Current Projects
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Proposed to Soothe the Bitter Context: Pakistan-Bangladesh Webinar
Pakistan is always the first one to take initiatives for strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, but little reciprocity is shown by Bangladesh. Therefore it is high time for Pakistan and Bangladesh to let go of the past and work together for a progressive future. These were the remarks made by Dr. Moonis Ahmar, Meritorious Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, while speaking at the second webinar in the series “Pakistan–Bangladesh Relations” organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), earlier today. Speakers included Dr. Sharin Shajahan Naomi, Assistant Professor, Gender Studies, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh, M. Sarwar Hossain, Barrister-at-Law of Lincoln's Inn., and Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director of CRSS. He added that a flexible visa regime can help in enhancing people to people relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He continued that people of both the countries have enormous opportunities to mend economic, political and cultural relations. According to him, efforts should be made to promote academic cooperation between the educational institutes of both countries. This cannot be done unless there are leaders from both sides who are able to promote meaningful interaction between students from Pakistan and Bangladesh. He proposed the truth and reconciliation commission which can help overcome the bitterness of the past and also help in sanitizing the historical literature on the events around 1971. Dr. Sharin Shajahan Naomi expressed that Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are happy with each other. In politics there is a binary view but people to people relations are good, despite the past trauma and unfortunate memories. Currently there is a huge gap in the economic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. She suggested that a trade agreement could be a strong starting point to form good relations on a higher level and Bangladesh would be welcoming towards this stance since it wants...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates-on February 27-28, 2021, Jamshoro
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the eighteenth two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for university students, on February 27-28, 2021, in Jamshoro. The workshop was held at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro. The event was organized under the umbrella of the Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE), a counter-radicalization and pluralistic values’ focused project, in collaboration with the Dutch Government. The participants included the students of the MUET, University of Sindh, and Sindh Agriculture University with a total participation of 150 students; 60 female and 90 male students. Director ORIC, Dr. Inam Bhatti opened the session with a thank you note to PACE team and welcomed them in Jamshoro. He said that it is a great opportunity for the students to come together on a platform like this and take part in learning new things and unlearning preconceived notions. The program provides for an environment suitable for critical thinking and being a student you should be confident enough to question your teachers and elders instead of accepting whatever they pass on to you. Advisor CRSS, Ms. Samina Imtiaz thanked MUET and other universities for their efforts to hold the workshop in Sindh and taking keen interest in the event. She said that PACE believes in constitutionalism and critical thinking; everything that will be discussed at the event will be rooted in the Constitution of 1973 of Pakistan. A total of five sessions were conducted on different thematic areas. On day 1, Ms. Rosy Ilyas spoke on ‘Leadership and Motivation’; Dr. Aslam Uqeli shared his views on ‘Respect for Diversity, Rights and Opinions'; and Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali delivered a session on ‘Positive Attitude for Youth’. On day 2, Ms. Sameena Imtiaz enlighted students on ‘Increasing Women’s Voices and Visibility’; and Dr. Ali Muhammad Sheikh delivered a session on ‘Journalistic Ethics in a Multicultural Society like Pakistan’. The...
Pakistan Afghanistan have made more progress in last 8 months, than 20 years: Umar Daudzai
We have made more progress, in last eight months than the last 20 years; it is the first time, both countries have appointed Special Envoys for each other. This gives us a direct and speedy channel for any issue of mutual concern. Pakistan and Afghanistan have no option but to trust each other; we cannot be the prisoners of the past. We have passed the phase of mistrust, now we are looking towards the future and youth is an integral part of the times ahead, said Excellency Umar Daudzai, Afghanistan’s Special Envoy to Pakistan, at the third Pak-Afghan Youth Summit on February 25th 2021. Daudzai also appreciated very positive and constructive role in facilitating Afghan peace process. He said he was looking forward to a comprehensive bilateral relationship between the two sides, work on which is underway, and many high-level meetings are taking place. Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Excellency Najibullah Alikhil appreciated the role of CRSS in enhancing people-to-people contact between the two nations. He said that the frequency of these cross-border engagements shows that things have changed and people are willing to work together in the domains of mutual interests. He added that Pakistan has done considerably well regarding climate mitigation; billion trees project speaks for itself. Afghanistan is ready to collaborate with Pakistan on climate issue, especially given the great potential of Afghanistan in producing clean energy. Additionally, on gender issues, he remarked that Kabul has made considerable progress on women rights, reflected in 30-35% of representation in the parliament. Besides that, many ministers are women. This gives us hope and is also a challenge to sustain the gains made so far. Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan (MNA) Shandana Gulzar, said that most of the gender issues are derived from culture, legitimized through the veil of religion. This is where the problem starts; no one questions the religion. Whereas, in actual these issues...
Women in sports: an asset, not a liability
It is refreshing to see a surge in the trend of women participation in sports in Pakistan. Last week, a Pakistani athlete Neelofar Shirazi from district Battgaram made a world record by breaking 1000 bricks in mere 27 minutes at the Sports Stadium in Islamabad. Neelofar didn’t only break bricks but also managed to break the cultural barriers and taboos associated with women in our society. Over the last decade, Pakistan has witnessed a heartwarming surge in the number of women athletes who have turned in exceptional performances at the national and international level. This increase doesn’t only show Pakistan’s commitment to attain the SDG 5 i.e., gender equality, but also shows a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s sociocultural setup. Women in sports are crucial for the prosperity of Pakistan, as sports play a huge role in nation-building by inculcating uplifting qualities like discipline, determination, teamwork and a passion for fitness in the psyche of a nation. Giving representation to women in sports largely helps in portraying a softer image of Pakistan as a women-friendly and gender sensitized country in front of the world. Involving young females in sports helps them in utilizing their strengths in constructive activities rather than wasting their potential in useless traditions. Moreover, the sports domain has allowed women to discover innovative career and job opportunities that they didn’t know existed, as professions are highly segregated on the basis of gender in Pakistan, so women only got to work in the education or healthcare sector, but now the trend has shifted and women are seen defying all odds and earning good name for the country in the sports sector. This has given the Pakistani women a sense of confidence that they can ace any field of their interest without any restriction. Women have started feeling empowered with this freedom to choose a profession of their own choice. With this empowerment and confidence come distinctions in the field of...
Center for Research and Security Studies CALL FOR PAPERS 2021
CRSS Call for Papers goals Increase scholarship, participation, and recognition of CRSS as an appropriate publication for high-impact research articles in security and media related fields. Engage, inform, and cultivate collaborative partnerships among stakeholders in different communities and across professions. Encourage a supportive organizational culture that fosters writing and publishing. Educate and expand the knowledge base of our readership. Prizes Up to three cash prizes in the amount of PKR 50,000 each will be awarded. The grant per awardee will support research and analysis culminating in the development of an innovative, deeply researched paper of 4,000-5,000 words related to media and security in Pakistan. The final research products will be published physically and on the CRSS website, and grantees will also have the opportunity to present their work at a research launch event. Terms & rules No entry fee. ONE entry per applicant. Previously published articles or articles that are in consideration for publication elsewhere are ineligible. Please only submit your original work. If we detect plagiarism in any submitted entry, the paper will be disqualified and the author will be blacklisted from future CRSS contests. Payment contingent at completion of report. How do I enter? Submissions must be original research papers related to the field of security and media, with a focus on Pakistan. Topics may be on the following themes: Facebook/Google media monetization in Pakistan Digitization and contemporary media in Pakistan Broadcast media bubble bursting in Pakistan Dissent and censorship in Pakistan PECB and media laws in Pakistan Journalist safety in Pakistan Email Submission Submit one electronic copy of the proposal/report and supporting documents to info@crss.pk. Use the subject line “CRSS Call for Papers.” Applicants will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 business days. Timeline Proposal Deadline: March 19, 2021 Final Report Deadline:...
Workplace Safety: A Distant Dream in Pakistan
Pakistan observes extremely low female labor force participation. One of the anticipated reasons behind women’s lagging behind in the economic domain happens to be the prevailing issue of workplace harassment. Harassment in the workplace is the most common form of gender-based violence happening in Pakistani society characterized by patriarchy and gender segregation. When women attempt to join workforce and take economic responsibilities of family in opposite to predominating social norms, they have to suffer several forms of harassment. Harassment in workplace is largely due to unequal power relationship among genders. Workplace nuisance occurs in almost all occupations and industries and makes working environment stressful, damaging, and hostile for women, thus making it difficult for them to achieve their rightful place in the employment sector. Surprisingly, the issue of workplace harassment is not confined to the formal economic sector only, the informal sector witnesses the evil practice of workplace harassment even more. The harassment issues women face in the domestic sector at the domestic level are far more complex and deeply embedded in the system than the harassment issues women face in formal offices, firms, and industries. This shows that the culture of workplace harassment is deep rooted in the Pakistani society, and is normalized largely. Unfortunately, women face harassment of numerous kinds at workplaces. The most common type of harassment at workplace is sexual harassment, women mostly face physical sexual harassment in the form of inappropriate touches, unwelcomed physical contact or suggestive body language, such as touching, patting, pinching, hugging, kissing, or brushing against an individual’s body along with physical coercion or pressure to engage in sexual activity or punishment for a refusal to respond or comply with sexual advances. Moreover, nonverbal sexual harassment is also common in the form of uninvited sexual innuendo, offers,...
The Startup Puzzle: How to succeed in the entrepreneurial sector?
