Current Projects
CHINA WATCH [JUNE 28- July 4] INDIA-UNITED STATES (US)-CHINA TRIANGLE
Prime Minister (PM) Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that the fact India was offering its services to the US to pressurise China was the evidence India was isolated in the region. China has stressed that linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Bangladesh-China-India- Myanmar (BCIM) corridor will be very beneficial to the people of the region. China specifically rejected the report of a possibility of building a military base in Pakistan. China’s state-run tabloid the Global Times has termed India’s air corridor with Afghanistan as ‘a strategy to counterbalance’ the CPEC. Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Khuram Dastagir Khan has said Islamabad was seeking changes in existing free trade agreement. India-US-China Triangle: PM Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that the fact India was offering its services to the US to pressurise China was the evidence India was isolated in the region.[i] He shared his views while talking about the US administration’s decision to designate the leader of a Kashmir-based militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. If the relations between India and Pakistan and India and China have deteriorated, India’s relations with the US have seen a meteoric progression. Last week, Indian PM Narendra Modi visited the US and met the President Donald Trump who lavished praise and special treatment on the Indian head of the government. Just before that visit, the Trump administration gave a green signal to the sale of 22 surveillance drones called Guardian drones which will enable India to eavesdrop on China’s naval movements in the India Ocean.[ii] Mr Trump also talked about a huge naval exercise in the Indian Ocean involving Japanese, Indian and American warships. The US President went one step further by issuing a joint statement (with Indian PM) that called on Pakistan to ensure its (Pakistan) territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other...
Sabawoon Showcase: May 15, 2017
Toy Guns and its Impact on Children and Society The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the selling of toy guns in local markets and its negative impact on the formative minds of the children and society. Toy guns are found to be easily available in the markets where the designs of artificial guns hold great fascination for young children. Most parents themselves even buy these toys for kids as a result of which children not only develop an admiration for the use of guns and weapons but also their acceptance in the society. This by default places a negative impact on the young minds on children where violence through the use of guns is seen as appealing. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of government to impose strict ban and fine on the selling of toy guns on the occasion of Eid. Ms. Ambreen Gulzar, a Peshawar based social activist and lawyer at Peshawar High Court, was invited as a studio guest in the show. Ms. Gulzar said: “Every year district government imposes ban on toy guns but as the government cannot reach to each and every street so the influential of the society should stand against it and play their role in the prevention of toy guns.” A report was made part of the radio program. The report highlighted the viewpoints of various individuals regarding the use of toy guns and urged the government to impose ban on the toy guns and its production. Three callers took part in the program. The callers suggested that the parents and teachers should also play their role in the up brining of a child and to involve children in healthy activities to divert them from engaging in negative actions. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 14, 2017
Youth Role in Volunteerism and Charity. The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the charitable work of youngsters as volunteers during Ramazan. Charity is one of the deeds liked by Allah and the act of helping those who are in need. Activities of the Welfare organizations in Ramazan and youth volunteerism were the key discussion points in the program. Moreover, the program shed light on the role of donors who provide funds for charity. Interfaith harmony was also discussed as not only the Muslim community helped the underprivileged but Sikh community also helped them by offering free iftar. Mr. Shoaib Ghaffar, a Peshawar based young social worker and President of “I am Volunteer”, was invited as a guest in the show. Mr. Ghaffar said: “Helping humanity is the real purpose of life. Those who want to join our organization are welcomed as we are not doing charities only in the month of Ramazan but we have also plans for helping youngsters in establishing their own business.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the activities of youth where free food was arranged for the less fortunate and Eid packages were distributed among them. Three listeners took part in the program through text messages. The listeners appreciated the role of youth in charities and how they can be a part of any welfare organization. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: June 13, 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, agriculture, security, toy bombs and load shedding effects. The first report highlights the raising ratio of infant mortality in Pakistan, its causes, lack of required facilities in the children’s ward in Kohat etc. A child specialist Dr. Tariq as telephonic guest shed light on the topic and shared the information regarding available facilities in KP hospitals. Moreover, program discussed the blast of a toy bomb in Lower Kurram Agency. CRSS reporter Mohammad Rehan shared all details telephonically. In the third report from Mohmand Agency, the reasons for ban on cultivation of corn and the cultivation of vegetable as an alternate were discussed. Political administration and security forces imposed ban on corn cultivation which affects the local farmers. Power shortage and load shedding hours in Swat was also discussed in a report. A senior journalist Fayaz Zafar was our telephonic guest, he told us that Swat is one of the highest bill paying areas, but due to old transmission lines and outdated equipment the customers are still facing load shedding in the area. There were four live calls in the show, callers also discussed their local problems and tried to draw the attention of the authorities through CRSS provided network. 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: June 12, 2017
Analysis of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Annual budget 2017-18 The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the annual budget and initiatives taken by the KP government for economic growth. Focus of KP Government budget, importance of road communication projects, failure of government in providing basic facilities to the public, budget dependency on foreign aid were the key points of discussion in the show. An economy expert Prof. Dr. Mohammad Rafeeq was the studio guest in the show. Dr. Rafeeq said: “KP has unlimited natural resources and favorable agricultural land but unfortunately these resources are not properly utilized. Moreover, in the current budget the provincial government shows dependency on foreign aid, which can put the Government in trouble. A radio report was made part of the program in which the public showed their reservations on the provincial budget. We got eight calls during the show in which we aired six 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.
