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Social Media Not the Forum To Resolve Civ-Mil Tension
Pakistan’s state institutions have yet to learn the art of strategic communication. Confessional video statement of the once-dreaded TTP spokesperson, Ehsanullah Ehsan, that rang on the national media outlets for days and the GHQ reaction over the government notification with regard to the Dawn Leaks offer two glaring examples of the clumsy way the security establishment handles extremely sensitive matters. The instant tweet Saturday by the GHQ spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor saying “the notification (by the government on Dawn Leaks) is rejected” only embarrassed all those who have been saying all along that the military has now adjusted to the new political realities and is taking the backseat as far as national security matters are concerned. Rejection of prime ministerial order is one thing. Making this “displeasure” public through the media is an altogether different ball game, a move that paints the GHQ negatively and reinforces the old perceptions that it dislikes, if not abhors, civilian government actions if they are not up to its satisfaction. Even a layman can figure out that the story by Cyril Almeida was not a startling revelation at all. The treatment of the information strewn by the story was unusual though. And if it came through official sources, the sanction for such a plant must have come from the top. Its simply preposterous to believe that former information minister Pervez Rasheed, or Tariq Fatemi, the adviser or the PIO would have the guts to pass on such information on their own. But coming back to communication modus operandi by the GHQ, particularly since General Raheel Sharif’s days, this raises many eyebrows as well as questions. Even replacing the Operation Zarb-e-Azb with Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was an unnecessary and cheap ploy to create Gen Bajwa legacy. Major General Ghafoor’s quick tweet of rejection also flows from the same strategy. It therefore drew quite a bit of flak from all and sundry for the simple reason that –...
CRSS Quarterly Security Report Q1, 2017
After witnessing a marked drop in fatalities from violence during last year, the trend continued, despite a sudden upturn in violence during the second month in this quarter. The CPEC initiative, foreign intervention, and security lapses were some factors that led the militants and their supporters to strike using new strategies. Of all the regions in Pakistan, only Sindh showed an upsurge, when compared to data from last year’s first quarter. Every other province/region had declining amounts of violence-related casualties. While the ongoing military operation against outlaws forced the militant outfits like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Islami (LI), and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) to go into hiding, Da’ish (or Islamic State (IS)) also made itself known by claiming major suicide attacks at two Sufi shrines in Sindh and Balochistan. In February, eleven coordinated attacks were reported across the country. Having lost thousands of militants in security operations, and with thousands more in custody, the militant ability to continue with such attacks was viewed as a shocking development and unprecedented given Pakistan’s recent gains. Overall, the security situation continues to improve, although we are seeing more of a plateau in progress, as expected. It is hoped that with kinetic gains, the state apparatus also focuses on the softer side of things to try and eliminate extremism, which is the root cause of terrorism in the country. To assess and evaluate what new challenges and threats are being faced by the country, this report makes use of the national print and electronic media sources. CRSS endeavors to ensure that the data is as accurate as possible within the available resources. However, it does not rule out errors and omissions, which are always a possibility in such public-source statistical work. Such mistakes, nevertheless, do not grossly affect the overall outcome and conclusions of this report. It must also be said that this work cannot take...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 24, 2017
The Role of Educational Institutions in Imparting Tolerance, Respect for Diversity and Interfaith Harmony The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) focused on the significance of educational institutions in enhancing students’ capacities. The program discussed the importance of extracurricular activities to teach tolerance, respect for diversity, interfaith harmony, critical thinking and peaceful conflict resolution. Moreover, the program shed light on the presence of political parties and student unions in educational institutions, the poor culture of debating and the lack of student societies as well as the role of media and teachers in character building and engaging students in responsible citizenship. Mr. Bakht Zaman, Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at University of Peshawar, and Mr. Shahkar Aziz, a Political Activist based in Peshawar, took part as studio guest in the show. Mr. Zaman said: “The role of teachers and parents is crucial for developing tolerance and building a conflict-free society. We must revive the culture of debate, speech competitions, sports and musical gatherings to create a more peaceful environment.” Mr. Aziz said: “We need to establish societies and clubs in every department where students can have critical discussion on local issues to foster critical thinking, which will ultimately help in raising awareness and tolerance among students.” A radio report was made the part of the program. The report highlighted the lack of tolerance and the absence of interfaith harmony among students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Five callers took part live in the program. They urged the government to include lessons on tolerance, respect for diversity and interfaith harmony in the curricula of KP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 19, 2017
