Current Projects
CRSS China Watch – April 26 2016
During the inauguration of 'one belt one road' photo exhibition in Islamabad, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said that Pak-China ties are rooted in the will of the people of both the countries and will unite the people from both sides. Further he asserted that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative would expand the span of bilateral economic relations.[1] Since the inception of the (CPEC), the importance of research has increased. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) Chief Executive held a meeting with the trade delegation of China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) where TDAP ensured its support in crafting a link between research institutes of both countries.[2] The government of Pakistan approved the 285-kilometre long western route of the (CPEC) ,although Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa objected over its alignment and claimed that it is in violation of the agreement reached at an all party’s conference (APC).[3] The government tends to shelve its initial plan for installing Gwadar Coal Power Project of 300 megawatt (MW) with estimated cost of $360 million. This 300 megawatt project is a part of the CPEC project. The final decision to this effect would be taken by Ministry of Water and Power and Gawadar Development Authority (GDA) with mutual consultation of all stakeholders.[4] British scholar Anatol Lieven attended a conference at the Institute of Policy Reforms (IPR) where he emphasized on the economic significance of the CPEC. He assured that the corridor will help alleviate poverty in Pakistan by creating new business and job opportunities.[5] Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sardar Sanaullah Khan Zehri called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at PM House and praised the leadership of PM for prioritizing development schemes in Balochistan which would indeed address the grievances of the people of the province.[6] [1]...
Water — Pakistan’s Most Critical Challenge
By Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Of all the challenges Pakistan is facing, water is the most critical. The country is among the leading five that face extremely high water stress and low access to safe drinking water and sanitation, according to the World Resources Institute. Similarly, the United Nations categorises Pakistan amongst those few unfortunate countries where water shortages could destabilise and jeopardise its existence in the next 10 years. Today a quarter to a third of Pakistan’s population lacks access to safe drinking water. Both urban and rural populations suffer from water contamination and waterborne diseases. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals require us to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Considering the enormity of the challenge and high cost of doing nothing, it is time government accorded its highest priority to water issues Few realise that the fresh water we receive through our rivers, fed by glaciers and rain, is no longer enough to meet our needs. With the increase in population and urbanisation, now more than 60pc of Pakistan’s water is pumped from underground reservoirs. Some areas, such as in Baluchistan, access to the water below ground has fallen to 1,000 ft. In Lahore, groundwater tables have fallen in some parts by up to 65 feet in just the last five years. But of all the cities, Karachi faces the acutest water. The poor have to queue for hours to get drinking water. In the coming hot summers, water shortages could lead to violence. Our mega dams at Tarbela and Mangla are 40-50 years old and their storage capacities have been falling because of silting and sedimentation. They store only 30 days of average water demand, compared to 1,000 days for Egypt and 220 days for India. After a hiatus of almost four decades, since Tarbela Dam was built, it was decided in 2006 to build another major multipurpose dam at Diamer-Bhasha. It’s been 10 years since then but construction has not yet started and it could take another...
CRSS China Watch – April 22, 2016
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission have signed a contract with China Great Wall Industry Corporation for collaboration in the development and launch of Pakistan remote sensing satellite system. The collaborative contract will open new vistas of bilateral socio economic and scientific development.[1] Pakistan and China are working diligently and enthusiastically for the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in the promptest way. In a review meeting of (CPEC), Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized to accelerate pace of work of the projects to ensure timely completion.[2] Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, declared that the government has initiated a programme to send 500 youth to China for learning Chinese language. Since China is an emerging economy, he asserted that learning Chinese language is essential to promote bilateral relationships.[3] Pakistan army is seeking a more active and formal role in the administration of the CPEC. It has set up a CPEC Authority for the smooth execution of the CPEC project. Since Pakistan’s uncertain domestic security and the geography of the CPEC route, China would be eager to see the Pakistani military play an expanded role.[4] Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni has said that the CPEC had enormous potential, but geopolitical and economic rivalries in the region could affect it. Furthermore, he said that a great game was being played in the region. However, Italy doesn’t have any hidden agenda regarding the CPEC.[5] [1] http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistan-china-to-launch-satellite-to-monitor-cpec-projects/ [2] http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/114095-Minister-directs-speedy-completion-of-CPEC-projects [3] http://dailytimes.com.pk/punjab/21-Apr-16/two-year-course-in-china-cm-encourages-students-to-enhance-value-of-green-passport [4]...
The Long Road to Gwadar – II
by Zeeshan Salahuddin Despite a range of concerns, primarily dealing with governance structures and security, the Chinese are committed to their long-term strategic vision. There are several reasons for this. First – and the Chinese are always quick to point this out – both countries have treaties and strategic partnerships with many states, but none have been elevated to the level of the all-weather strategic cooperation partnership. This ascension in status was agreed upon during President Xi Jinping’s visit in April 2015. Second, China has specifically chosen Pakistan to be the recipient of the inaugural project in the One Belt, One Road comprehensive initiative, because there is decades of trust and cooperation between the two countries. The two nations share mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual support and mutual interests. The Chinese, undoubtedly, are here to stay, and they have thousands of years of civilization that has helped build cultural resilience and personal perseverance. The Chinese commitment to CPEC and to Pakistan is perhaps best summed up by the words of Zhou Gang, the former Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan and India and a veteran career diplomat often recognized as the architect of Pak-China relations: “We will never abandon our Pakistani brothers. Our cooperation on the seaport in Gwadar, in energy self-sufficiency, transport and infrastructure is a testament of our vision to see Pakistan grow, prosper and stand tall.” However, this is not to say that Chinese concerns end with security-related matters. Tang Mengsheng, Director of the Pakistan Studies Department at Peking University, in a side conversation in December, said that he hoped Pakistan could prioritize national interests and stability over local interests. He is also very cognizant of the fact that CPEC is a very expensive project, and that it is technologically challenging. It remains susceptible when Pakistan’s weak governance structures threaten to derail...
Sabawoon Showcase: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Initiative for Maintaining Peace in the Region
April 18, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was about the initiatives taken by the KP government to counter militancy, extremism, and to maintain peace in the region. The central points of discussion were related to the initiatives such as the ban on hate speech and literature, regulating seminaries, civil society interventions in seminaries, police capacity building and reforms, and overall improvement the education sector. Moreover, the program also highlighted the issues faced by lesser privilliged street children, and their rehabilitation via ‘Zamung Kor’ program that aims to create a society where children can enjoy their rights without any discrimination and deprivation of basic necessities. The program was aired under the theme of “JwandeyJazbey” (alive spirits), on Wednesday. The guest on the show was Mr. Salahuddin Khan, Assistant Director, Zamung Kor program KP. Report on ‘Zamung Kor’ in Peshawar: The special report aired on the show highlighted the views of the street children who are rehabilitating in ‘Zamung Kor’ and shared the strategies of the management to support these children. Shoaib Khan, an eight year old, said: “I am very happy here as I can study, play games, and have fun with my friends in a comfortable environment.” Mr. Muhammad Bilal, a student, said: “Within three months, I have learned Urdu at ‘Zamung Kor’. They are providing us with care, schooling, and motivate us to take part in extracurricular activities. My dream is to join the Pakistan Army and serve my nation.” Mr. Muhammad Naeem, Director ‘Zamung Kor’ project, said: “We try our best to provide a friendly environment to the children so they can avail all the facilities under one roof. This project will also be extended to other districts in the near future to revamp the street children.” Three callers took part in the live show. They appreciated the KP government’s initiative and demanded...
Sabawoon Showcase: Status of Female Education in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)
April 18, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was about the current status of female education in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the role of FATA Secretariat in the education sector in FATA. The key points of discussion included the current scenario of education, damaged schools and their reconstruction, lack of proper infrastructure for students, accommodation problems for female teachers, and aftermath of the army operations against militancy. Furthermore, the program highlighted female enrollment, and the mindset of the residents regarding females’ education. The program aired under the theme of “Jarga Marraka” (debate and council), on Monday. Mr. Khan Malik Mehsud, President All FATA’s Teachers Association, Mr. Naseer Shah, General Secretary All FATA’s Teachers Association, and Mr. Asad Zia, a journalist from KP, were guests on the show. Report on Girls Education in FATA: The special report aired on the show highlighted the views of students, local residents, and the political administration about the prevailing situation of education in FATA and the plans of the government. Ms. Maryam Bibi, a student of Government Girls High School (GGHS), Bara Khyber Agency, said: “We do not have a proper place where we can study. We are using a tent in our school which will create a problem for us in the summers.” Ms. Saqina Naaz, student of GGHS Bara Khyber Agency, said: “In GGHS, there are two teachers currently while the number of students is above 500. Most of our classes take place in hujras and tents. We do not have basic facilities such as clean drinking water and washrooms.” The government mandated student to teacher ratio (STR) is 40:1; GGHs is at 250:1, severely hampering students’ ability to learn and engage with teachers. Mr. Ghulam Khan, a local, said: “I have voluntarily provided my hujra for school use so their education continues. Since two teachers are not...
Countering Extremist Mindset
by Imtiaz Gul In April 2016, extremists won — twice — in the federal capital; first, all the hooligans — supporters of a person whose execution was endorsed by the highest court — went away scot free. They breached agreements, violated law, disregarded government warnings, knocked off barriers and stayed put at D-Chowk to hand the government demands largely inconsistent with the law and the constitution of the country. The federal administration — personified by the interior minister — congratulated itself for ending the sit-in without spilling a drop of blood. All the protestors, on the other hand, walked away with a sense of triumph, a sense of having first trampled the law, taken the capital and phone services hostage and then subdued the government into letting them go — unhurt, without legal consequences. Then, a week later, even more worrying was the response of the local administration of an institution that prides itself as a high seat of learning for science and technology. It blocked a rights/responsibilities training programme, and used the distorted, incendiary feedback by two out of 21 trainees — mere 10 per cent to ask organisers out of the campus. Some of the heads of departments — all PhDs and scientists — used a fraction of the content — lectures and discussions — of an earlier training to argue against such endeavour. These scientists literally spoke in support of the feedback by two trainees who had practically resonated demands by the wily Qadri marchers at D-Chowk. Some even took offence as to why 20 fundamental rights of the constitution had been picked up for discussion. For them, any discussion on Equal Citizenry, or Blasphemy Law, or Respect for All faiths amounts to foreign represented a foreign agenda — as if we don’t want to treat our non-Muslim citizens as equals! The training programme, aimed at promoting constitutional literacy, was the result of a partnership between the science and technology institution and a private think tank....
