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China vows Support for Pakistan's Fight against Terrorism

China today condemned the brazen Taliban attack on a Pakistani air force camp near Peshawar that killed 42 people, including 29 security personnel, and vowed to support Pakistan's fight against terrorism. "We condemn the attack which caused severe losses of lives, and we express our condolences to the families of the victims," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei. Hong said China supports Pakistan's efforts to crackdown on terrorism, and believes the Pakistani government and armed forces are capable of maintaining their national security and stability. At least 42 people, including 29 security personnel and 13 terrorists of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were killed in the attack on the Badaber air base on Friday. Another 29 people were wounded in the attack when a group of 13 militants wearing explosives-laden jackets and armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles stormed the base. The air base, however, was not functional and was mostly used as a residential place for air force employees. TTP claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was to avenge Pakistani military bombardment of mosques and the killing of civilians in the country's northern tribal regions. Pakistan is carrying out military operations in its remote tribal areas where militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) are believed to have a stronghold. The ETIM is waging a violent separatist movement in China's Xinjiang. The Pakistan air force has been playing a major role in the fight against militants since June 2014, when the army launched an operation to flush out militants from the region to end the bloody decade-long Islamist insurgency. Peshawar has often been targeted by militants. Last December more than 150 people, mostly children, were killed by Taliban gunmen in an attack on an army-run school. Published on September 20,2015 on http://www.business-standard.com/

China vows Support for Pakistan's Fight against Terrorism

China today condemned the brazen Taliban attack on a Pakistani air force camp near Peshawar that killed 42 people, including 29 security personnel, and vowed to support Pakistan's fight against terrorism. "We condemn the attack which caused severe losses of lives, and we express our condolences to the families of the victims," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei. Hong said China supports Pakistan's efforts to crackdown on terrorism, and believes the Pakistani government and armed forces are capable of maintaining their national security and stability. At least 42 people, including 29 security personnel and 13 terrorists of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were killed in the attack on the Badaber air base on Friday. Another 29 people were wounded in the attack when a group of 13 militants wearing explosives-laden jackets and armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles stormed the base. The air base, however, was not functional and was mostly used as a residential place for air force employees. TTP claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was to avenge Pakistani military bombardment of mosques and the killing of civilians in the country's northern tribal regions. Pakistan is carrying out military operations in its remote tribal areas where militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) are believed to have a stronghold. The ETIM is waging a violent separatist movement in China's Xinjiang. The Pakistan air force has been playing a major role in the fight against militants since June 2014, when the army launched an operation to flush out militants from the region to end the bloody decade-long Islamist insurgency. Peshawar has often been targeted by militants. Last December more than 150 people, mostly children, were killed by Taliban gunmen in an attack on an army-run school. Published on September 20,2015 on http://www.business-standard.com/

Sabawoon Showcase: FATA’s Future

September 21, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), on Monday, focused on sensitization and awareness regarding the constitutional future of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Key points of discussion included a) the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), b) an independent FATA province, and c) the bill tabled by National Assembly lawmakers representing FATA for the region's constitutional rights. The program was aired under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (public dialogue). Mr. Kareem Mehsud, FATA issues expert and former judge of FATA Tribunal, Mr. Ijaz Momand, Former President of FATA Lawyer Forum, and Farhad Afridi, a KP-based lawyer, participated in the program as studio guests. Views of the residents of FATA regarding possible solutions for this issue were also included in the program in the form of a field report from Kurram Agency. Nine callers participated in the show and stressed on the merger of FATA with KP because both FATA and KP are inter-related and it would be hard for FATA to manage as an independent province. Some callers suggested that the merging of FATA with KP will boost the economy, and will bring peace in the area.

Sabawoon Showcase: FATA's Future

September 21, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), on Monday, focused on sensitization and awareness regarding the constitutional future of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Key points of discussion included a) the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), b) an independent FATA province, and c) the bill tabled by National Assembly lawmakers representing FATA for the region's constitutional rights. The program was aired under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (public dialogue). Mr. Kareem Mehsud, FATA issues expert and former judge of FATA Tribunal, Mr. Ijaz Momand, Former President of FATA Lawyer Forum, and Farhad Afridi, a KP-based lawyer, participated in the program as studio guests. Views of the residents of FATA regarding possible solutions for this issue were also included in the program in the form of a field report from Kurram Agency. Nine callers participated in the show and stressed on the merger of FATA with KP because both FATA and KP are inter-related and it would be hard for FATA to manage as an independent province. Some callers suggested that the merging of FATA with KP will boost the economy, and will bring peace in the area.

