Current Projects
Behavioral Changes in Police Can Ameliorate Trust Deficit
The changes in police and improvement in services oriented for public welfare need to be massively disseminated for awareness especially in rural areas. The behavioral and attitudinal changes in police are critical for ameliorating the public-police trust deficit. The role of communities for a peaceful society is crucial. The reforms have made KP Police ever more accessible and accountable. These views were expressed by the members of working group on police reforms during a consultative meeting at District Police Office, Mardan. The meeting was a part of the project “Ulasi Police”, which is 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. They said that the public-police dialogue on the policing needs of communities, propagation of police reforms and public services on offer by the police should continue in a sustainable manner. Ulasi Police project has a great impact in addressing the public-police trust deficit, establishing linkages between them, helping public learn about the police reforms and police to incorporate the policing needs of communities. The members of working group from police said that the overall objective of KP police reforms is to establish effective linkages and address trust deficit between the public and police. The Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs) are one of the most promising success stories of KP police reforms which – through an alternate dispute resolution system – not only reduced the burden of cases on police and the judiciary but have also successfully provided...
Chinese Tell President Ghani Negotiations with Taliban Only Way for Peace In Region
Deng Xijun, China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan has said to the Afghan government that negotiations with the Taliban is the only way forward. This was said during a meeting on Sunday with President Ashraf Ghani. The contents of the meeting held between the Chinese envoy and President Ashraf Ghani were released by the President’s office. The Chinese envoy also said that during their talks with the Taliban they had encouraged them to do the same. The Chinese government has had contacts with the Taliban since they were in government in the 1990’s and have never shied away from explaining that this was necessary due to their investments in Afghanistan, Mes Aynak copper mine being one of these investments. The envoy said, “China has always conveyed to the Taliban during meetings that it recognises the Afghan government and the president and that talks are the only option for them.” The envoy went on to encourage the government to sit down for talks with the Taliban, the way they had with Gulbuddin Hekmatyer, leader of the Hisb-e-Islami. The Chinese government also reiterated that it was important to start a dialogue with the Taliban to ensure that ISIS does not gain a greater foothold in the region. The meeting between Deng Xijun and Ashraf Ghani, was held after the Afghan’s criticized the December 27, 2016 trilateral dialogue that was held in Moscow between Russia, China and Pakistan, to which Afghanistan was not invited. The three countries had met to discuss ISIS and to discuss the ‘deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan’. They had at the time called for ‘reintegration of the armed opposition into peaceful life’. The U.N.’s special envoy to Afghanistan Tadamichi Yamamoto reported on Monday that civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2016 over 11,500 civilians killed or wounded out of one third of them were children. He also reported a tenfold increase in attacks by the Islamic State group, particularly targeting Shia Muslims in Afghanistan,...
Insights into Editorial: India’s Opposition to China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Is Flawed
Summary: The 3,000 km-long China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) consisting of highways, railways, and pipelines is the latest irritant in the India–China relationship. What is CPEC? CPEC is clutch of projects valued at $51 billion project which aims at rapidly expanding and upgrading Pakistan’s infrastructure and strengthening the economic ties between the People’s Republic of China (China) and Pakistan. It includes building roads, laying railway lines and pipelines to carry oil and gas. CPEC eventually aims at linking the city of Gwadar in South Western Pakistan to China’s North Western region Xinjiang through a vast network of highways and railways. The proposed project will be financed by heavily-subsidised loans, that will be disbursed to the Government of Pakistan by Chinese banking giants such as Exim Bank of China, China Development Bank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Why is it important? The CPEC, once completed is expected to cut short the trade route for China’s oil imports by 6000 miles. It is expected to open up a brand-new strategic gateway for China to tap into African, West Asian and South Asian trade. The CPEC is expected to give the flagging Pakistan economy a shot in the arm too. About 90 per cent of the total outlay for this project will be funded by the consortium of Chinese banks and the balance 10 per cent by Pakistan. Reports claim that this project will likely add about 7 lakh direct jobs between 2015 and 2030 and add about 2-2.5 percentage points to the Pakistani GDP. Besides the potential for growth, power and jobs, Pakistan also expects the CPEC to bind it in an even tighter embrace with close friend China, giving it greater strategic leverage with both India and the United States in the Indian Ocean region. And what’s in it for China? The CPEC is part of China’s larger regional transnational ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, whose two arms are the land-based New Silk Road and the 21st century Maritime Silk...
