Current Projects
CNN's Fareed Zakaria singling out Saudi Arabia as the largest source of Wahabi-inspired Terrorism
In this video clip from CNN Fareed Zakaria is singling out Saudi Arabia as the largest source of Wahabi-inspired terrorism. Ironic indeed that Pakistan has been getting the flak for what CNN calls as the mother of evil. Also, Ironic that the US has partnered with Saudi Arabia in a big way to fight IS terrorism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CayJkedqxoY
Sabawoon Showcase: May 3, 2017
Role of Youth in Strengthening the Rule of Law The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the role of youngsters in promoting and sustaining the rule of law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The program showed how youth can play their role in promoting the rule of law in KP and FATA, in enhancing democratic values in the region and their importance for the social and economic development of the country. Moreover, the program highlighted the rule of law in the Pakistani context, the insufficient curricula of educational institutions regarding rule of law and civic education and the significance of responsible citizenship for a peaceful and prosperous society. Mr. Maqsood Ali, Advocate Peshawar High Court, Peshawar, and Mr. Ahsan Sardar, Trainer, British Council Pakistan, Peshawar, took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Ali said: “Pakistans youths constitutes over 60 percent of the population. If they are properly educated and utilized, they can play an enormous role in the development of Pakistan and we can get rid of many problems.” Mr. Sardar said: “The British Council is engaged in building the capacity of the youths in issues that are pre-requisite for social change and tries to inculcate them with the spirit of change agents in society. Such efforts should be institutionalized on government level.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report echoed the comments of youngsters about their role in promoting rule of law and its importance for a developed society. Two callers took part live in the program. They urged government to create employment opportunities for youngster to utilize their skill rather than wasting them. 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...
Why Pakistani Policy Makers Need to Embrace Social Media
Social media cannot be underrated for instantly reaching out to the broadest spectrum of people with minimal personal and financial cost. Political leaders have become conscious of its potency. They can win or loose elections, depending on their capacity to run a good social media campaign. Foreign Ministries all over the world are learning that despite the tight rope-walk, its use in diplomacy can be hugely rewarding. It amounts to “minimum government, maximum governance”. President Barak Obama was the first world leader who effectively used social media to win the Presidential candidature of the Democratic Party. The way he used services like Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram as a candidate and later as the US President, Obama was justly called the “first social-media president.” President Trump followed Obama to reach out to his supporters, instead of relying only on TV advertisements. He described social media as “a great form of communication”. Why spend millions of dollars on TV advertisements and other costly conventional methods, when you can directly communicate with millions of people online for nothing, he once said. The benefits include enhanced possibility of leveraging opportunities offered by social media to secure maximum political advantage. No doubt, obsession with immediacy and reaching out to the public warrants use of social media serious. But its impact and other effects, as public policy tools, need to be re-thought in the light of our socio-cultural milieu and political maturity (immaturity?). Our limited experience of using social media has established that while it offers benefits, its excessive use can be perilous and risky too. As recently Pakistan’s political scene was shaken with just one tweet. In case of President Trump, personal use of Twitter too has continued to create problems and confusion rather than clarity. If Trump’s presidency continues with the current practice, the method will be new, but public policy...
