With increasing competition between the two ideological twins i.e. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS), the two have hitherto shown their will and resolve to contest over wearing the crown of global jihad and being the umbrella jihadi organization of worldwide jihadi forces. Another key issue is to show strength and influence in order to gain media attention. The ISIS, though, quite new on the scene with not very experienced leadership has been able to flex its muscle by carving out Syrian and Iraqi territories and announcing a renegade Islamic State. On the other hand 26-year old Al-Qaeda (b.1988) under the leadership of experienced Zawahiri is living in shadows. In order to stay in limelight, Zawahiri has recently announced the creation of new Al-Qaeda wing, the Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)[1]. While Baghdadi’s ISIS non-stop tremendous track record has attracted the attention of radical jihadi groups worldwide. The creation of Islamic State (aka ISIS and Daash) has allowed a plethora of jihadis to seek the ISIS franchise. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi whose real name is Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim al-Badri (aka Abu Dua) proclaimed his caliphate with a message to all Islamist groups, he said, “It is incumbent upon all Muslims to pledge allegiance [to him], once the caliph and his fighters arrive in a particular area, the legality of all emirates, groups, states, and organizations, becomes null by the expansion of the khalifah’s authority.[2]” By September 2014, a wide range of Islamist terrorist groups have either pledged allegiance or supported ISIS: Tehreek-e-Khilafat Pakistan Indonesian Mujahedeen, East Timor Liwa Ahrar al-Sunna, Lebanon Jamaat Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, Sinai, Egypt Jaish al-Sahaba (Supporter of the Companions), Syria Al-Huda Battalion (part of Jund al-Khalifa aka The Soldiers of the Caliphate), Algerians in Syria Boko Haram, Nigeria (supported) Okba Ibn Nafaa Battalion,(part of Ansar al-Sharia), Tunisia Al-Tawheed Brigade in...

Topic National Assembly and action for FATA Reforms Guests ​Senator Afrasiyab Khatak. ANP Dr. G.G. Jamal Theme The programme discusses administrative and legal hurdles in the way to reforms in FATA and establishes the constitutional point that it is for the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan to legislate for reforms in FATA and this is the responsibility of the federal government to prepare a package of reforms and get it approved from Senate and National Assembly with the support of political parties.

Radio programs have successfully served as a means to encourage an informed discourse on religions harmony and tolerance, social cohesion, education, accountability and rule of law.. The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) has been using radio as an effective tool  for its advocacy on social and political issues to  highlight the need for an inclusive and tolerant dialogue among communities. CRSS has started airing  a radio drama series ‘BADLOON (Badloon means ‘change’)  from 05th November 2014 every Wednesday and Friday at 03:45pm from FM 101.5 with AM 1170 KHz Peshawar and AM 711 D-I-Khan. The core intent of the endeavor is to underscore the imperatives of peaceful conflict resolution, inculcate the spirit for tolerance for others’s views, Rule of law and to motivate public to strive for equal citizenry, rights and good governance in individual capacity.

What is Pakistan’s fundamental interest? This question has been making rounds in Islamabad’s diplomatic circles, with even countries considered very close to Pakistan wondering if the leadership realizes the futility of its obsolete rhetoric and the gravity of its imminent consequences. The inaugural ceremony of Invest Pakistan International Conference (Oct 27) provided the latest triggers – as viewed by a foreign participant. The prime minister walked in flanked by his military ADCs to his right and left, followed by ministers and officials. “Why do army officers take precedence over civilian ministers, and why should the military ADCs be present at all around an elected prime minister?” asked a foreign diplomat, saying this was not only paradoxical but also reminiscent of military dictatorships where the ruler cannot think without uniformed officers. Secondly, observed another foreigner, a ten-minute long recitation of the Holy Quran in the presence of dozens of foreigners also appears out of step with the demands of time. Thirdly, in his talk with the media, Sharif played down the impact of the PTI sit-in by saying it “posed no threat to the government but had inflicted losses on the economy.” The foreign participant wondered as to how the premier could draw consolation from the fact that “his government remains unaffected, though the economy has taken a hit by Imran Khan’s protest.” Does it mean the loss to economy is inconsequential to the country simply because the government remains intact? “Why can’t Pakistani leaders be candid and clear in their diagnosis of the issues facing the country?” asked the diplomat, saying the diplomatic community has not been able to figure out as to what is Pakistan’s fundamental interest. The Pakistan leadership’s failure in spelling out its core interest is baffling for all those who would want to help the country. A report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (released on Oct...

Topic:    North Waziristan IDP Crises: IDP Rights and FATA Reforms Guests:  1 Asad Afridi QWP Khyber Agency​ 2. Rakhshinda Naz Aurat Foundation 3. Malik Ghulam Muhammad IDP North Waziristan Theme: The programme establishes a link between the IDPs crisis and the struggle for their rights and reforms in FATA, highlighting importance of the IDPs participation in political, civic and community life with particular focus on the IDP women and children. The rights of the IDPs are explained in the light of Pakistani and international laws, addressing the questions: whether these laws are being violated and, if yes, how can the rights of the IDPs be protected? Similarly, the programme also highlights the situation on ground to create a demand for reforms in FATA.