Public-Police Trust Deficit Decreasing in KP
Peshawar: The Ulasi Police project has a great impact in addressing the public-police trust deficit, establishing linkages between them, helping public learn about the police reforms and police to incorporate the policing needs of communities. The public-police dialogue on the policing needs of communities, propagation of police reforms and public services on offer by the police should continue in a sustainable manner. The respect for the law of the land needs to be restored among the general public and the factors which lead to the violation need to be analyzed and addressed. The reforms and autonomy have empowered the police department in improving their efficiency, performance, administration, logistics and operations. The specialized training schools which are at the core of capacity building of KP police, have increased the performance in different areas such as investigation, intelligence, riot management, explosive handling, IT and tactics. The role of communities for a peaceful society is also crucial. These were the notions expressed by Mr. Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed, SP Security, Peshawar during a consultative meeting of working group on police reforms in Peshawar. The meeting was a part of the project “Ulasi Police”, which is 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. Mr. Sajjad said that the use of IT tools that have been introduced as part of the reforms have not only helped police in controlling crimes and countering terrorism but also facilitated the public to a great extent. Some...
Sabawoon Showcase [February 1, 2017]
Show Title: Role of Female Local Government Representatives (LGRs) in Addressing Women’s Issues The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (living spirits) discussed the role of female LGRs in addressing women’s issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Other points of discussion included the vision and performance of female LG members, their role in mass awareness about female rights, societal barriers faced by them, and understanding the rules of business (ROBs) and their potential to resolve women’s issues. The program also highlighted the discrimination against female LG members in allocation of funds and development projects approved by the government of KP. The show was aired under the theme of Jwandai Jazbey (living spirits) on Wednesday. Ms. Kamran Naheed, educationist and member of the District Council, Peshawar, was the studio guest. Ms. Naheed said: “There are 342 female members in the LG in KP. Unfortunately, there is a high level of discrimination against female members when it comes to the approval of developmental projects and funds. As a result, women have to struggle a lot for equal share in resources.” A radio report shed light on the developmental projects undertaken by female members in Peshawar. Three callers participated live in the show and urged the KP government to empower females in the local government equitably so that they could actively participate in the socio-economic development 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 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...
More than 900 children killed in Afghanistan in 2016, according to United Nations
The U.N. mission said the nearly 25 percent increase in child deaths from the previous year was largely caused by mines and munitions left over from decades of conflict. It documented a 66 percent increase in such deaths in 2016. “Conflict-related violence exacted a heavy toll on Afghanistan in 2016, with an overall deterioration in civilian protection and the highest-total civilian casualties recorded since 2009, when UNAMA began systematic documentation of civilian casualties,” the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in its annual report. It said 3,498 people were killed in 2016, including 923 children, and that another 7,920 people were wounded. The overall casualty toll was slightly higher than the previous year. “I am deeply saddened to report, for yet another year, another increase in civilian casualties, another all-time high figure,” Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. envoy to Afghanistan, told a press conference. The aid group Save the Children said the latest figures were “extremely concerning,” and called on all parties to do more to protect civilians. The Taliban, who have been waging an insurgency against the U.S.-backed government in Kabul for more than 15 years, advanced on a number of fronts in 2016. Afghan forces have struggled to combat the militants since the U.S. and NATO formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014. “The humanitarian situation across much of Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly in the past 12 months,” Save the Children’s country director, Ana Locsin, said in a statement. “With the start of the traditional fighting season not far away with the end of winter, it could get even worse in the coming months,” she said. This report originally appeared on The Denver Post on February 06, 2017. Original link. Disclaimer: Views expressed in the article are not necessarily supported by CRSS.
Out of The Shadows
To the delight of beleaguered Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the UN Security Council has lifted sanctions against former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Now that his assets are unfrozen and he has been allowed to step out of the shadows, the Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) chief is poised to resume political activities. The former prime minister’s removal from the blacklist represents an important step towards the enforcement of the September 2016 Kabul-HIA peace pact on the one hand, and vindicates Ghani’s stance that a negotiated settlement of the 16-year conflict is still attainable on the other. With significant influence in cultural and political circles, Hekmatyar is the first militant commander to reach an agreement with Kabul. Hekmatyar’s re-entry into politics will boost the culture of impunity. The second largest insurgent outfit in Afghanistan after the Afghan Taliban, HIA has embraced the constitution and dismantled its armed wing. In return, the government has promised to release hundreds of HIA prisoners, make the group part of the electoral reform process, repatriate refugees from Pakistan and adhere to Islamic principles. At this point in time, it’s difficult to predict the ramifications of this move for leading political figures, including Ghani and chief executive Dr Abdullah. The man who has fought against US forces over the past one and a half decades can pose a formidable challenge to the government if the accord is not implemented in toto. For the ruling coalition, still divided on a whole host of issues including electoral reforms and giving legal cover to Abdullah’s position, delivering on these pledges will be an onerous task. With question marks hanging on its legitimacy, the unity government is unlikely to evolve a consensus soon on giving HIA the role it was promised. Both Ghani and Abdullah — squabbling over the distribution of key government posts and the convening of a loya jirga on constitutional amendments — are acutely aware that...
