Current Projects
Mashal and Impending Challenges
The lynching of the 23 year old Mashal Khan by a raging and reckless mob at the Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan , triggered an outpour of condemnation and protests, including protestations and warnings by the ruling elites – from the prime minister to the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Quite understandable. PTI Chairman Imran Khan took the lead in the condemnation saying the law of the jungle can’t prevail.” Prime Minster Sharif waited for over 36 hours before rejecting “the idea of self-imposed vigilantes and directed action against those found involved in the incident.” ordering police to arrest all those who were responsible. "Let it be known to the perpetrators of this act that the state shall not tolerate citizens taking the law in their own hands," he warned. In a press statement, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said such incidents in universities were a big threat to educational institutions and that the government should take adequate steps to check such incidents in future. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman was moved by Mashal's father's speech on TV and questioned the federal government on maintaining silence over the incident. Bakhtawar Bhutto, daughter of PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, hoped that the accused are tried for murder, saying "no one has right to take a life. Hope the students &police involved are treated like the murderers they are". Some federal ministers including Nisar Ali Khan, Khurram Dastgir and Khaja Asif, too, denounced Mashaal's lynching. Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, too joined the bandwagon 48 hours later and instructed the inspector general police of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to submit a report on the incident in the next 36 hours. Mufti Naeem, head of Jamia Binoria, also stepped forward in urging ulema from all sects in the country to unanimously condemn acts of violence originating from the misuse of the blasphemy law. He urged religious scholars to declare "killing an individual over blasphemy...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 9, 2017
Role of Female Local Government Representatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the role and importance of female Local Government (LG) representatives for the local development in KP and the problems faced by them. During the program it was discussed, how insufficient funds for developmental work and salaries are affecting the work of the representatives. Moreover, the program shed light on the significance of female LG members in local institutions to speak up for women's issues and representing women in the decision making process. Other points of discussion were the legal, electoral and political reforms in local bodies in KP, the selection of women for reserved seats and political awareness among women. Dr. Bushra Rahim, Deputy Director, Local Government, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show while Ms. Shamim, an LG member from district Swabi shared her views on telephone. Dr. Bushra said: “Women have shown great level of interest in LG elections. Many of them are part of the system which is indeed a positive sign. Even though there are unlimited hurdles, we should strongly encourage women to take part in political and legislation process.” Ms. Shamim said: “There is a dire need to financially support female LG members in the form of daily allowances to cover their travel expenses when attending the Council meeting. Otherwise, their developmental works will be affected.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report shared statistics about the availability of funds for female LG representatives. Five callers took part live in the program. The callers urged the local body and LG representatives to come forward with resolving local disputes. 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,...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 6, 2017
Impact of Militancy and Terrorism on Pashtun Culture The latest episode of Ranra (light) discusses the impact of terrorism, militancy and extremism on Pashtun culture, customs, and traditions. The program discussed topics such as Pashtun history and developments, differences between the cultures within Pakistan, Pashtunwali – the Pashtun code of conduct, unwritten laws and rituals of Pashtuns, customs and traditions, the impact of displacement on culture, difference between culture and civilization, Jirga as a form of alternate dispute resolution, militancy and terrorism in the region and its impact on Pashtun culture. Moreover, the program shed light on the significance of Hujra (community centers) in resolving and discussion local issues. Mr. Zaryab Yousafzai, Ph.D. Scholar and Lecture at Islamia College University, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Yousafzai said: “Pashtunwali is a code of conduct for the community. Pashtuns have a rich culture but unfortunately it is greatly affected by the layer of militancy, terrorism, extremism, and displacement over a decade. A recovery can only be achieved through proper advocacy campaigns and the influence of elders.” A radio report was also made part of the program. The report showed how advancements in information technology and globalization have influenced Pashtun culture and the young generation. Six callers took part in the program. They highlighted the importance of Pashtun norms and traditions and how these customs are celebrated in rural areas. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 5, 2017
