Current Projects
Mr Ghani’s anger
Political temperatures spiked to unprecedented levels with a May 31 terrorist attack in Kabul that has left about 150 people dead. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani gave out this figure in his inaugural speech to the delegates from 23 nations at the Kabul Process Summit on June 6. With this attack, the death toll in six high-profile attacks in the capital since January touched a gutting figure of nearly 400. The human losses across Afghanistan in the first five months of the year stand close to a staggering 800 civilians (almost 3,500 fell to terrorism in 2016). In his speech, Ghani, the host, surprisingly unleashed an unprecedented open attack on Pakistan for what he said was “waging an undeclared war of aggression” against his country”. Wittingly or otherwise, unfortunately, Ghani painted Pakistan as black as he could. But his words were contradictory too; we don’t want to be drawn into a blame game, he said, but in the next breath he spoke of “undeclared aggression by Pakistan”. The president’s anti-Pakistan tirade came against the backdrop of a spiraling security crisis, extreme political polarization in Kabul itself and acute differences with his own Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and foreign minister and head of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Salahuddin Rabbani. The latter has demanded an investigation into the deadly attacks and the dismissal of National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar. Rabbani told the press on June 5 that the attacks in Kabul might have been carried out in collusion with some security agencies. Ironically, security officials had told the media that the Haqqani network and the ISI orchestrated these attacks. Strangely, the claimant for this carnage was Daesh and not the Taliban, who denied any role, which explains the demands made by Rabbani and others for an investigation into the violence. It also probably is instructive for Afghans to look at Pakistan through their own prism. Applying the Indian lens on Pakistan will only continue hurting...
Ghani's Outburst and Pakistan's Options
Asharaf Ghani’s charged Pakistan-focused speech before the Kabul Process Summit on June 6 in the presence of a Pakistani delegation left quite a few foreign delegates wondering as to what the embattled president was up to. His accusatory finger at Pakistan for the “undeclared war of aggression” on Afghanistan came across as pretty mind-boggling because, going by his assertion, he should have mentioned Turkey, Iran, China, and Russia who are all on the same page as far as Taliban and Daesh are concerned. Ghani singled out Pakistan despite the fact that his own foreign minister and head of the Jamiat-e Islami, Salahuddin Rabbani not only stayed away from the international conference but also demanded investigation into recent deadly attacks and the dismissal of National Security Adviser (NSA) Hanif Atmar. As the tug-of-war among major stakeholders in Kabul continues, with most of them making Pakistan a scapegoat for their country’s ills, this alarming situation places unusual responsibility on the power wielders in Islamabad. The unabated security and political crisis in Afghanistan represents multiple challenges and requires a synergy of thought and action between the prime minister’s office and the General Headquarters (GHQ) because the external jockeying for geo-political influence is not only muddying but also complicating the Afghan situation. Pakistan’s Afghan policy requires both the military and civilian prongs to work in tandem, something urgently needed to create national and international buy-in of what Pakistan does vis-a-vis Afghanistan. Relatively muted responses to the latest string of allegations by Kabul’s security establishment also highlight the civilian government’s paralysis on the foreign policy front. Secondly, blunting and disproving foreign accusations is the job of the government and not the military, which stands out as a suspect any way (in the eyes of Afghans and Indians). Staying mum or issuing routine denials or condemnations help...
China Watch [May 30 – June 5] Mining in Balochistan to Chinese Firms
The government of Baluchistan has revealed its plans of opening up the mining sector of the province to Chinese firms under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China has said that the energy projects under the CPEC will greatly reduce Pakistan’s energy shortage problem. Beijing has revealed it hopes that Islamabad and New Delhi would utilise the full membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to improve their bilateral relations. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmoud Hayat has said that CPEC can help resolve conflicts in the region. A retired Indian military commander, Lt Gen Deependra Singh Hooda, has warned that because of the CPEC, China’s neutrality in case of India-Pakistan war can not be taken for granted. A Chinese firm has got the initial approval for setting up a 300MW imported coal-based power plant. Mining in Baluchistan: The government of Baluchistan has revealed its plans of opening up the mining sector of the province to Chinese firms under the ongoing “Belt and Road Initiative”.[i] The province is considered to be sitting on some of the largest deposits of precious mining resources. Saleh Muhammad Baloch, top mining official, told Reuters news agency that a group of Chinese companies selected by Beijing will work with local firms to mine marble, chromite, limestone, coal and other minerals and set up steel mills and other plants. He added, however, that extraction of precious metals, such as gold and copper, will not fall under the CPEC and will instead be put “for competitive bidding internationally”. A Chinese company, China Metallurgical Group Corporation, already operates Sandak copper and gold mine in Balochistan. Even if both Pakistan and China agree to make the better use of Balochistan’s mineral resources, there are some reasons to be cautious about the decision. First, Baluchistan at the moment is anything but secure enough for industrial level of mining by foreign firms. It is home-ground to...