Sabawoon Showcase: May 2, 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 education, labors problems, local disputes in Peshawar, and lack of government attention to control the spread of fake medicines in Charsadda. The program shed light on the celebration of the Labor Day in Peshawar Press Club. Respondents in the reports were of the view that government has not taken any concrete step to resolve the home based workers issues and urged for proper legislation to ensure their rights in this regards. The program highlighted the Qoumi Jirga, which was held in Peshawar. This Jirga aimed to resolve the disputes of the locals and spread awareness about women’s rights and their deprivation of the very basic right of education in Pashtun society. Moreover, the program discussed the enrollment campaign undertaken in FATA. The campaign wants to enroll children in school and boost literacy in the region. One local who was heard in the report said, that government should fine the parents who aren’t allowing their children to visit schools. The program was concluded by discussing the spread of fake medicines in district Charsadda, which have caused many severe issues and the lack of governmental control and accountability of chemist. 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: April 27, 2017
Importance of Leadership Qualities for Young People The latest episode of Ranra (light) focused on the significance of leadership qualities among the youths to play their role as the harbor of change and development. Leadership qualities – specifically in the Pakistani context and the role of youngsters in resolving local issues as young leaders were the central themes of discussion. Furthermore the importance of communicational and interpersonal skills for young leaders and the role of educational institutions in imparting leadership qualities in students were discussed. Moreover, the program shed light on the role of youths in democracy, rule of law, governance, social and public awareness and sustainable development. Mr. Syed Ali Naqvi, a trainer and capacity building expert, and Mr. Khudadad Khan, a student from University of Peshawar, took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Naqvi said: “The current political leadership crisis can only be resolved by engaging the youths in social and developmental issues and impart leadership qualities to them. Fortunately, we have over 60 percent young people in the country but unfortunately, this advantage is not properly utilized.” Mr. Khan said: “Educational institution can play a significance role in enhancing capacities and imparting leadership guts to young people. We need to seriously look at the curricula and should make necessary changes that can cope up modern day challenges.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report echoed the views of young students from Peshawar about the importance of leadership qualities among the youths. A caller took part live in the program and shed light on the importance of education for youngsters 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 26, 2017
Precautionary Measures to Prevent Seasonal Diseases The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the importance of precautionary measure to secure ourselves from seasonal diseases. Seasonal diseases such as Malaria, Diarrhea, Heat Stroke, Mumps, Sun Burns, and Skin Rashes, and their preventive measures were the key discussion point of the program. Moreover, the program also discussed disease caused by mosquitoes, available facilities in local hospital to cure seasonal diseases, the nature of seasonal disease and the role of doctors and civil society in raising mass awareness about it. Dr. Muhammad Izhar, a Peshawar based physician, was the studio guest in the program. Dr. Izhar said: “We should be careful while dealing with the seasonal diseases. Taking proper care of the preventive measures is more effective than rushing toward doctors in cases of emergencies.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report shed light on the International Malaria prevention day which was celebrated throughout the world with the purpose of spreading awareness about the disease and its preventive measures. Three callers took part live in the program. They stated that the local hospitals in the rural areas are lacking basic facilities of dealing with the seasonal disease and they demanded government to equip the hospitals properly. 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: April 25, 2017
Regional Review on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of the Semi Jaaj (regional review) focused on several public issues such girls’ education, agriculture, delayed developmental projects, and dispute resolution court in Mohmand Agency. The Model Farm Services initiative of the KP government was discussed in the beginning of the program. According to the farmers, the million Rupees initiative is not serving its purpose to help local farmers in district Charsadda, what makes it useless and obsolete. Another point of discussion focused on the issues faced by locals in district Kohat due to the delayed developmental projects. The report stated that both district and provincial administration haven’t paid any attention to the developmental projects since a couple of years. The program also shed light on the dispute resolution court in the name of Azad Adalat (open court), that was set by the political administration in Mohmand Agency to help locals in resolving their disputes. Moreover, the program accentuated the issues faced by inhabitants in district Swat and Dera Ismail Khan due to the lack of basic facilities and damaged building of girls’ schools in the rural areas of the districts. Callers response: Three callers took part live in the program. They urged the local government (LG) representatives to help locals in resolving their issues and advocating for them. As LG members they are the communication bridge between government and the public. 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...