Pakistan Proposes Joint Border Ops with Kabul
* McCain tells Ghani Gen Bajwa agreed to US ‘monitoring’ of action against terrorists * If Islamabad doesn’t change, US may change its behaviour towards Pakistan A high-powered delegation of US senators led by led by Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain on Tuesday told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that Pakistan has agreed to ‘joint operations’ against terrorist groups in the border region, a statement from Presidential Palace in Kabul said. “The Senators said that head of Pakistan’s armed forces General Qamar Javed Bajwa has agreed to joint operations against terrorist groups in the border region. They said that the US would provide monitoring and verification of these operations,” the statement said. The delegation has reached Kabul after a two-day trip to Pakistan where the US senators met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and also travelled to South Waziristan to attend a briefing about Pak-Afghan border security situation, including recent measures to improve security through fencing and enhanced surveillance. President Ashraf Ghani said Afghanistan ‘agrees with the proposal’ of joint border operations with Pakistan, monitored by the US. The statement issued by Pakistan Army after meeting with the visiting dignitaries did not mention any proposal of joint operations with Kabul. “Pakistan has done its best despite constraints and shall continue its efforts for peace and stability,” ISPR quoted General Bajwa as having told US senators. Kabul had long been insisting on a third-party monitoring of operation against terrorists and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghani had agreed last month to use the Quadrilateral Coordination Group mechanism as well as bilateral channels to undertake specific actions against terror groups and to evolve, through mutual consultations, a mechanism to monitor and verify such actions. McCain warned Pakistan that Washington was counting on its support to eliminate militancy...
Civil Disservice
This June, a group of 65 retired senior civil servants published an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticising “a rising authoritarianism and majoritarianism, which do not allow for reasoned debate, discussion and dissent”. The group includes Ishrat Aziz and Deb Mukharji of the Indian Foreign Service, Julio Ribeiro and M. Balachandran of the Indian Police Service, and activist Harsh Mander, who has valiantly sought justice for victims of anti-Muslim pogroms. The letter is noteworthy for setting a precedent as well as for its contents — it pins the blame squarely on Modi. “In Uttar Pradesh, in the run-up to the elections, an odious and frankly communal comparison was made between the relative number of burial grounds and cremation grounds. The question was also asked as to whether electricity was being supplied equally to different communities during their religious festivals.” This is a clear reference to remarks made by Modi while addressing a rally in Lucknow in February. The integrity of public servants has been undermined in UP. The letter also cites official acts that have created a “growing climate of religious intolerance that is aimed primarily at Muslims” — to wit, tighter curbs on cow slaughter and violence by ‘cow vigilantes’; a crackdown on NGOs; and charges of sedition levelled recklessly, even on 15-year-olds. It concludes, “[W]e appeal to all public authorities, public institutions and constitutional bodies to take heed of these disturbing trends and take corrective action.” One wishes that such public-spirited persons would also devote attention to the state of the civil service today. Communal and corrupt politicians in power rule through pliant civil servants. Vallabhbhai Patel warned against the suborning of the civil service in the Constituent Assembly in October 1949: “The Union will go — you will not have a united India, if you have not a good all-India service which has the independence to speak out its mind, which has a sense...