More Horrific Records Set: UNAMA Documents another Peak Year Of Civilian Casualties
More than eleven thousand civilians were killed or injured in the conflict in Afghanistan last year, setting a grisly new record – the highest number of civilian casualties recorded by UNAMA in any year since it started systematic documentation in 2009. In its 2016 annual report on the protection of civilians in the conflict, UNAMA also revealed that last year was the deadliest for children nationwide, and for Kabulis of all ages. UNAMA also recorded the most civilians killed and injured in ground engagements, suicide and complex attacks, and aerial strikes in any year. There were falls in civilian casualties resulting from targeted killings and IEDs, reports AAN Senior Analyst Kate Clark, but they were not enough to offset an overall increase in numbers. The UNAMA statistics of war in 2016 How many killed and injured 11,418 civilian casualties (3,498 deaths, 7,920 injured), increase of 3% compared to 2015 (2% reduction in deaths, 6% increase in injuries) 1,218 women civilian casualties (341 deaths, 877 injured), decrease of 2% 3,512 child casualties (923 deaths, 2,589 injured), increase of 24% Since 2009, the armed conflict in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of 24,841 civilians and injured 45,347 others How they were killed and injured (in order) ground engagements: 4,295 civilian casualties (1,070 deaths and 3,225 injured), increase of 3% compared to 2015, highest recorded since documentation started in 2009 IEDs: 2,156 civilian casualties (700 civilian deaths and 1,456 injured), decrease of 9% suicide and complex attacks: 1,963 civilian casualties (398 deaths and 1,565 injured), increase of 7%, highest recorded targeted and deliberate killings by anti-government elements: 1,118 civilian casualties (574 deaths and 544 injured), decrease of 16% targeted killings by pro-government forces: 106 civilian casualties (81 deaths and 25 injured), increase of 52% explosive remnants of war: 724 civilian casualties (217 deaths and 507 injured), increase of 66%, highest...
CHINA WATCH [JANUARY 31- FEBRUARY 6] CHINESE FIRMS INTERESTED IN PAKISTAN
Chinese firms have shown an increasing interest in investing in Pakistan. Pakistan has reiterated its invitation to India to join the multi-billion dollars project of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China has said that it supports Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy. Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal, has said that Pakistan will be capable of repaying the soft loans to China in the future. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China to enhance transparency in projects of the CPEC. Pakistan has welcomed Egypt’s proposal to join the CPEC. Leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), Asfandyar Wali, has warned the central government against the denial of share to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the CPEC. Chinese Firms Eye Pakistan: A report by Reuters found out that after signing two major deals in recent months, many Chinese firms are interested in acquiring new businesses and land in Pakistan so as to expand the footprint of Chinese investments in the country.[1] The news agency quoted executives of some of Pakistan’s top firms as saying that the Chinese companies were interested in the cement, steel, energy and textile sectors, the bedrock of Pakistan’s economy. A Chinese consortium recently bought 40 percent strategic shares in Pakistan Stock Exchange and Shanghai Electric Power acquired Karachi-Electric Power, one of Pakistan’s biggest energy producers. It is a positive development for Pakistan’s economy as the foreign direct investment tumbled sharply from the peak of $5.4 billion in 2007-08 to $1.9 billion in 2015-16. China has already been engaged in carrying out the $46-$55 billion project of the CPEC that can be pivotal in opening up Pakistan’s economy to foreign investments and businesses. India Invited to Join CPEC: Pakistan has reiterated its invitation to India to join the multi-billion dollars project of CPEC. Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and...
Balancing Critical Choices
What are the key factors in sustaining workable stability in Afghanistan in the wake of dwindling US interest to back up financially and militarily the war-ravaged country? With each passing day, the question is assuming more urgency due to the unpredictable Afghan policy of the new US administration and the recent traction in India–Pakistan proxy war in Afghanistan. The India, Pakistan and Afghanistan triangle is widely considered critical in firming up an acceptable framework for shared governance by all Afghan factions. This school of thought believes that India and Pakistan’s proxy war is the main hindrance in raising the prospect for national reconciliation between the Afghan Government and Taliban. It may not be the whole truth when seen in the backdrop of the recent re-set in regional alliances such as Pakistan aligning itself with Russia and China, and US supporting full steamed Indian role in Afghanistan. More complication sneaked into the Afghan dilemma when Afghan National Unity Government reverses its policy and started promoting India as a replacement of Pakistan in the strong hope that India would help bring peace in the country. Missing from this debate, however, are the deft diplomatic moves of Taliban towards Russia, Iran and tactical area adjustments with different rising ISIS groups against the Afghan Government and US troops. In this context, the development to watch is how tribal affinities and Narco money will outmaneuver political loyalties among Afghan political elites and warlords. Based on my interaction with Afghan members of the Parliament, university teachers and students as well as representatives of civil society in the last two months, "Pakistan averse" elements are far greater in number across all ethnic communities in Afghanistan. Though public anger has acquired momentum of its own, its sustenance hugely depends upon negative statements of Afghan leaders. However, more than in the past, public is ready to accept the government...
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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.