Current Projects

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.  

Sabawoon Showcase: May 10, 2017

Skills and Potentials of Women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the skills and potential of women and their role in the economic and social development of Pakistan. Recreational activities, skills and expertise of women in handicrafts and producing  food products and women’s role in the economic development of the country were the key discussion points in the program. Moreover, the program shed light on cultural barriers faced by women, the opportunities for women in entrepreneurship and small business in KP, embroidery products, female artists and their art as well as the music concerts, different products stalls and exhibitions in Huner-e-Hawa festival in Peshawar. Ms. Zarmeena, Waheed, a Peshawar based young entrepreneur and social activist, took part as the studio guest in the show. Ms. Zarmeena said: “Women in KP have a high level of potentials and skills, but due to cultural barriers they are not able to utilize them. Government needs to provide a proper legislation in this regard to pave the way for their participation in the  socio-economic development of the country.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the Huner-e-Hawa festival that was organized in Peshawar to promote entrepreneurial spirits, Pashtun culture and provided recreational activity opportunities to the general public. Three callers took part in the program. The callers urged government to organize cultural and musical events in different parts of the province for the revival of peace in the region and the increase of mutual understanding.   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...

Sabawoon Showcase: May 9, 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 information technology (IT), entrepreneurship, education, health, and agriculture. The first report showcased the Digital Youths Summit that was organized in Peshawar to encourage young people towards entrepreneurship and enhance their skills. The event was attended by politicians, IT experts, business persons and students. The program accentuated the problems faced by locals in district Kohat. According to the report 75 schools will be merged in Kohat on the basis of government policy. Furthermore, the lack of free text books in government schools in Mohmand Agency was discussed, which has put students in high level of problems. The report stated that due to poverty students aren’t able to purchase books while authorities are not providing the free books issued by the government. Moreover, the program also highlighted the quota system for wheat purchase by the government from district Charsadda. Local farmers argued that this year government has decrease the purchasing quota due to which farmers have enough stock left to sale, but it is wasting because proper markets for it are missing. In concluding, the program accentuated the strike of a hospital in Dera Ismail Khan. The doctors stated that government is not facilitating them with basic equipment. Therefor they are on strike and will be, until government resolves their issues.   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...

Clouds of Third Afghan War?

No words are enough to condemn the dastardly truck bombing in Kabul that took at least 80 lives and left hundreds wounded, some of them fatally. The huge blast shook the Afghan capital at a time when the US is still weighing options as to whether sending more troops will contain and halt the spate of violence from the Taliban’s ‘Operation Mansoori’, although the insurgents denied their involvement in the abhorred incident. The latest attack, preceded by a suicide bombing in Helmand with at least 18 casualties on May 27, underscores several bitter ground realities. Firstly, these attacks expose the fragility of the security landscape. Regardless of the Taliban denial the bombing in the Green Zone does highlight the ability of militants – whether Taliban or Daesh – to strike even in the most guarded parts of the capital. Secondly, the surge in violence and shrinking government writ raise questions about the ability of the Afghan defence forces and security agencies. In an April 8 report, the New York Times had spoken about a “widening gap between soldiers and commanders”. At the top, the paper quoted a senior official as saying, “is a class of often incompetent generals, many of them from the Communist or the civil war period who had strong political ties. The soldiers and police officers are treated as an “untouchable” class, dying at an average of close to 20 a day.” This also drew negative comments by American officials. “We hear story after story of commanders who steal the fuel, sell it to the Taliban, who take the weapons we – you – pay for and sell it to the Taliban,” John Sopko, the United States special inspector general for Afghanistan, said in a recent speech. “The irony of it is, the terrorists are at the end of our supply chain.” Thirdly, the Afghan forces reel from corruption within the ranks, and are overshadowed by the phenomenon of ghost soldiers. In July 2016, the US military reported Afghan defence strength at 319,595. But the Associated Press...

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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.

Soniya Shams

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar