Current Projects
Sabawoon Showcase: March 28, 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 clean drinking water, health and education. During the program the shortage of clean drinking water for residents in district Bannu was discussed. The report stated that people are being forced to use contaminated water from ponds due to a lack of government interest in solving the problem. Another point of discussion was the grievances of locals about the deficiencies of technical facilities such as laboratories tests in the district headquarter hospital in Shabqadar. The program concluded with a debate about the insufficient infrastructure in the Government Primary School in Charbagh, Swat. 150 students are admitted, but the school is failing to provide basic facilities to the students. The local education officer stated that there have been no funds in the current developmental budget which is why the school lacks basic facilities. Callers Response: Five callers took part in the show. The urged local government representatives to focus on local issues and work closely with the government departments on solutions. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 27, 2017
Prevailing State of Health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the present status of available health facilities and issues faced by public in regard to it. The program discussed governmental health initiatives and reforms in health department, the Health Care Bill 2015, Sehat Insaf Cards Program, the lack of doctors and the obsolete basic health units in rural areas, the shortage of funds for health care in KP, the lack of public awareness about safe hygiene as well as the unavailability of ambulances. Moreover, the program also elucidated the role of health care commission in resolving these issues and the lack of governmental influence on private hospitals in KP. Mr. Muhammad Ayub, Additional Director General Health department, KP, and Mr. Zahid Merokhel, a Peshawar based journalist, took part as the studio guest in the show. Mr. Ayub said: “About 93 major development projects were included in the health care development plan in 2016-17 with a budget of 10.5 billion rupees. I am optimistic that these projects will aid a lot in resolving the public health issues.” Mr. Merokhel said: “The provision of basic health facilities is the responsibility of a government. Although KP government has taken several initiatives to counter health issues in the region there is still a dire need to improve the conditions.” A radio report was the part of the radio program. The report highlighted KP government health reforms and gave an overview of Health Care Bill 2015. Five callers took part live in the program. They demanded basic health facilities in rural areas and called on the government to provide the necessary equipment for emergency situations. 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...
CHINA WATCH [MARCH 21-28] LOCAL INDUSTRIES
One of China’s top power sector entrepreneurs has said that China’s interest in Pakistan’s energy sector was aimed at fostering sustainable development in Pakistan rather than merely gaining benefits for China. In order to ensure transparency in the multi-billion project, Pakistan and China have signed an agreement for holding joint audit of selected projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan’s ambassador to the US invited America to join the CPEC. Local Industries: One of China’s top power sector entrepreneurs, Wang Binghua, has said that China’s interest in Pakistan’s energy sector under the CPEC was aimed at fostering sustainable development in Pakistan rather than merely gaining benefits for China.[i] Mr Wang said that “We come to Pakistan not for the installation of our equipment and to gain profits. We pay more importance to improving the development of local high-end manufacturing industries so as to make the development sustainable.” Though China’s proposed $46-51 billion of investment in Pakistan under the CPEC has potential to trigger a sustainable economic development process in the country, such rosy statements cannot obviate the debate of winners and losers underpinning this arrangement. Fearing that they might suffer at the end of the day, Pakistan’s local industries have shown increasing reservations with regard to exemption of Chinese firms and products from import and sales tax.[ii] Futuristic calculations aside, China seems to have got rather favourable economic treatment under the CPEC. Audit of CPEC projects: In order to ensure transparency in the multi-billion project, Pakistan and China have signed an agreement for holding joint audit of the selected projects of the CPEC.[iii] The Auditor General of Pakistan Rana Asad Amin pointed out that such a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will enable Pakistani auditors to exchange their experiences with counterparts and would also pave the way for conducting joint...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 21, 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 health, the unavailability of safe drinking water, power shortage and effects of the damaged irrigation system on farming. The program reviewed the celebration of World Water Day in KP and its importance in curbing the issues related to the shortage of clean drinking water throughout Pakistan. In addition, the problems of the local people in the district of Charsadda were illuminated. The deficient irrigation system for agricultural land has a negative impact on the agricultural production of the region. According to a report, 80% of households in Charsadda depend on income from agriculture. Moreover, the issues faced by locals due to the electricity load shedding were discussed in detail. Another point of discussion was the unavailability of basic health facilities for residents of the Frontier Regions of Bannu. Although health threats are constantly increasing, the authorities in charge do not act in response. The program concluded with emphasizing a literary and musical event in Mohmand Agency, which was organized to support the resumption of the peace process in the region. Callers Response: Four callers shared their views live in the program. They stressed on the role of government agencies in resolving public issues and urged public representatives to resolve the issues faced by locals. 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...
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...
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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.