Current Projects
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...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 13, 2017
The Role of Women in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Reforms The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the significance of the role of women in FATA reforms process. The program encompassed the impact of FATA reforms on women, the participation of women in the political decision making processes in FATA, the lack of women's engagement in the reform’s committee, gender discrimination and cultural barriers faced by women, girls’ education, health opportunities and women empowerment in FATA, women's rights and responsibilities, and the inclusion of women in electoral process. Moreover, the program highlighted civil society's efforts in encouraging women towards education, civic participation, and entrepreneurship. Ms. Naheed Afridi, Member of Takra Qabaili Khwendy (Brave Tribals Sisters), Peshawar, and Ms. Sakeena Mohmand, a Peshawar based lawyer took part as the studio guests in the show. Ms. Naheed said: “Women in FATA are deprived in every field of life. Unless, they are not educated, we can’t expect them to actively participate. They are in dire need of education and awareness to think out of the box and ask for their rights.” Ms. Sakeena said: “During the FATA reforms' process, the committee members have completely ignored female population which constitutes more than 50 percent. They have remained voiceless and invisible in the whole process.” A radio report was made part of the program. It shed light on an event organized by FATA’s women in Peshawar, objecting the exclusion of women in FATA reforms. 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 9, 2017
The Importance of Afforestation for the Mitigation of Global Warming The latest episode of Ranra (light) discussed the importance of afforestation to curb global warming. Key point of discussion included climate change, natural disasters, environmental problems in Pakistan and how young people can help in planting trees. Moreover, the program accentuated the deficiency of higher studies in Botany and Environmental Sciences in Pakistan’s universities and how enhanced research in those fields could contribute to control climate change. Furthermore, the program shed light on the importance of the billion trees project initiated by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) along with other provincial government’s strategies for afforestation in the province and steps to counter climate change. Dr. Shah Khalid, lecturer at Department of Botany, Islamia College, Peshawar, took part as the studio guest in the show. Dr. Khalid said: “According to a survey, only 3% of the Pakistani country is forest, which is also rapidly declining due to the growing population. Trees not only provide oxygen, but also protect the environment. A large number of people in the country fall trees to use wood as fuel, while the timber mafia is also active for their personal gains.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted a tree plantation campaign launched in Mohmand Agency by a Ph.D scholar from Peshawar University. Seven callers took part in the program, echoing the importance of afforestation and urging youngsters to participate for a greener Pakistan. 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...
Our Afghan dilemma
Amid a long deadlock in relations with Kabul, Pakistan’s decision to attend the Moscow moot on Afghan peace in mid-April demonstrates the country’s desire to miss no opportunity to mend its strained relationship with its troubling neighbour. The continued tensions and hostilities with Kabul have, for decades now, abundantly proved that Pakistan is finding it difficult to restore normal relations with Afghanistan. However, the Moscow conference – which aims to develop a regional consensus for peace in Afghanistan – offers a good opportunity to sincerely hammer out a strategy and ensure peace in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. In addition, important regional players – such as India and Iran (who are probably the key stakeholders to the conflict), the Afghan Taliban and the Kabul regime – will also be participating for the first time in the meeting. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan began to turn sour much before Pakistan decided to close the border for all types of traffic (after it was confirmed that the perpetrators of deadly terrorist attacks came from Afghanistan). In December 2016, Afghan President Dr Ashraf Ghani snubbed Pakistan at the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar and rejected $500 million that Islamabad offered for the reconstruction of his country. Earlier, Kabul upset Pakistan when it refused to attend the Saarc summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in September 2016. Pakistan currently finds itself in a real dilemma. One the one hand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to mend its relations with Kabul while on the other, peace and stability in Afghanistan is absolutely vital for its own peace and stability. Any attempt to leave Afghanistan completely will also prove to be a hard bargain. Such steps could potentially push the Afghans towards India and the latter may use its soil against us to destabilise our western regions. Pakistan wanted to quickly achieve two objectives when it resorted to the short-term measure of closing...