Sabawoon Showcase: May 31, 2017
Youngsters Maintaining a Healthy Routine During Ramzan The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the routine of youngsters during Ramzan, how they spent their vacations and along with their studies, how they utilize their time doing charitable work. The program focused on how youth can play their role in helping the needy people in the Holy Month of Ramzan, importance of maintaining daily time table, reading religious books in spare time, helping mothers in doing house hold chores. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of youngsters in guiding common people to maintain the rule of law on roads and in markets. Mr. Aizaz Khan, Student and Social Worker, Peshawar, and Mr. Shahroom Khan, Student and Social Worker, Peshawar, took part as studio guests in the show. Mr. Khan said: “Youth must develop patience and also advise others. We have only this one month in which we can develop the habit of praying five times a day which will help us to manage our routine.” Mr. Khan said: “I myself read religious books and I request all the youngsters to develop the habit of books reading; it will not only increase their knowledge but will also restrain them from bad company.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report echoed the comments of youngsters about their routine and also clarified that sleeping all the day, as one might do during Ramzan, is not beneficial for health as well. Two callers took part live in the program. They advised the youngsters not to feel weak during Ramzan and to continue their proper routine. 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,...
China Watch Special: The Belt And Road Initiative
An Evolving Conceptual Palimpsest The China proposed Belt and Road initiative (B&R) aims to integrate economies, communities and people. It holds significant potential in addressing the infrastructure gap of the developing world and bringing benefits in terms of inclusiveness and economic cooperation. The initiative aims to achieve this through investment, trade, financial, infrastructural and people-to-people connectivity while maintaining economic and financial stability. B&R can yield a connectivity dividend for affiliate countries. The “connectivity dividend” refers to the rise in economic growth rate due to increased inter-regional connectivity. After exhausting the demographic dividend to achieve rapid growth towards the end of the 20th and early 21st century, China can replicate similar effects on its economy through the connectivity dividend.[1] B&R should not be termed a threat to the international system of governance but a means to reinvigorate the international system of governance across the world to address the issues confronting the developing world and ailing Europe. The B&R initiative is an evolving conceptual palimpsest consisting of multi-dimensional factors that is influencing the international state order and global institutional order. It is giving rise to notions of skepticism in the US-led West which considers it a camouflage by China to increase its influence on the global stage. Countries opposing the initiative have made space for it in an evolving discourse of globalization to accommodate China’s peaceful rise after it avoided a hard landing expected of its economy in the aftermath of the economic recession of 2007-2008. Since 2013 China has been the leading global trade power.[2] Furthermore the “America first” strategy pursued by the Trump-administration has provided China with sufficient space therefore enabling it to take a leadership role in the globalization drive of the 21st century. B&Ris expected to...