Importance of First Aid Trainings in Tackling Emergencies The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the significance of first aid trainings and volunteering in handling natural catastrophes and emergencies in Pakistan. The central themes of discussion were first aid training and capacity building for young people to enhance their skills in handling emergencies. Moreover, the program reported on emergency response teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the institutionalization of volunteer and social work, free health facilities for volunteers’ families in Peshawar, ambulance services, blood donations and the role of volunteers in dealing with bomb blasts victims, floods and earth quakes. Mr. Zafar and Mr. Zulfiqar, Volunteers, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Peshawar, were studio guests in the show. Mr. Zafar said: “Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to different kinds of disasters. Therefore, we need to institutionalize volunteering and we should make it the part of the course completion in educational institutions.” Mr. Zulfiqar said: “After completing an intensive training on first aid, emergency response and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, I have been volunteering in so many emergencies and have been successful in handling it diligently. We need to train more young people to be part of an enthusiastic volunteer movement to deal with emergencies more effectively.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the need for people in our society who are qualified in the first aid and emergency response and the role of PRCS to enhance the capacity of youngsters committing themselves for such noble cause as helping victims. 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...
Andrea Margelleti, president, Centro Studi Internationali, Italy, and his delegation in a dialogue on counter terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan, hosted by CRSS.
Andrea Margelleti, president, Centro Studi Internationali, Italy, and his delegation in a dialogue on counter terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan, hosted by CRSS. Dr.Shoaib Suddle, General Asif Yasin Malik, Ambassador Qazi Hamayun and Ambassador Sanaullah represented Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
Sabawoon Showcase: April 18, 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 poor condition of roads and means of communication, the revive of co-curricular activities and public awareness about the importance of education. The program discussed the obsolete conditions of general transportation road in district Swat, that has given birth to several issues in the region. Although the local administration is aware of the situation, they have not taken any concrete steps to overcome the problem. Furthermore, the lack of a popper transportation mechanism and the poor condition of the road between Bajour and Mohmand agency was debated. Due to this issues resident are compelled to take a longer route which wastes their resources as well as time. The dirt road in district Bannu was also a topic of the program as it has created severe transportation and communication issues for the locals. Moreover, the program showcased a funfair that was organized by students in Kohat University of Science and Technology. The report stated this funfair was the revival of co-curricular activities in the university since such activities were no longer conducted after terrorism has hit the region. The program also highlighted the enrollment and educational awareness campaign which were initiated by the youth in Kurram Agency. Theses campaigns are aimed at sensitizing locals about the importance of education for the future of their children. Callers Response: Three callers took part in the program. They urged government to provide the basic facilities to the citizen of the country. 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...
CHINA WATCH [April 18-24]
THE TRIANGLE REVISITED: INDIA OPPOSES CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC) A former Indian national security advisor has raised serious questions and concerns about the CPEC. Pakistan’ Ministry of Finance has asserted that tax exemptions provided to Chinese entities under CPEC will have no adverse impacts on the local industries and investors. China’s deputy chief of mission to Islamabad has revealed that the CPEC was at the take-off stage. India Opposes CPEC Openly: At times when China is working diligently for the success of an international summit on its New Silk Road project to be held next month in Beijing,[i] its strategic rival India has resorted to the rhetoric of objection and disapproval. In fact Beijing is so much keen on this summit that it has tried to bring the top leaders of all its close partners and important countries to the conference. For example, Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minster (PM) Nawaz Sharif, Cambodian PM Hun Sen, Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi, Kazakhstan President Sultan Nazarbayev, Malaysian PM Najib Razak and the Indonesian Presient Jokko Widodo were all going to attend the conference. However, there is a major exception to all this diplomatic hustle: India’s opposition to the CPEC. India maintains that CPEC not only passes through territory which belongs to former but also poses a strategic challenge to the country. While trying to assuage India’s concerns about the CPEC, Mr. Wang said that “[A]s for disputes in Kashmir, China’s position has remained unchanged. The CPEC has no relationship with the dispute in certain regions. I want to reaffirm this to our Indian friends.”[ii] He added that “[C]ertain sections of the CPEC have raised concerns on the Indian side but these disputes are not the result of the economic corridor and the economic activities in this region are not the direct result of the CPEC. China has been providing support Pakistan in these areas for many,...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 17, 2017
