The 149th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme. The first guest on show, Mr. Iftikhar Firdous, Senior Journalist, noted that the state refers to a geographical entity that has a distinct fiscal system, constitution, and sovereignty recognized by other states as part of the global state system. A state cannot be changed unlike government. In this entire system, it is extremely important that the state institutions respect each other and observe their respective constitutional limits. For good governance, it is extremely important that the public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner. Loopholes in the system of governance where its key stakeholders do not fulfill their public service responsibilities can take a devastating toll on the social fabric and cohesion. That said, there is a huge onus on citizens for their responsible conduct; fulfill their duties as part of social contract. Best example that underscores the criticality of citizens’ role is COVID pandemic that clearly shows how the governments can only do so much without responsible citizenship or it can mean serious social, economic and health implications. To onboard citizens in the national development processes and harness their potential for progress and prosperity, it is important to educate them on the democratic and political processes and their roles as key actors. The second guest on show, Ms. Aisha, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna, and a student of Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), said that there is huge responsibility on youth leaders to learn and then promote the values key to upholding rule of law and good governance. Our future leaders need opportunities like Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops to develop their leadership and peacebuilding potential by...

The 146th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme. The first guest on show, Dr. Abida Bano, Lecturer, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), University of Peshawar, noted that the role of women in peace processes is very important and their inclusion is advantageous to successful and sustainable conflict resolution. She referred to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, which was adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council on 31 October 2000. While this resolution acknowledges how women are disproportionately and uniquely impacted by armed conflict, it reaffirms the significant role that women play in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and peace-building, emphasizes the importance of women's equal involvement in peace and security and the need for women's increased participation in conflict prevention and peace-building. Several social scientists and researchers theorize that inclusion of women in the peacebuilding processes increases the chances of success, and therefore underscore the need to adopt gender perspective in peacebuilding. The values key to inclusion of women are also enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan vide articles 8-28, that testifies that women have an undeniable role in peacebuilding. Increased representation of women in different walks of life can not only cultivate their potential but also benefit the socio-political and economic development of the country. Family level dynamics greatly affect inclusion of women in the society and are key to raising future women leaders by valuing their opinion, and encouraging and inculcating confidence in them. Identification of the root causes of conflict is crucial for successful conflict resolution. Avoiding this critical step only leads to the recurrence of conflicts. Sustainable peace only comes through...

The 145th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme. The first guest on show, Ms. Kalsoom Zeb, a writer, said that the essentiality for women empowerment is their recognition as equal citizens, consideration of the different needs of female population for inclusion, and socio-political participation and equal provision of fundamental human rights that they are constitutionally entitled to. They must be given opportunities to explore avenues of participation in the national socio-political life. Pakistan movement is a powerful example of active and equal female participation in the political processes. The articles 8-28 of the constitution of Pakistan leave no room for gender-based discrimination and using culture and tradition as tools to constrain the social mobility of female population. History dictates that women have a great leadership, social development and peacebuilding potential and subjecting them to discrimination will be only detrimental to the overall national development and prosperity. Patriarchalism is contrary to modernity and there is no room for it in the contemporary times. Another essentiality for women empowerment is ensuring that their right to education constitutionally available to them is not violated due to any reason whatsoever. The women in tribal areas have a great potential to participate in the national development processes, however, they need encouragement, awareness and opportunities. Without the equal participation of both men and women, it is always hard for any nation to develop at part with their regional and international competition. The second on show, Ms. Zeeba Afridi, a poetess, noted that the idea of women empowerment should not be seen with negative connotation and it really needs to be understood in terms of the stakes it heightens for national development and the much-needed social capital...

The 143rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme. The first guest on show Mr. Wali Khan Afridi, an advocate by profession, noted that in the newly merged districts, one of the most significant developments in the post-merger scenario is the extension of and being governed under the constitution of Pakistan which has made the people of tribal areas as much constitutionally empowered as the people of the other parts of the country. Extension of judicial system and equal entitlement to constitutional rights augur well for the citizens’ active participation in the democratic processes. Social cohesion in the areas affected by conflict require efficient and accountable governance, and reforms; especially in the justice sectors. Things are getting better in the newly merged districts which is ultimately benefitting the tribal communities. The true spirit of democracy lies in the local government system which is the basic requirement of democratic governance. It is also a constitutional requirement that ensures communal empowerment, delegation of powers to and nurture leadership at the grass root level to address a range of issues that concern the communities the most. Local government system is an important intervention that can address the problems of tribal districts and empower the citizens. The second guest on show, Ms. Mahnoor, Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student of Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, noted that participation in the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops was a transformative experience which familiarized her with different concepts critical to social cohesion, such as respect for fundamental human rights, acceptance of diversity, conflict resolution, rule of law etc. These are the opportunities our youth especially the tribal youth needs to hone their leadership potential as they expose them to the...