Current Projects
Peacebuilding Needs Public-Police Partnership: Additional IGP Investigation, KP
Both Police and public are equally responsible for peace and security in the society. The KP police reforms are unprecedented and historic. KP police has introduced several significant police reforms in the recent years which have been institutionalized through KP Police Act 2017. The reforms are aimed at improving the public services of police and are mutually beneficial for both police and the communities. While the police is massively reforming itself, the unnecessary criticism should be avoided and the organization should not be criticized for the faults of individuals. These were the remarks made by Dr. Ishtiaq Marwat, Additional IGP Investigation, during the closing ceremony of Ulasi Police project. Mr. Asad Qaiser, Speaker KP Assembly and Mr. Arif Yousaf, Advisor to CM, KP on Legal Affairs also spoke during the event. The project “Ulasi Police” was an awareness and advocacy campaign undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) – as part of USAID Small Grants and Ambassadors’ Fund Program – to strengthen the rule of law in KP province by promoting and disseminating the significant police reforms aimed at incorporating local communities’ policing needs and international human rights standards. The endeavor aims to tackle the trust deficit between the public and police, help KP police become an accountable and community-focused police force. Dr. Ishtiaq Marwat said that as part of the ongoing reforms, the behavioral and attitudinal issue of the lower rank police officials was under active consideration and being addressed through several capacity building initiatives. The culture of police in KP is traditionally different than other provinces, it’s much friendlier having good relations with the public. He said that the interventions like Ulasi Police should also be extended to the southern parts of the province. Mr. Arif Yousaf said that the KP police reforms also reflect the vision of provincial government to strengthen the institutions...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 20, 2017
Census and the Role of Provincial Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the ongoing census in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the support for the census team provided by provincial government. During the program the work of census teams in collecting data and their security situation as well as the support of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies were discussed. Furthermore, the program shed light on the census commission and the lack of female members in the teams. Moreover, the progress made by the district administration, the role of local government representatives in the process and public complaints along with a redressal mechanism were deliberated. The program also aimed to sensitize listeners about the importance of census and the necessity for the public to support the teams in the best way possible during the whole process to ensure proper counting and data collection. Mr. Jamil Mohmand, a Peshawar based journalist, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Mohmand said: “Census plays an indispensable role in the development of a country. It is conducted to utilize the resources available according to the population of a region. That’s why we must support the cause as best as possible. It serves the improvement of the whole nation.” A radio report was included in the program that shared the statistics and progress of the census teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three callers took part live in the program. They called on the district governments to allocate funds for the support of the census. 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...
Walk the talk
Many of us usually criticise the ruling elite for lacking a vision that establishes the “Rule of Law”. Against all these reservations, the premier’s address marked a clear break from the undesirable — past and present — politics of expedience. He called himself the “ prime minister of all religious communities,” while quoting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who believed, “If a place of worship of a non-Muslim is damaged in an Islamic country, Islamic government... I will fight their case myself on the Day of Judgment.” In a groundbreaking attempt to call out Islamic supremacy, he centred on the Article 25 (Equal Citizenry rights), “God will not ask a ruler what he did for followers of a certain religion. He will ask people such as me: what did we do for God’s creation?” His most unambiguous words drew on the Articles 20 to 22, which guarantee every citizen the right to profess, practice and propagate his religion; and every religious denomination and sect the right to establish, maintain and manage its religious institutions. “No matter what religion or beliefs you follow, or what part of the country you belong to, you must be provided equal access to progress and development,” he added. Taking a dig at those involved in forced conversions of Hindu and Christian girls, Sharif said, “Forced conversions are considered a criminal practice according to our religious teachings.” The unusually bold message caused considerable unease among the clerics. Sunni Ittehad Council Secretary, Allama Ashraf Jalali of the Pakistan Ahle Sunnah waJama’ah group was particularly vocal amongst those in opposition and went to the extent of alleging that Sharif had committed blasphemy. “The prime minister said such anti-Islam and blasphemous words that the Earth should have exploded,” he claimed, further adding that Sharif had “violated his oath, ideology of Pakistan, The Quran and Sunnah of Prophet. His speech is a dangerous attack on Islam.” In a video making rounds on social media, he...
Annual Security Report -2016
Author: Muhammad Nafees Editors: Imtiaz Gul and Zeeshan Salahuddin Introduction Pakistan recorded a significant decline in violence related casualties in the year 2016, continuing a two-year trend. Terrorism began losing momentum after the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, launched in mid 2014, in the tribal areas. The results of the continued kinetic operations are now quite evident and manifest in the improved security situation. However the root cause of extremism still exists, and remains largely unaddressed.
The NAP Tracker: The Second Year Audit of the National Action Plan
The NAP Tracker is the only publication of its kind that tracks the Pakistani state's progress on all 20 points of the National Action Plan. The points are loosely divided into nine categories, with each category encompassing one or more points from the NAP. Download
Reconciliation is Key to Regional Peace: NSA
Pakistan and Afghanistan Finalized Coordination Mechanism to Combat Terrorism: Sartaj Aziz The members of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Committee met with the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt. Gen. (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua - in two separate meetings - on the sidelines of their sixth track 2 meeting in Islamabad. Both the Pakistani officials underlined Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts and its resolve to not let its soil be used against any other country. Mr. Sartaj Aziz said he was convinced that peace in Afghanistan was critical to peace in Pakistan. Pakistan is facing a very serious situation and has suffered a lot at the hands of terrorism. Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to and finalized a coordination mechanism to combat terrorism and fight the common enemy. The trust cannot be restored unless there is a bilateral interaction between two countries. He said that the multilateral occasions are a great opportunity to break the ice and reduce tensions between the two countries. Pakistan has achieved success in the counter-terrorism than any other country and its efforts must be acknowledged. Pakistan is making all out efforts against terrorism and to make sure that its land is not used against any other country. The track 2 initiatives have proven usefulness in difficult situations; especially when the relations at the official level are not good. Lt. Gen. (retd) Nasir Khan Janjua said that he had no doubt “Afghanistan is a brotherly country”, we are just passing through some unfortunate and difficult time, and have become the children of circumstances. Pakistan and Afghanistan belong to each other and have a common fate and future, but it’s very unfortunate that we have started to misunderstand each other. Both countries should need to redefine and re-carve the future which is brighter than yesterday. Peace and stability of Afghanistan is crucial for both countries, I have no doubt...