CRSS China Watch – April 19, 2016
Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal said that all efforts are underway to speed up the development work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He asserted that the civil-military leadership is committed for the quick completion of the project which will usher economic stability and prosperity not only in Pakistan but also in the neighboring region. The project would bring revolutionary changes and will overcome the energy crisis of Pakistan by the year 2018.[1] Habib Bank Limited stands as the first South Asian lender to operate in the world’s second largest economy since it has been allowed to open a branch in China. The bank intends to open a branch in Urumqi, the rising business and industry center and the regional hub for China’s Belt and Street Initiative (B&RI) in Central Asia.[2] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan has registered a 15 percent growth during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, owing to the inflow for projects under the CPEC. The government has estimated $2.1 billion FDI disbursement from China in 2015/16, and power and construction sectors have been estimated as the prime recipients. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country received $975.4 million as FDI during July-March 2015/16 which is $125.2 million higher than the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.[3] [1]http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/113362-CPECs-first-phase-to-be-completed-by-2018-Ahsan-Iqbal [2]http://tribune.com.pk/story/1087196/hbl-to-open-branch-in-china/ [3]http://tribune.com.pk/story/1087399/foreign-investment-china-contributes-more-than-half-to-fdi-inflow/
Muslim Identity and a Multicultural, Pluralistic Society can Coexist, says Bosnian Ambassador
Islamabad, April 18, 2016: Setting a good example as a Muslim is critical to building a better image of Muslims. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) is a nation that exemplifies multiculturalism, pluralism and ethnic and religious diversity. Muslims, Christians and Jews coexist peacefully, crime is at zero, and literacy rate is at 100%. BH has created a law-abiding, peaceful, tolerant society, all without sacrificing its proud Muslim identity. These remarks were made by His Excellency, Dr. Nedim Makarević, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Pakistan, during the closing ceremony of Pakistan Center of Excellence’s (PACE) second round of collaborative workshops; a five day residential training program from April 15-18, 2016. PACE is a major CVE initiative launched by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) - with the support from the government of Netherlands - to promote democratic values, respect for diversity, fundamental human rights and virtues of tolerance as a measure of ensuring social peace and harmony for peaceful co-existence. It aims to facilitate a socio-political discourse – the Alternate Narrative on democratic rights and responsibilities anchored in the globally accepted and practiced concepts such as Rule of Law, Equal Citizenry, Secular Governance as a primary condition for social cohesion, and Tolerance for, and acceptance of cultural diversity. The resource persons and public intellectuals who interacted with the participating university lecturers and professors from different universities across Pakistan included Dr. A.H. Nayyer, Ms. Sara Farid, Mr. Safiullah Gul, Mr. Dr. Mohsin Naqvi, Mr. Jehangir Khattak, Ms. Humaira Masihuddin, Dr. Samina Yasmeen, and Mr. Niaz Murtaza. The discussion themes we primarily rule of law, tolerance, diversity, fundamental human rights, equal citizenry, democracy and governance, and perhaps most importantly, the scientific need to question the narratives we are given. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director,...
CRSS China Watch – April 15, 2016
The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Sanaullah Khan, had a meeting with a team from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In the meeting, he said that, since the initiative of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the investment opportunities in Gwadar and Balochistan have increased to a great extent. He assured that the government would assist the efforts involved in the exploitation of such potential investment opportunities.[1] Pakistan’s former permanent representative (write down the name if it was available) at the United Nations in Geneva and envoy at the Conference on Disarmament claimed that China would not allow India to enter into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). He said that, regardless of the support of the United States (US), India would not be able to join the NSG as china aims to endorse the membership of Pakistan and India at the same time.[2] Pervez Khattak, the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), wrote a letter to the federal government seeking clarification over uncertainties of the western alignment of the CEPC. He has also sought reservations over the inclusion of some projects as part of the western corridor. However, the federal government has not made any clear commitment in this regard.[3] The Senate Standing Committee on Defence was informed that India’s premier spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), had set up a ‘special cell’ in New Delhi to disrupt the CPEC project.[4] In order to increase cooperation among the private sector of the Punjab province of Pakistan and Shandong Province of China, two agreements and six MOUs were signed. The agreement was signed by the Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, and Shandong vice Governor, Xia Geng.[5] [1] http://tribune.com.pk/story/1084288/safe-environment-cpec-opens-investment-vistas-says-cm-zehri/ [2] http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/pak-says-china-will-stop-india-s-entry-into-nsg-116041400264_1.html [3]...
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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.