The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severely affected the global and Pakistani economy. One of the major impacts the global pandemic made on the economy was bringing changes in the employment trends. Another startling observation was that the business and entrepreneurship sector were the only sectors that sustained in the face of the global economic and health crisis. The previously flourishing development and services sector suffered the most in such times. As a result, people all across the world started switching to entrepreneurship and initiating their own startups, even at the smallest levels. The reason behind the increasing trend of entrepreneurship is not only the sustainability and reliability of the sector, but also the ease of doing business. One can start a business even without a formal business education background. “Some of the essentials for entrepreneurship include a tangible and unique business idea, on which one can make a comprehensive, workable business plan”, stated Ms. Tehmina Asad Chaudhry, co-founder INSTA Foods (Pvt) Ltd., while addressing a group of women entrepreneurs at a seminar arranged by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). She further added that the plan must be made while being mindful of the goal and vision behind the startup. Another factor significant for a business to flourish is the articulation of a proper roadmap for the execution of the business plan. Moreover knowing your customers, valuing their feedback and demand, proper marketing of goods, and proper allocation and use of revenue and finances are essential for a startup to run successfully. However, in addition to the above-mentioned factors, a lot of smaller yet highly significant factors are present, which are often ignored by all and sundry, which leads to failure of several businesses in their nascent phases. These factors include specifying the main goal of entrepreneurship. Ms. Tehmina Asad Chaudhry stressed that “Entrepreneurship is all...
Public-Police Partnership, Responsible Citizenship, Constitutional Education Preconditions for Rule of Law: DIG Hazara
The most important ingredient that goes into development of a cohesive society is public-private partnership that also upholds rule of law. Punishment comes as a last resort in the enforcement of rule of law. However, there are many other levels positioned prior to that, including but not limited to responsible and active citizenship, volunteerism, community policing, public-police cooperation and public education on rights and responsibilities. These views were expressed by Mr. Mir Wais Niaz, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police, Hazara during the 31st round of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at and in collaboration with the Hazara University , Mansehra. The DIG police Hazara said that while it is the responsibility of state to enforce law, rule of law is truly upheld with the law-abiding citizenship and citizenry cognizant of their rights enshrined in the constitution and laws enacted for their benefits. Working and friendly relationship between the citizens and law enforcement institutions only helps them to deliberate - in a democratic way - solutions to address the issues of communal and national concern. This relationship can alone strengthen rule of law more than anything. In the contemporary times, the scope of rule of law has been extended from offline to online domain, especially with the advent of world wide web and excessive application and use of social media. To address the public-police trust deficit and former fearing to interact with the latter, the institution should be seen as a service and not a force. Also the more the interactions, the less the trust deficit. While we expect police to be friendly in their interaction and behavior with the public, the same goes for the citizens to respect the members of law enforcement fraternity. They are all important stakeholders for social peace and harmony, and should empathize with each other. Despite its reputation and all...
Citizens’ Participation is Fundamental to Inclusive Democracy
Inclusive democracy comes through participation of citizens - without any discrimination of gender - in the dialogue and decision-making processes on the issues that concern them the most. That is only how you can cultivate the much-needed meaning and belonging among the citizens as a precondition for their agency for socio-political and economic development. Similarly, the role of citizens is crucially important in the matters of governance for accountability and responsiveness. It always helps bridging the gaps between public needs and key public services on offer. These views were expressed by Ms. Aisha Bano, Member, Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the 30th round of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at and in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar. She said that culture should never deter, instead, it should be conducive to and encourage the participation of women in all walks of life as a matter of their constitutional right, empowerment and investment in the future of country’s stability. Mr. Ahmad Zunair, Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP), Peshawar noted that rule of law is a fundamentally essential prerequisite for social cohesion, peace and prosperity of any nation where it can never thrive on discrimination. It is only upheld when everyone is subject and accountable before law no matter how powerful. Societies with the weak state of rule of law are more vulnerable to extremism and violence. Police is not only one of the most important institutions as part of criminal justice system but also greatly responsible to uphold rule of law. It should adopt community policing models and best practices to ameliorate the public-police trust deficit. Community policing lays the foundation for the information sharing mechanism key to a crime-free and peaceful society. Every police official interacting with the public is...
Pakistan wants to open all universities to Afghans: Ch Fawad
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Tuesday said Pakistan wants to establish a campus of the COMSATS-the top technological university in Pakistan in the Qandahar province of Afghanistan. He was speaking at the Second Youth Entrepreneurs Conference held here, arranged by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) to provide young entrepreneurs from both countries an opportunity to share ideas and experiences. The Minister also assured Pakistan’s readiness to open almost all its universities to Afghan students who aspire to get their higher education in Pakistan along with establishment of scientific and incubation centers across Afghanistan, as only quality education and enlightenment can ensure a bright and secure future. He said that there is a huge onus on the youth of both countries to forget the bitter experiences of past and work together for a better future which can only be achieved through innovation and learning from the past. Speaking on the occasion, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhil said security and prosperity of Afghanistan and Pakistan are highly interconnected, so both countries should work together for their mutual benefits. He added that some remarkable progress has been made through Pak-Afghan partnerships particularly through people-to-people interactions. He expressed hope that joint ventures of public and private sector will help in enhancing relations between the two countries. He also highlighted that importance of such meeting and youth’s voices in enhancing the bilateral trade ties between the two neighbors. He added that lasting and durable peace is the fundamental demand and desire of all Afghans and is possible only by reducing violence and a comprehensive ceasefire. He was of the view that the youth from both sides can play an important role in peace building, countering terrorism, and for the development of Afghanistan. He concluded with mentioning Pakistan’s desire for Afghanistan...
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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.