Pakistan’s Minorities: Second Class Citizens
This institutional racism has crept into every crevice, every pore, and every corner of the Pakistani society A newspaper advertisement in Bannu, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) recently called for applications for the khakroab position. This is the official term for a sweeper, a member of the janitorial staff. Historically, because of institutional racism and religious persecution, this role has been almost exclusively reserved for Hindus, and especially Christians. The advertisement, in the column labeled “religion”, listed Hindu, Balmiki (a sect of Hinduism), Christian and Shia. The ensuing rage on Twitter and other social media platforms was immediate. The resulting apology was swift, and predictably spun to feign sincerity and innocence. But even then, they only apologised for using the word “Shia”. Congratulations Shias, you have been upgraded to first class citizens. There are so many thing wrong with this picture, that it is difficult to determine a starting point. First, how did this advertisement ever get past the approval process? Second, how did the newspaper itself not object to such open discrimination, not just against Hindus and Christians, but also the fact that it tacitly labels Shias as non-Muslims? Third, and perhaps most importantly, why was there even a need to drag religion into a job posting? The answer to all three is simple. We have come to accept that such positions will only be applied for (and subsequently granted to) Christians and Hindus, as it is beneath our collective, imagined station. And this was no accident; it was deliberate, because it is considered common practice. This is the state of affairs in contemporary Pakistan. A provincial government that touts itself on inclusion and tolerance, and wants to set the new standard for both politics and governance in Pakistan, allows this to fly under its nose. Even when the apology is issued, it completely ignores Christians and Hindus, because honestly, who cares, right? During the coverage...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 16, 2017
Importance of Poetry and Music in Pointing out Social Problems. The latest episode of Ranra (light) discussed the significance of poetry, music and literature in addressing and solving social problems. The program cast a look at the importance of poetry, music and literature in the reflection of social evils and public motivations. Moreover, the program discussed the role of TV dramas and movies in depicting a culture. Furthermore, topics such as the impact of war on terror on Pashtu poetry and literature and the decrease in reading habits, the poor availability of Pashtu books, developments in Pashtu music and the role of poetry and literature in the development of a country were debated in the program. Mr. Gul Muhammad Baitab, a Pashtu Poet, writer and Drama writer from Peshawar participated as a studio guest in the show. Mr. Baitab said: A poet is like a mirror of society, reflecting the problems, woes and misery of the people as well as its traditions. We should be fair enough to portray the real situation to contribute to its improvement.” A report was made part of the program that elucidated how Pashtu poetry, music and literature are affected by the layer of militancy. Six callers shared their views live in the program. They urged the government to establish an organization that critically reviews the published material in the regions and supports different productions. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 15, 2017
Impact of Volunteerism on Socio-Economic Development The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) discussed the importance of volunteering and engagement in community services for the socio-economic development of Pakistan and the role of young people in promoting and practicing voluntary work. Key points of discussion included volunteering and its impact on society, the engagement of young people in peace building, economic development and social change and the promotion of volunteerism in Pakistan. In addition, the need for a web portal was discussed in order to present possible workplaces for volunteer work. Furthermore the program highlighted the need of generating public awareness for social developments in the country and the role of media in emphasizing community services offered by civil society and the youth. Mr. Rizwan Afridi, SAFRON Minister, Provincial Youth Assembly, Peshawar, and Mr. Shoaib Ghaffar, social activist and President of IM-Volunteer society in Peshawar, were the studio guests in the show. Mr. Afridi said: Volunteerism is an important and increasingly popular mechanism for young people to bring about a positive change in society. Government and civil society should establish a platform where such opportunities are offered to support the professional development and societal benefits of young people.” Mr. Ghaffar said: “The role of media is vital for advertising community services and sensitizing masses about the benefits of volunteering for youngsters and society.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report shed light on the achievements of youth in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and in countering natural disasters. Two callers shared their views live in the program. They urged government to institutionalize the idea of incorporating volunteering in educational curricula. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 14, 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 inadequate telecommunication services, negligance of local government representatives, absence of NADRA office and a recent development in Gomal University. During the program public grievances about the role of local government representatives in resolving local issues and initiating development schemes in district Kohat were brought into light. Moreover, problems due to the ban on internet and telecommunication services faced by residents of Khyber Agency were discussed. Internet service has been blocked since the emergence of recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Another point of discussion was the demand of locals from Lower Kurram Agency for the establishment of a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office to overcome their issues. Furthermore it was discussed, how the ban on two sites in Mohmand Agency, imposed by the political administration, effected the Marble industry. Locals are demanding for the re-opening of these sites as marble industry is the major source of income in the region. The program concluded with the appreciation of establishing a Television Studio in Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan. Callers Response: Five callers shared their views during program. They urged the government to facilitate the public rather than creating hurdles for 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 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...
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TESTIMONIALS
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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.