CHINA WATCH [MAY 23 – 29] RECOVERING ABDUCTED CHINESE NATIONALS
China vowed to do all it can do to make sure the safe return of its two citizens kidnapped in Pakistan. Opposition members of the Parliamentary Committee on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) strongly protested the role of the committee. Pakistan has earmarked 180 billion rupees or $1.71 billion for the CPEC projects under the budget for financial year 2017-18. The third Chinese-built maritime patrol ship was inducted into Pakistan naval force for the security of the CPEC route. A high-level meeting of military leaders deliberated over, among other issues, the security of the CPEC. A report by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) has warned the CPEC might “create geo-political tension with india”. Recovering Abducted Chinese Nationals: China vowed to do all it can do to make sure the safe return of two citizens kidnapped in Pakistan and promised new measures to protect Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects in Pakistan.[i] Last week, gunmen pretending to be police officials kidnapped two Chinese language teachers in Quetta. China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said that “China will continue to make maximal efforts alongside Pakistan to strive for the safe return of the kidnapped individuals as soon as possible.” He added that “[W]e will also take further actions to ensure the safety of Chinese individuals and organisations in Pakistan.” On the other hand, Pakistan under increasing pressure scrambled to form a three member-police investigation team to probe the kidnapping of Chinese nationals and their safe recovery.[ii] Although Pakistan has established a Special Security Division of 15,000 military personnel for the security of Chinese workers and nationals, the country’s unpredictable security milieu poses a serious challenge to the smooth functioning of the CPEC. Role of the CPEC Committee Questioned: Opposition members of the Parliamentary Committee on the CPEC strongly protested...
Keeping Politics Out of Business
After 22 days, Pakistan reopened the Friendship Gate at Chaman border crossing on May 27 on “humanitarian grounds” coinciding with the Ramazan in Afghanistan. At least 12, including two FC personnel, five children and three women were killed when Afghan forces attacked Pakistan civilian and military officials during a census enumeration in two villages on the Chaman border on May 5. In June 2016, the border remained closed after a Pakistan Army major and three others fell victim to the fire from across the Durand Line. In August 2016, Pakistan shut down the Spin Boldak and Chaman, border for nearly two weeks following protests and torching of the Pakistani flag at a rally on the Afghan side. In February 2017, TTP/Jamaatul Ahrar attacks from their reported sanctuaries across the border enforced another closure for 32 days at Chaman and Torkham. And in May this year, a deadly ambush by Afghan forces of Pakistani enumerators near Spin Boldak, Chaman cost as many as 15 Pakistan lives. It led to another closure of border for nearly 20 days. This cumulative 65 day closure at Chaman – between August 2016 and May 2017 alone – entailed a huge cost for traders and thousands of daily wage workers between Karachi and Kandahar. The daily average losses just to the truckers, traders and government, according to officials come to at least $3 million. No surprise the bilateral trade with Afghanistan has been on the wane. Zubair Motiwala, president of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reckons the Pakistan-Afghanistan trade has dropped by nearly 40 percent decline in recent years since early 2016. In a formal complaint on the suspension of traffic in February and March to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 6 April, Dr Suraya Dalil, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the UN office at Geneva spoke of damages of up to $90 million to Afghan traders. Afghan traders had voiced similar concerns in February and March, urging both...
Unwarranted Crackdown
Over the weekend, reports broke out that some 79 cases had been filed in the last three months for negative propaganda against the state and its various institutions over social media. These can be filed now, since the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Bill 2016 was passed in August of last year. The bill was widely criticized by civil society and rights based organizations, especially since the language of the bill was so ambiguously worded. Promises were made than that this is in the interests of Pakistan and will be used to target anti-state actors and proscribed organizations. Less than a year later, things have come full circle. Twenty two people have been arrested under the bill, and at least two journalists have been asked to appear before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to explain their social media posts. Of the 22, at least eight are political workers that belong to both Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). PTI cried foul and threatened to sue the state, claiming their workers were innocent, while one of the journalists, Taha Siddiqui, filed a writ against the FIA in the Islamabad High Court. I understand the need for the state to protect itself and its institutions. But this is an egregious example of gagging those that demand better answers and transparency. It is an unsaid international convention, that people of any country should have the utmost respect for the military. These are brave men and women that are willing to, and in Pakistan, often do, lay down their lives to protect our way of life. However, disagreeing with the military should not amount to the state mounting a brazen and miscalculated campaign against those that dissent. Asma Jehangir, Siddiqui’s lawyer, stated in a press briefing that the government should please the military on its own merits. While it is a statement designed to jolt the state, it goes a lot deeper than that. Pakistan’s powerful military is unhappy with the government’s progress...
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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.