The flaws in India’s plan to diplomatically isolate Pakistan
For those wanting to see Pakistan isolated in the international arena such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, nothing could have been more frustrating than to watch the multinational Pakistan Day celebrations. To show solidarity with Islamabad, China and Saudi Arabia unprecedentedly sent their troops, while Turkey sent a band to participate in the 77th Pakistan Day parade. South Africa’s Chief of the National Defence Forces General Solly Zacharia Shoke was also in attendance and authorities in Dubai decided to decorate world’s tallest tower Burj al-Khalifa with the colours of Pakistani flag on the occasion. Luckily for Pakistan, the parade was not the only time when Modi’s wishful plan to corner Pakistan fell flat on its face. In October last year, India faced a setback over its policy of isolating Pakistan at the BRICS Summit in Goa, attended by head of states from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Given its friendly relations with Pakistan, China opposed the Indian stance and refused to buy Modi’s remarks of “mothership of terrorism” against Islamabad. Similarly, India had lobbied in the US to sanction Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism, but the global power refused as it acknowledges Pakistan has been engaged in a serious fight against terrorism. In September, New Delhi also tried to interrupt Pakistan-Russia ties and urged Moscow to not carry out a joint military exercise in Pakistan. Nevertheless, the Indian plea was frustrated by Moscow. Ironically, even with all these setbacks, New Delhi has been claiming that it is succeeding in its efforts against Pakistan. Why Modi’s policy is harmful to India itself Despite its failure to isolate Pakistan, India is still continuing with its blame game and arrogantly avoiding dialogue over outstanding issues including Kashmir. Practically speaking, such a policy is not even in the interest of New Delhi for several reasons. Firstly, New Delhi wants to establish itself as an economic power in the...
Pak-Afghan Unofficial Dialogue Underway To Defuse Tensions
Pakistani and Afghan members of the parliament, former officials, members of the civil society and media persons are holding dialogue in Islamabad to give their input as to how to bring the two countries closer. The meeting is being held when the bilateral relations are at their lowest ebb following terrorist attacks in Pakistan last month which claimed more than 100 lives. Pakistani security officials insist that those claiming responsibility for the attacks operate from the Afghan side of the border. Independent groups Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) Islamabad and Kabul-based Women & Peace Studies Organisation (WPSO) are organising the “Pakistan-Afghanistan track 1.5 & II project Beyond Boundaries.” According to CRRS head Imtiaz Gul, the dialogue is aimed at developing an understanding of the identified bilateral issues to help detox narratives, improve public perceptions and mitigate mutual allegations and suspicions. Pakistan urges Afghan Taliban to shun violence The organisers opined that the members act as a bridge between the two governments to ensure the continuation of bilateral conversation and promote and foster people-to-people contacts between the two countries. The dialogue members are scheduled to hold meetings with senior Pakistani officials including Senate chairman Raza Rabbani, foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz and National Security Adviser Nasir Janjua over the next two days. Some of the delegates will also speak to students at Quaid-e-Azam university and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Both sides have already held meetings in Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan, and Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan. The groups say they will keep consulting with their respective governments on the progress of the previous and newly generated recommendations of “Beyond Boundaries initiative.” During their dialogue in Kabul last month, Pakistani and Afghan members called on both the countries to exercise...
Sabawoon Showcase: March 07, 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 snow festival, development projects, drugs usage, demands of FATA Syasi Etihad and education. The program started with a review of the three-day snow festival in Malam Jabba, Swat, which was organized by KP Tourism Department with the aim to enhance tourism in the region. The festival attracted thousands of tourists from different regions. Furthermore the visit of Mr. Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minster of Pakistan, to North Waziristan Agency was discussed. Along with several other projects he initiated the Kurram Tangi Dam Project with power generation capacity of 83.4 megawatt. Other points of discussion were diseases caused by drug usage and the increasing availability of drugs in Dera Ismail Khan. The report stated that the local police is lacking attention towards these issues, due to which drug smuggling is on rise. Moreover, the demands of FATA Syasi Etihad for the immediate merger of FATA and KP were debated as well as their urgent appeal to the federal government to release the NFC funds for the development of FATA. The program concluded with drawing attention to the lack of Middle and High schools in Union Council Hissara Yaseenzai of Charsadda, which encompasses 61 villages. Despite of the imposition of education emergency by KP Govt., students in the aforesaid UC are still deprived of Middle and High Schools to pursue their education. Callers Response: Six callers took part in the program. They requested provincial governments to make education accessible for every child and take preventive measures to curb drug availability. 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,...
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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.