Sabawoon Showcase: May 25, 2017
National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Role and Initiatives in Controlling White Collar Crimes The latest episode of Ranra (light) discussed NAB's role and initiatives in eradicating white collar crimes and strengthening the rule of law. Key points of discussion were corruption, white collar crimes, the significance of local and national institutions in controlling corruption and white collar crimes, corruption as a social evil and different mechanisms of other countries in dealing with corruption. Moreover, the program also discussed the role of public and their rights and responsibilities in eliminating this social evil from society. Mia Muhammad Waqar, Additional Director Investigation, NAB, Peshawar, was the studio guest in the show. Mr. Waqar said: "NAB's role is vital but unless public support is not at full zeal, NAB alone can't abolish corruption from the country. NAB ordinance 2017 includes plea bargain and voluntary return options for those, who are willing to return the money." A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted an event to sensitize the public about white collar crimes in district Kohat and their role in getting rid of it. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: May 17, 2017
Significance of Women International Business Summit (WIBS) to Foster Entrepreneurship Among Women The latest episode of the Jwandey Jazbey (alive spirits) was about the importance and the role of Women International Business Summit (WIBS) to foster entrepreneurship among women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The program focused on the role of WIBS and Women Chamber of Commerce in enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit of women, women’s businesses in KP, challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the male dominated society and provision of a networking opportunity with international business persons. Moreover, the program highlighted the impact of the summit, the views of business persons, opportunities for women by opening small scale businesses in the market, business expertise and the support of provincial government needed to make the summit successful. Ms. Zeenat Khan, a social activist from Peshawar, was telephone guest in the show. Ms. Zeenat said: “It is quite fortunate for us that international level summits are being held in KP to promote women’s business. Such events are of high significance to promote women entrepreneurs, provide them an opportunity to market their business internationally and seek financing as well.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report echoed the views of the women who participated in the summit. The interviewees in the report stated that such events should be organized time to time to motivate women to play their role in the economic development of the country as well. Two callers participated live in the program. They appreciated the efforts of the organizer and urged government to play their role to promote women’s business in rural areas of KP.
Sabawoon Showcase: May 15, 2017
Overview on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Economic Development and Initiatives The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) shed light on the economic development and initiatives taken by KP’s government to promote business in the province. The key discussion points of the program were the role of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for KP’s economic development, infrastructural development and communication projects and the ‘Made in KP’ exhibition in Islamabad. Moreover, the program discussed the impact of militancy on KP’s economy, the revival of peace in the region, economic and cultural development, the marketing of local products, business opportunities in the province, import and export, women’s businesses and their exhibitions, natural resources in KP and the role of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in prompting businesses in the province. Hajji Muhammad Afzal, President, SCCI, Peshawar, was the studio guest in the show. Hajji Afzal said: “KP has unlimited natural resources, but unfortunately these resources are not properly utilized. SCCI is struggling hard to showcase these resources and attract business persons to work and run their businesses in KP.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report showcased the ‘Made in KP’ exhibition that was organized in China Pakistan Friendship Center, Islamabad. 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....
Sabawoon Showcase: May 11, 2017
Role and Importance of Social Entrepreneurship The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the role and importance of social entrepreneurship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A definition of social entrepreneurship, its scope, components and role as well as examples were the central discussion points of the program. Moreover, the program shed light on different programs helping youngsters to enhance their capacities, inter alia through internship opportunities. Another point of discussion was corporate social responsibility and the need of mutual cooperation between the corporate and non-profit sector. The role of young people in social entrepreneurship, social enterprises in KP, and the opportunities for social enterprises in Pakistan were also highlighted in this context. Mr. Danish Yousafzai, Master Trainer and Social Entrepreneur, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Yousafzai said: “We should enhance the entrepreneurial spirit of the youths and utilize them for social causes. It can only be possible, if our youth is properly educated, aware and sensitized about the importance of social change.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report showcased the story of a social entrepreneur Ms. Nilofer Sami, who is engaging women in business and trains them to develop their own businesses. Four callers took part in the program. The callers urged government to encourage youths who are engage in social enterprise and provide tax exemptions. 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...
CRSS offers heart-felt condolences over the brutal Kabul carnage
On behalf of all Pakistani friends, our Pak-Afghan track 1.5/II project "Beyond Boundaries" members and staff, the Center for Research and Security Studies condemns in strongest possible words the dastardly truck bombing in Kabul that took at least 90 lives and left hundreds wounded, some of them fatally. At the same time we would also extend our heart-felt condolences to the bereaved families of martyrs of this heinous attack and sympathies for all the wounded. We also pray for the quick recovery of all the injured. The Center urges all immediate neighbours to join hand for collectively pursuing peace and defeat the forces that are out to keep Afghanistan on the boil.
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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.