujras as it is the learning place for youth.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the activities and preparation of Eid and respondents stated that our old customs and traditions are now alive only in villages due to elders. Seven listeners took part in the program. The listeners urged the parents and elders to convey the old customs and traditions to the youngsters in order to bring love, peace and harmony in the region. 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...
CHINA WATCH [JULY 5 – 10] INDO-CHINA BORDER CONFRONTATION PERSISTS
Indo-China border dispute in the remote Doklam plateau has persisted without any major breakthrough between the two neighbours. Pakistan’s Attorney Genral (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali has proposed a bilateral arbitration system for deciding disputes which may arise during the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revealed it plans to grant $6-$7.5 billion loans to complement CPEC and other regional connectivity projects. Indo-China Border Confrontation Persists: Indo-China border dispute in the remote Doklam plateau starting last month has persisted without any major breakthrough between the two neighbours. The region lies at trilateral juncture where the borders of China, India and Bhutan adjoin. While the dispute relates to territory claimed by and disputed between both Bhutan and China, India moved its forces to stop Chinese work on construction of a road in that area on the request of its neighbour Bhutan.[i] Indian analysts have argued that China’s construction of road in territory will threaten the strategically important narrow land called “chicken’s neck” which connects central and northeast India.[ii] China’s envoy to India Lou Zhaohui called the standoff “the most serious confrontation between the two nations in more than 30 years.”[iii] He said that “[T]he Chinese people are very angry as India is occupying Chinese territory. The Chinese government is facing great pressure.” He pointed that Beijing hoped the confrontation could be resolved diplomatically, but comments by Indian officials had left Beijing suspicious. He referred to Indian Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat's statement that India was ready for the ‘2.5 front war’ and Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley’s assertion ‘today’s India is not the India of 1962’. The tensions have shown no signs of abatement as both the countries have dug in heels. In addition to upping the ante at border with China, India has resorted to...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 20, 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 technical education, border trade, NADRA centre, and traffic issues in different districts and agencies in KP and FATA. The first report highlighted the importance of the opening of Pak Afghan border in Kurram Agency. Khar Laso Pola is a safe and short route for national and international trade between the two countries. Member of National Assembly from Kurram Agency Mr. Sajid Hussain Tori was a telephonic guest who was invited to shed light on the significance and opening process of the border. Moreover, program mentioned the hurdles faced by the people due to non-availability of NADRA registration office in Baizay subdivision in Mohmand Agency. In a report, local people demanded Mobile NADRA registration van to meet their needs. The third report discussed the demand of the people of North Waziristan for a technical educational institute in the Agency. Further two reports highlighted the traffic and security issues in the District Charsadda and District Kohat. DSP Abdul Salam, expressed his views and shared information as a telephonic guest. He requested the public to abide by the laws to avoid traffic jams and emergencies. There were seven live calls in the show, 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 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 19, 2017
Reasons and impacts of young doctors protest in KP hospitals. The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the reasons and impact of the regular protest of young doctors in different hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). There is a visible increase in the doctor’s protest for the last three years in KP. Provincial government tries their best to meet the demands of the doctors and paramedics and provide the services to the patients. For this purpose, a sound increase in the salary was approved and several laws were formulated to resolve the issue, but in vain. All the above were the key points of discussion in the show. Dr. Izhar, a representative of protesting doctors was the studio guest in the show, while Provincial Minister for Information Mr. Shah Farman and a senior journalist Mr. Umar Farooq took part as telephonic guests. A radio report was made part of the program in which the public was complaining against the behavior of the doctors and hurdles faced by the patients as an impact of the doctor’s protest. We got eight calls during the show in which we aired four calls 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, 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.
TOP STORIES
TESTIMONIALS
“
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.