Role of Information Technology (IT) in Generating Employment Opportunities The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the significant role of IT in creating employment opportunities and debated online work opportunities. The central points of discussion were how female IT experts can benefit from free-lancing, online work opportunities and distance work prospects in Pashtun male dominant society. Moreover, the program discussed IT courses offered by universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), scholarships and internships availability for women in the field of IT, women empowerment through education and employment, entrepreneurship as a chance for women, prospects in the field of IT for youngsters and women, business opportunities in social media and social media advertising. Furthermore, the program introduced a woman from Swat who is successful in the field of IT. Mr. Zafar Iqbal, an entrepreneur and IT expert from Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Iqbal said: “IT is playing an enormous role in generating employment opportunities. There are plenty of ways to work from home, starting your own online business or marketing others businesses at a very low investment. Additionally, KP's government provides several opportunities for female IT professionals to take root in this field.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report accentuated the story of Ms. Tahira, a 17 years old girl from Swat, who despite several challenges received the honor of Youngest IT Expert of the Year award from TechJuijce Company in Swat. Two callers took part live in the program. They emphasized the IT education and its importance in the modern era. The caller urged government to provide IT short course in rural areas for economic development. 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,...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 4, 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 sports, agriculture, terrorism and militancy, the lack of funds for the municipal committee and FATA Super League Tournament. The program reported on the initiation of FATA Super League Tournament in Khyber Agency. This tournament was initiated by Khyber Cricket Association and a total of 24 games will take place in different parts of the FATA. The competition was organized to boost the sportsmen spirit among youngster. Over 100 young players took part in the games while more than 1000 local residents attended the event. Another point of discussion was the impact of excessive rain and a hazardous fungus that has hit the wheat crop in the district Charsadda. The report states that 80 percent of the local economy is dependent on the agricultural sector but due to the incompetence of the Agriculture Department and a lack of government interests around 30 percent of the local crops are wasted. Furthermore the program shed light on the aftermaths of a bomb blast that happened a few days back near an Imam Bargh in Kurram Agency. This incident has caused the death of 24 people and left 60 people injured. The program concluded with a discussion about the issues faced by employees of the Municipal Committee Kohat. Due to a lack of funds no salaries have been paid since two months. The employees are now protesting against the committee and staying absent from their offices. Callers Response: Four callers took part in the program. They stated that sport is an important component of life and such events should be organized in different parts of KP and FATA to promote peace, tolerance for diversity and resolve conflicts. 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...
Fixing The Leaky Tax System
Criticism is growing over the government failure to stem terror financing. Apart from freezing or blocking a few thousand bank accounts with insignificant amounts of cash, the campaign to control financing of militant and terrorists outfits — a stated objective of the National Action Plan — has not truly taken off. Often knee-jerk reactions to such issues leads to inconvenience even to innocent people just because the moves are not well-thought through. In a country where the will to realistic and voluntary documentation is still missing and the Federal Board of Revenue continues to act as a highly extractive/ arm-twisting institution — largely to the benefit of its own officials, there is little hope that officials will clamp down and squeeze informal sources of funding of religious and militant outfits. The same applies to officials who have failed to improve the oppressive taxation regime which often coerces most businessmen and regular taxpayers into settlements that get the state hardly one-third of revenue. The rest goes into the pockets of FBR officials. The business community has been screaming about the need to simplify the taxation regime. At a recent interaction among leading businessmen at the Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industries almost all participants demanded the abolition of the exploitative rebate system. Why not have a zero-tax-zero rebate regime? Most businessmen called most of the FBR officials as rent-seekers, who are mostly interested in enriching themselves through coercive measures. A major point of convergence related to the taxes on imports and the malaise of under-invoicing. Why do the importers under-invoice? Because of an illogical and irrational taxation regime. The finance minister, many participants argued, is well aware of the flaws of the system, as well as the propensity of business and officials to dodge the system. One industrialist pointed out that the new powers accorded to the FBR officials for determining and...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 3,2017
Census in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Prevailing Issues The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the current status of census, its importance for the inhabitants of FATA and the issues faced by public due to the displacement and return process. The program discussed topics such as the FATA reforms and the progress made by the reform committees to date, the strengthening of judiciary and the referendum in FATA, displacement due to terrorism, registration hubs in urban areas, the security situation, the infrastructural destruction caused by the war against terror in FATA and problems with which local residents are confronted due to damaged houses, food shortage and unavailability of transport facilities, rehabilitation of IDPs and the importance of census for FATA’s social and economic development. Moreover, the program shed light on the work of census teams and the problems they are facing. Hajji Iqbal Afridi, Member of Central Executive Committee, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Peshawar, and Mr. Safdar Dawar, senior journalist and analyst, Peshawar, took part as the studio guests in the show. Mr. Afridi said: “The residents of FATA are faced with severe issues. Government should focus on merging FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to resolve these problems. Only through the availability of law enforcement agencies the census will be effective.” Mr. Dawar said: “Census is crucial for determining the entitled resources according to the population of a region, which is of utmost importance for the development of FATA. If this whole process is not completed professionally, FATA will face another tragedy after the emergence of Taliban and militants in the region from which they have hardly recovered.” A radio report, which was made part of the program echoed the progress of the census teams and complains of residents. The report stated a resident’s comment: “There is no specific section for people whose houses have been completely...