School Enrollment Campaign in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the significance of the enrollment campaign initiated by government in KP and FATA to increase the children enrollment in primary schools. Under this topic the program discussed the role of teachers, parents, civil society organizations and the education department of KP. Moreover, the program highlighted the importance of education – particularly for girls, result of enrollment surveys undergone by KP government, admission criteria in Government Primary Schools (GPSs) in KP and FATA, demands and problems of teachers. Mr. Jamal Uddin, Focal Person for the Enrollment Campaign, KP, and Mr. Assad Zia, a Peshawar based journalist, were the studio guests in the show. Mr. Jamal Uddin said: “This drive will enroll 0.9 million students in primary schools in KP and 0.4 million in FATA. We have enough capacity in schools for the aforementioned numbers, but sincere efforts are needed on the grounds to make the campaign practicable and impactful.” Mr. Zia said: “Teachers in KP are on strikes as their issues are not resolved yet. If government is sincere in making this campaign impactful, they must take teachers on board and reconstruct the damaged schools as well.” A radio report was made the part of program. The report shed light on the opening ceremony of the campaign in Peshawar and its importance in enhancing the literacy rate. Four callers took part live in the program. They pointed out that unless the damaged schools are not reconstructed and basic facilities are not provided in schools, such campaigns will be useless as ground realities are quite different.” 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,...
Panama and our Morality Crisis
Pakistan’s ruling elite is not known for drawing moral lessons from its experiences. The elite know that its money and muscle can help it find its way through the system with the help of highly-paid barristers on its side. When barristers represent tainted property tycoons only to please their political bosses or when they take up cases only to fatten their bank accounts, one can rest assured that there is little room in the country for principles and morality. Against this context, it should be obvious that the Panama Papers case before the Supreme Court was never just a legal battle. As seen over the course of several months, lawyers defending the ruling party had multiple tricks up their sleeves to drag the proceedings. They even deployed dirty tricks such as the submission before the bench of a letter from a notorious Qatari prince. The case should not be seen as having a political impact either. The divided opposition never represented a real threat to the ruling PML-N. The party’s majority in the Punjab and the National assemblies, won through a politics of patronage mastered over the past three decades, gives the Sharif brothers enough confidence to ignore dissenting voices in and out of the Parliament. What matters most to them is protection of their political empire and business interests. Personal honour and integrity hardly seems to be a concern to them. Yet, the dominant majority of frustrated and helpless Pakistanis still aspire for a society where rule of law can be applied to the mighty as well as the weak. Those of us hoping that the Supreme Court could possibly rattle the consciences of those under question seem to have been proved wrong. Those unending arguments before the Court had essentially stemmed from a crisis of moral integrity ailing our ruling elite. For the elite, what matters is the parliamentary majority alone. Moral authority seems to be of no relevance to them. That is why all hopes and expectations of a consequential judgment in...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 13, 2017
The Significance of a Balanced Nutrition for a Healthy Life The latest episode of Ranra (light) discussed the importance of a balanced diet and proper nutrition for a healthy, creative and safe life. The program discussed points such as malnourishment, the importance of fitness for sound health and the need to establish fitness centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the role of parents for children’s health, courses about nutrition in local educational institutions, intake of proper vitamins and proteins and diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, dysentery. Moreover, the program has highlighted the impact of genetically modified foods on health, adulteration in food and its consequences as well as safe drinking water availability. Dr. Jahangir Khalil Khan, a Peshawar based Physician and Member of Health Care Commission, Peshawar, KP, took part as the studio guest in the show. Dr. Khan said: “Malnourishment among women and children is one of the serious issues. Being more vulnerable and susceptible to various acute diseases, particularly children are also exposed to diarrhea, pneumonia, dysentery and other diseases. The role of parents and mass awareness are very important to tackle such issues.” A radio report highlighted the findings of a recent survey, which showed a lack of public awareness about balanced diet and nutrition. Five callers took part live in the program. They urged government and civil society organizations to sensitize public about the benefits of safe drinking water, a balanced diet, proper nutrition intake and hygiene.” About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. 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 Marrakka covers current...
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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.