Faith as Political Instrument: Playing With Fire
Deploying religious dogmas or beliefs or using faith as a justification for narrow-ended political motives is a dangerous tendency with far-reaching socio-political implications. Pakistan’s most controversial and hated military dictator General Ziaul Haq did so and the country is currently simmering in the aftermath of his crooked way of soliciting the support of the religious right. The Qisas and Diyat Ordinance, the Objectives’ Resolution and amePPndments to the Blasphemy Act – with the support of the Pakistani chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood i.e. Jamaat-e-Islami – are a few examples that illustrate the havocs that motivated legislation, particularly ordinances (though it’s a farce to term an ordinance a piece of legislation) can play with the socio-political fabric of a society. Pakistan finds itself caught in an inextricable situation, particularly reeling from the consequences of the blasphemy law, that has predominantly been used as an instrument to settle political scores or for economic gains before recourse to the law itself. It has certainly narrowed the space for voices that demand a parliamentary review of such laws. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is undergoing similar tribulations; the BJP, RSS and Shiv Sena are all jointly pressing ahead with to colour as much of India in the spirit of Hindutva as possible. Its fallout cannot be different from what has befallen Pakistan. It could be in fact much worse in case of India, where the right and its far right allies constitute two-thirds majority in parliament, unlike in Pakistan, where the religious right never went beyond 10 percent (except for the 2002 general elections immediately after the 9/11 terror attacks). In March, for instance, the Gujarat Assembly (India) passed the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2017, making its anti-cow slaughter law the toughest in the country with the offence becoming non-bailable and punishable with a life sentence. Under the new law, the...
Pakistan has been an Ally Through Thick and Thin, Says Ex-President Sri Lanka, Rajapaska
Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed that the topic of the event was of great relevance and interest for the region. Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s mutual long relationship is sustained by cultural heritage, economies, and common stand on international issues, he stated. “We are grateful for the unconditional and steadfast support we received from Pakistan. It is a matter of deep satisfaction that I was able to raise Sri Lanka’s voice with Pakistan. They have stood by us through thick and thin,” he said. He was speaking at an event organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Global Village Space (GVS). The topic of the talk was “Sri Lanka’s Struggle for Peace and its Lessons for Pakistan and the Region.” The event was chaired by Lt. Gen. (retd) Asif Yasin Malik. He said Pakistan has a lot to learn about peace-building from Sri Lanka, and there is a lot of parallel between the situations in the two countries vis-à-vis terrorism. In her introductory remarks, former Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Excelenncy Seema Baloch stated that the Sri Lankan Government took decisive action against terrorism. Following its success, Sri Lanka began to open its routes and increasingly integrate with the international community. “His Excellency is a leader of the masses,” she stated while introducing Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Speaking on the issue of human rights, she called out the international community for its double standards. “In some cases we describe the lives of others as collateral damage and in other cases we emphasize it as civilian casualty.” In his comments, Excellency Rajapaksa said there is no distinction between terrorists, mirroring the good vs. bad Taliban debate in Pakistan. He said that terrorism is against the spirit of humanity and no country can prosper if people are compelled to live their lives under fear. In the case of Sri Lanka, armed forces provided unrelenting support, backed by actual and concrete actions on part of the...
As an Indian Visiting Pakistan for the First Time, I Discovered I had Another Home
I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when I finally received my visa to visit Pakistan. As an Indian-American, it was not an easy process. That I was born in Hyderabad – Deccan, not Sindh – made India home, but rendered Pakistan almost impenetrable. My first application was scoffed at by the embassy in Cambodia where I initially applied. But still I persisted, finally succeeding through the help of a college roommate, another Hyderabadi-American, who connected me with an official at a Pakistani Consulate in the US. It always surprised me that nearly everyone I know has visited either India orPakistan, never both. That these two nations are born out of the same cloth; out of a shared cultural and linguistic tapestry that stretches back millennia, has been unfortunately obscured by the politics of a few decades. During Partition, my entire family, as far as I knew, decided to stay in the relative security of Muslim-majority Hyderabad in southern India. Amidst a slightly different situation, I could just as easily have been born in Pakistan. I was, of course, as proud an Indian as any, but that never hampered my curiosity for my fraternal nation. We’re all scurrying to work in the United States, or vacation in Europe, when there is so much we can learn from our next-door neighbours. couldn’t remember the last time I was so excited to go somewhere new. I had already visited some 40-odd countries, attempting with each to broaden my understanding of the world. But there was something especially evocative about Pakistan. As a South Asian Muslim, it was the indignation of a birth right interminably delayed due to political complications. After all, Pakistan was created in the spirit of inviting and protecting the rights of Muslims. As a proud speaker of the language, I was also excited at revelling in Urdu in all its glory in Pakistan. The Devanagari script used to render Hindi is, of course, just as beautiful to my eyes. But I yearned to immerse myself in the elegant...
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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.