Current Projects
Elsa Imdad Hussain Project Coordinator Elsa Imdad works as Project Coordinator, Beyond Boundaries, a unique Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/ II initiative to help improve relations between the two countries and enhance people-to-people contacts. Apart from this, she manages the Afghan Studies Center at CRSS and contributes to the political section of Matrix magazine. Elsa has previously been part of the American Spaces in Pakistan as a Project Coordinator, Lincoln Corner Hyderabad. She also served as an English lecturer at Sukkur IBA University for a year. She has performed duties as a research associate in an ethnographic study by UNICEF titled "Improving Adolescents' Lives in South Asia". Elsa holds a bachelors in modern languages with an English major and Spanish minor. She attended Wilson College, PA, as a Global UGRAD cultural exchange student in the fall of 2014. Also, she has been part of South Asian youth fraternities and dialogues and represented Pakistan on different international platforms. Elsa's research interests include peace and conflict resolution, global politics, public and cultural diplomacy, capacity building of marginalized groups, etc. Currently, she is also serving as President of the Pak-US Alumni Network Jamshoro Chapter.
CRSS Annual Security Report 2021-Executive Summary
After consistent decline since 2015, violence in Pakistan increases by an alarming 42% in 2021 Violence related casualties in Pakistan declined at a steady rate since 2015, plateaued somewhat in the year prior, but seem to have accelerated dramatically this year again. With an increase of roughly 42% in 2021, Pakistan suffered 853 fatalities (up from 600 last year), and 1,690 injuries, directly linked to violence-related incidents. Nearly 75% of all violence-related fatalities were recorded from two provinces – KP (including FATA) and Balochistan. Of the total fatalities from violence in the country, Punjab province accounted for 8%, followed by Sindh (tables 1 and 2). Compared to the last year’s fatalities, all regions except ICT and GB suffered an exponential surge in violence with Balochistan accounting for a net 80% increase in violence-related fatalities (table 02). Commensurately, both security operations and terror attacks increased this year. A total of 146 security operations were carried out during this year leaving 298 outlaws dead – a rise of more than 40% against the last year’s figures. In contrast, there were 403 terror attacks compared to last year’s 260 attacks (table 3). Four suicide attacks took place this year that left 20 persons dead as compared to two suicide attacks in last year that took 10 lives (table 03). An alarming upsurge of over 41% was observed this year in the fatalities of security personnel. Last year, there was a decline of 18% in security personnel’s fatalities. Outlaws (including militants, insurgents, and criminals) suffered a 26.5% increase in fatalities while the civilians accounted for the largest number of the victims of violence. As a whole, the combined losses of civilian and security personnel’s lives were 74% of the total fatalities while the outlaws, the main perpetrators of violence, had suffered one fourth of the total fatalities – a rise of militancy that can be attributed to the success of the Taliban in Afghan...
Job Announcement – Program Coordinator CRSS
The ideal candidate will have a range of experience in planning and coordination of a program and its activities, ensuring implementation of policies and practices, communications skills, be a natural problem solver, and be exceptional with time management. The Program Coordinator will spend a considerable amount of time in planning project activities with the team and coordinating with participants, media partners and other relevant stakeholders to be in line with project deliverables and ensure that they are operating well within the established timelines and log frames. Minimum qualifications: At least 03 years of experience working the development sector, in the areas of program coordination, journalism, social sciences, research, or writing. At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field Previous writing experience, English language; excellent command of the English is a must. Previous experience with media outlets will be an asset. Detail oriented, meticulous, and disciplined Ability to think analytically and visually. Job Description: Coordinate the implementation of the project with agreed timelines and quality assurance. Ensure all coordination, logistics, guest arrangements, reports/ TV Shows Shoot Plan, and partner liaising within the strategic communications component of the project. Support effective operational management for the programme. Conduct desktop research, and using books, journal articles, newspaper sources, questionnaires, surveys, polls, and interviews to gather data, where needed. Ensure regular support and close interaction with all partners. Work with team to implement project activities appropriately and as per schedules. Develop systems and maintain records for the proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned activities. Ensure that key reports are delivered to agreed deadlines and budgets, to the highest standards. Maintain and protect electronic databases related to this endeavor. Anticipate research issues...
On-Ground Situation of Pak-Afghan Bilateral Trade
Pakistan is the biggest trade partner of Afghanistan and thus has provided significant indirect support to the struggling Afghan economy after the regime change. Though the actual trade potential between the two countries is much higher than its current value, it cannot be manifested fully due to infrastructural and bureaucratic hindrances on both sides. What is the on-ground situation of Pak-Afghan bilateral trade? https://youtu.be/szYofn8wcXU
Pakistan Government’s narrative on Afghan Refugee Influx
With the change of regime in Afghanistan, thousands of people have been internally displaced in Afghanistan and are expected to leave the country fearing more violence, which means Pakistan can expect a refugee influx in the near future. Is Pakistan ready to accept more refugees? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRdiacgZNQU
Participants’ Feedback – Seminar on ‘Fake News and Critical Thinking’ at University of Gwadar/Turbat Campus
On 12th October, 2021 CRSS held a session at University of Gwadar on critical thinking and fake news where the students, along with faculty members, were apprised about media ethics and its applications in this digital and technical world. Critical thinking is a pivotal aspect in problem solving and acts as a universal remedy for any unfathomable obstacle. Critical thinking helps us in making better decisions. There’s no doubt about the fact that critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling. Critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills, as it helps us analyze information and think out of the box. It can solve any clustered problem with innovative solutions and a systematic plan. The second session was about fake news, it had a great impact on our thinking about fake news. False information means creation of news, stories, or hoaxes to deliberately misinform or deceive readers. Usually, these stories are created to either influence people’s views, push a political agenda or cause confusion. The seminar educated us on the use critical thinking in identifying fake news. CRSS’ sessions on cognitive development, conceptual learning, and community development have great implications on teaching and learning of the students and faculty members of the Gwadar Campus. The session discerned that curriculum and textbooks do not properly distinguish Islamic education, citizenship and civic education. Similarly, the teaching and learning practices do not produce critical thinkers, who develop their social consciousness to the extent that they become the agents of social change. Where there is a lack of shared understanding about the citizenship education and being critical. The session encouraged students to have a clear background about these matter of concerns in...