Sabawoon Showcase: FATA's Future

September 21, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), on Monday, focused on sensitization and awareness regarding the constitutional future of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Key points of discussion included a) the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), b) an independent FATA province, and c) the bill tabled by National Assembly lawmakers representing FATA for the region's constitutional rights. The program was aired under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (public dialogue). Mr. Kareem Mehsud, FATA issues expert and former judge of FATA Tribunal, Mr. Ijaz Momand, Former President of FATA Lawyer Forum, and Farhad Afridi, a KP-based lawyer, participated in the program as studio guests. Views of the residents of FATA regarding possible solutions for this issue were also included in the program in the form of a field report from Kurram Agency. Nine callers participated in the show and stressed on the merger of FATA with KP because both FATA and KP are inter-related and it would be hard for FATA to manage as an independent province. Some callers suggested that the merging of FATA with KP will boost the economy, and will bring peace in the area.

Sabawoon Showcase: Women Empowerment Role Models

September 16, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), on Wednesday, focused on the achievements of a female political activist and shared her political experience with our listeners. Lack of education and proper awareness for women empowerment were the key points of discussion. The program was aired under the theme “Jwandey Jazbey” (Alive Spirits). Ms. Fatima Nosherwan, Central Secretary for Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Women Wing and District Councillor, Peshawar joined the host in our Peshawar studio. A related story from district Mardan was also made part of the program, which highlighted the participation of the women in politics in rural areas and the roles they can play for the development of that area. Eight callers participated in the show and requested the government to raise awareness for empowering women and increase the level of efforts for furthering female education. “In my political career, I received many life threats from the Taliban, locals and the family but the biggest one I faced was from my relatives, which was indeed very hard to tackle. But I never gave up and tried my level best to achieve my goals. Women should not forget that it is in our culture to strive for our goals and we should empower ourselves by helping one another”. - Fatima Nosherwan (Central Secretary for Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Women Wing and District Councillor, Peshawar)

Heinous Crimes Report January – June 2015

INTRODUCTION: Since May 2014, The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) began collecting data on heinous crimes from the local press covering the national spectrum. These are the crimes committed by those who, in most of the cases, are not necessarily career criminals or militants. Yet, they indulge in such offences because of the values and traditions they consider as a license for their crimes. The perpetrator of a crime is as important as the crime itself, though the nature and severity of the crime are significant considerations as well. For sociologists and criminologists, these factors serve as a measuring tool that help assess how criminalized a society is. The basic purpose of making this report is to provide tangible data to help social introspection. This report covers incidents of crimes like child abuse, violence against women, honor killings, and others. The criteria we use for selection of heinous crimes often restrict us to record only those crimes that fall within that category. For example, only those incidents of rape are recorded where the victims are minors or blood relatives, as the actual number may be much higher due to unreported cases. Similarly, a case of honor killing can be ignored if the perpetrators are unknown. The crimes against children are recorded without any discrimination. So, in a sense, this is a selective report and cannot be used as a source for complete information about any crime included in it. The reports that appear in the local newspapers like The News, Dawn, and Express Tribune are the primary source of this document. Errors and omissions, a possibility in all statistical work, can occur. However, such mistakes do not grossly affect the basic objective of this report. NOTE: All data is from January - June, 2015. Report prepared by: Mohammad Nafees Senior Research Fellow Center for Research and Security Studies NOTE: Readers can approach CRSS for source of any information included in the report. Please send...