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 30, 2017
Significance of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCED) The latest episode of Ranra (light) accentuated the importance of early childhood care and education and discussed its different dimensions as well as governmental plans to improve it. Other discussion points were playgroups, kindergarten and preparatory level schooling, the family system and its effects on child care, the learning environment for students at home, development, mental growth and learning of children, ECCED’s role for the social and intellectual development of a child, new principles and methods of teaching and the need of capacity building for teachers concerning modern teaching techniques. Moreover, the program highlighted the role of civil society in improving ECCED and raising awareness for the education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Ms. Faryal Salman, educationist and section head Army Public School, Peshawar, participated as the studio guest in the show. Ms. Faryal said: “KP government will implement the ECCED system in government schools in the academic year 2017. If implemented properly, it will greatly help to lay the foundations for subsequent growth, learning and development.” A radio report elucidated the importance of a conducive and favorable learning environment for children both at home and in schools and the initiatives of KP government in this regard. A caller in the show pointed out that behavioral and attitudinal teaching is more important than course work. He therefore felt that subjects such as attitude, culture and behavior should be included in the curriculum. 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....
Sabawoon Showcase: March 29, 2017
Role of Entrepreneurs in Creating Employment Opportunities The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) highlighted the importance of entrepreneurs in socio-economic development of Pakistan by generating employment opportunities in the country. The key discussion points included business management, creativity and innovation, role of business schools, online work opportunities, fund acquisition from financial institutions, legal requirement for starting a business in Pakistan and the skills required for entrepreneurs to kick off their businesses. Moreover, the program shed light on the achievement of Mr. Mohammad Arshad, a young entrepreneur from Peshawar, who was the studio guest in the show. Mr. Arshad said: “Entrepreneurs play an important role in the national economic development. Business schools should focus on enhancing students’ entrepreneurial spirits so that we have more entrepreneurs than job seekers in the market.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted an event that was organized in Peshawar for young entrepreneurs to present their ideas in front of investors to promote their businesses. Two callers shared their views live in the program. They felt that, due to the low employment rate in Pakistan, there is an urgent need to promote entrepreneurial initiatives in Pakistan and thus counteract unemployment. 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...
Be Ready For More Acrimony from India
The conviction to death of Kulbhushan Jadhav through a Field General Court Martial came as a surprise to the majority of Pakistanis. But not unexpected though as he, according to officials, was an extremely prized catch that had to be put through FGCM. The Indian government's attitude had stiffened immediately after the news of Kulbhushan Jadhav's arrest became public nearly a year ago. Its attempts to "isolate" and run-down Pakistan on international fora such as the BRICS summit, the G-20 summit or the Heart of Asia in December were a few striking examples of the ascendant mood in New Delhi. Rejection by Pakistan of 13 requests between 25 March 2016 and 31 March 2017 for consular access to Jadhav contributed in their own way to New Delhi's strident attitude. The warning in the Indian demarche, handed to High Commissioner Abdul Basit, (If this sentence against an Indian citizen, awarded without observing basic norms of law and justice, is carried out, the Government and people of India will regard it as a case of premeditated murder) resonates the same sentiment. In fact some prominent Indians have gone a step further; "We need to warn Pakistan, if they hang Jadhav, there will be dire consequences," Subramanian Swamy, senior BJP leader. Shekhar Gupta, a writer and anchor, was equally ballistic; if Pak execute Jadhav, an acknowledged Navy veteran, there will be consequences. This Indian government will surely retaliate, wrote Gupta, whom the Ismaili spiritual leader Agha Khan had recently snubbed for unnecessarily dragging Pakistan's name in cases of terrorism elsewhere. Such warnings do entail a question: Will Jadhav be the ultimate circuit breaker or become part of a grand bargain to prevent the Indo-Pakistan relations from a complete break-down or even armed conflict? Regardless of which way this case eventually settles down, the current moods in New Delhi and Islamabad deliver ample evidence that the hard-talk accompanied by bitter acrimony is likely to...
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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.