CRSS held webinar on ‘Content Writing Made Easy: Skills and Tools Essential to Earn from Home
CRSS, under its program women arranged a webinar themed ‘Content Writing Made Easy: Skills and Tools Essential to Earn from Home’ on November 18, 2021 on Zoom. The event was attended by youth from all socio-economic groups from across the country. Ms. Sharoon Shahid, a content and copy writer, was invited as the keynote speaker to apprise the audience about the skills and tools required to ace the freelancing sector. In addition to the keynote address, the speaker answered numerous questions raised by the audience and explained the dos and don’ts of freelancing with them. While speaking at the webinar, Ms. Sharoon highlighted the significance and convenience of working from the comfort of one’s home and encouraged the participants to invest time, energy, and resources into developing the habit of writing, as it can help one in acing one of the most popular economic domain. The session proved to be a success, as CRSS received excellent feedback from the listeners. The series will be continued in the months to come.
Gwadar To Be Logistic Hub In The Region In 5 Yrs: Zhang Baozhong
November 18, 2021 GWADAR, Nov. 15 (China Economic Net) – “According to our plan, Gwadar would become the logistic hub in this region within 5 years!” noted Zhang Baozhong, Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) while reviewing the 5-year-journey of Gwadar. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) reached an important milestone on November 13, 2016 by the starting of the first shipment of trade cargo from Gwadar Port to international destinations. Five years on, the progress achieved in Gwadar is a prelude to a rosy future. And the story of Gwadar needs to be heard. Mission Impossible? Stepping on Gwadar for the first time, “I thought I was on the Mars,” Zhang told China Economic Net. It was 2016, not many activities, not many people, not much traffic could be seen in the dusty Gwadar. “The whole city was like a dying town without any environment for doing business.” “I was under such pressure that I thought it’s mission impossible [to develop Gwadar],” Zhang said. By that time there were no signals or internet. For 2 weeks he completely lost connection with his family and head office. “From the very top level to the ground level, all the people from Pakistan are very helpful and kind to us,” said Zhang Baozhong. [Photo/China Economic Net] Life was tough, so was the task. How was it possible to realize the target of the government? “I wrote a lot of reports to Chinese government, to my head office and I discussed with my local Pakistani brothers. And we were very lucky that both governments helped a lot.” “From the very top level to the ground level, all the people from Pakistan are very helpful and kind to us. And they are ready to assist us to overcome all the difficulties we are faced. We are really grateful to the Pakistani government for giving us 923 hectares of land (10 square kilometers) dedicated to the development of Free Zone as well as the incentives to investors,” he said. And with a view to attracting investors, Pakistani government...
CRSS organized a seminar on ‘Role of Journalists in Socio-Political Development’ at Turbat Press Club
CRSS in collaboration with Turbat Press Club arranged a seminar themed 'Role of Journalists in Socio-Political Development' on November 16, 2021 at Turbat Press Club. The event was attended by the representatives from different socio-political organizations and the traders' union of Kech. The president of Turbat Press club apprised the audience about the significance of journalists as agents of social development. The journalists in Balochistan face huge challenges but continue to serve even in the toughest of socio-political situations. The local political parties and leadership should collaborate with Turbat Press Club to facilitate the journalists. The seminar proved to be a stepping stone for the empowerment and uplift of the journalist community in Turbat, Balochistan. https://youtu.be/EuElqb76fn4
CRSS’ Executive Director Launches Book on Pak-China Relations
Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director CRSS, launched his book titled “What Lies Behind the Iron Brotherhood?” on September 29, 2021. The book explores the 70+ years of friendship between China and Pakistan, and illustrates his hands-on insight on the relationship between the two countries, eliminating the rampant misconceptions about the nature of Pak-China relationship. Notable dignitaries including the current Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Nong Rong, Senator Mushahid Hussain, and the former Ambassador of Pakistan to China Ms. Naghmana Hashmi graced the event with their presence. China is fortunate to have Pakistan as a strategic partner and puts Pakistan on priority for cooperation in all sectors. The Chinese government is overjoyed to see Pakistan’s accomplishments in nation-building and looks forward to work hand in hand with Pakistan, remarked His Excellency Nong Rong while addressing the event virtually. While commending the author, he stated that the book comprehensively views the age long Pakistan-China relationship from a broader perspective and serves as a guide to understand the nature of this bilateral relationship. Senator Mushahid Hussain, in his keynote address during the event lauded China’s overall progress as a nation. Highlighting the core ingredients of Chinese success; excellent leadership, the ability to do course correction, learn from other’s mistakes, and a peaceful foreign policy, he suggested Pakistan to learn from the iron brother and adopt a similar development model. While congratulating Mr. Gul on writing a book which serves as a milestone in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries, he said that Pakistan and China share an important strategic and substantive relationship which is not interest driven, it is an all-weather friendship. Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, admired Mr. Gul’s effort in penning down this bond to which words cannot fully do justice. She stated that it...
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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.