Pakistan’s Predicament

Is Afghanistan going back to the peace talks that received a deadly blow late in July? Some developments suggest so. Let us begin with the Taliban. As reported in the national media, the family of former Afghan Taliban supremo Mullah Omar declared (on September 15) its allegiance to the new chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor. If true, this declaration removes a huge stumbling block in the new emir’s way. Secondly, all major stakeholders from outside the region – the US, the UK and China – are not only eager to restart the negotiation process, but are pushing for it through quiet diplomacy. For instance, during discussions with his interlocutors in Islamabad, the British special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Owen Jenkins explored the possibility of the Afghan government and the Taliban returning to the talks. He also expressed the hope that the stalled Afghan reconciliation process could start sooner rather than later, and that Pakistan could leverage its unique position with the Afghan Taliban in nudging them into a constructive dialogue. Only two days earlier, the commander of Resolute Support Mission and US Forces in Afghanistan, General John F Campbell, accompanied by acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Jarret Blanc, held a detailed discussion with army chief General Raheel Sharif, agreeing that all friendly nations need to work harder for the resumption of peace talks in Afghanistan. Pakistani leaders reminded the visiting dignitaries of the hostile statements coming out of Kabul and wondered whether insinuations and allegations on Pakistan being directly responsible for the Taliban violence inside Afghanistan leaves any space for it to intervene. Another question that keeps recurring in such interactions is whether the argument of economic dividends of reconciliation could woo all stakeholders into an open dialogue on both sides of the Durand Line. Why should we invite scorn and blame? But clearly, security trumps economy in the...

United for Peace – Envoys’ Band enthralls Peshawarites

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, the Center for Research and Security Studies held the “United for Peace” event at the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP). The musical event was conducted to show solidarity with the people of Peshawar and the greater KP, and to help spread the message of hope and peace. Notable guests included members of national assembly and KP provincial assembly , the honorable ambassadors of Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, and Tajikistan, and other diplomats from Portugal, South Korea and Indonesia. As a part of the CRSS campaign for social peace and cultural diversity, the event was designed to serve as a symbol of hope for a city that has been traumatized by years of violence. Since the war on terror began in the early 21st century, Peshawar has seen an upsurge of militancy and stark violence unlike any other part of the country. The last eighteen months have seen unprecedented progress in the face of this tide of terrorism, and the people of Peshawar have received some respite in the form of better safety and service delivery. This event embodies the peace-loving nature of the people of Peshawar and KP, marks a return for community events, musical festivals and cultural gatherings in the city, and enhances the softer image of a resilient people by putting Peshawar on the international radar. This event also raised funds for the rehabilitation of education infrastructure in conflict-affected parts of KP and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Envoy's Band The highlight of the evening was a performance by the Envoy’s Band. This band, formed in Islamabad by foreign dignitaries with a shared passion for music and peace, performed in public for the very first time. Envoy’s Band members include H.E. Inomata Hiroshi, the Ambassador of Japan, an avid drummer, and H.E. Nedim Makarevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a singer and guitarist. The duo was also supported by Mr. Gerry...

United for Peace – Envoys' Band enthralls Peshawarites

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, the Center for Research and Security Studies held the “United for Peace” event at the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP). The musical event was conducted to show solidarity with the people of Peshawar and the greater KP, and to help spread the message of hope and peace. Notable guests included members of national assembly and KP provincial assembly , the honorable ambassadors of Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, and Tajikistan, and other diplomats from Portugal, South Korea and Indonesia. As a part of the CRSS campaign for social peace and cultural diversity, the event was designed to serve as a symbol of hope for a city that has been traumatized by years of violence. Since the war on terror began in the early 21st century, Peshawar has seen an upsurge of militancy and stark violence unlike any other part of the country. The last eighteen months have seen unprecedented progress in the face of this tide of terrorism, and the people of Peshawar have received some respite in the form of better safety and service delivery. This event embodies the peace-loving nature of the people of Peshawar and KP, marks a return for community events, musical festivals and cultural gatherings in the city, and enhances the softer image of a resilient people by putting Peshawar on the international radar. This event also raised funds for the rehabilitation of education infrastructure in conflict-affected parts of KP and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Envoy's Band The highlight of the evening was a performance by the Envoy’s Band. This band, formed in Islamabad by foreign dignitaries with a shared passion for music and peace, performed in public for the very first time. Envoy’s Band members include H.E. Inomata Hiroshi, the Ambassador of Japan, an avid drummer, and H.E. Nedim Makarevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a singer and guitarist. The duo was also supported by Mr. Gerry...