Current Projects
Pakistan Center of Excellence
Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE) is a major CVE initiative by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) designed to trigger critical thinking through a discourse anchored in fundamental global values such as socio-political diversity, acceptance of diversity, rule of law and equal citizenry, as well as the rights afforded within Pakistan’s Constitution (articles 8-28). This landmark project is running with the support of the government of Netherlands.
Women Parliamentarians Beyond Boundaries group should be formed between Pak-Afghan parliamentarians, recommends Shandana Gulzar
Parliamentarians from Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday announced a new initiative Women Parliamentarians Beyond Boundaries (WPBB) to push for greater understanding and bilateral cooperation. The idea was floated by Member National Assembly (MNA) Shandana Gulzar, who said if doctors can operate without boundaries, why can’t public representatives do so by joining hands to serve and guide their people? Ms Gulzar said this at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Women Parliamentarians’ Dialogue, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and the Organization for Economic Studies and Peace (OESP) in Afghanistan. The conference was designed to bring together members of parliament and senior female officials from both countries to communicate and collaborate across a wide variety of common goals. The gathering was inaugurated by H. E. Najib Alikhil, the honorable ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan, who lauded CRSS’ efforts in expanding and improving people-to-people relations between the two countries and highlighted the women forum as a clear example of the organization’s success. He stated that the stability, security, and prosperity of the two countries was deeply linked, and cooperation needed to be improved in trade and transit, education, health, and security. He was appreciative of the positive recent diplomatic exchanges between the two countries and said that PM Imran Khan’s vision for of peace is achievable with direct contribution of all stakeholders and a comprehensive ceasefire. Shinkai Karokhail, Member Parliament Afghanistan and leader of the delegation, said that engaging more women can help change the face of Afghan politics. She stated that women’s role in lasting peace is critical, and Afghan women welcome and expect regional women to support them in whatever way possible. Dr. Nausheen Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health, stated that health is a common challenge and shared goal. She briefed the honorable...
Punjab launches Women Safety App: A step towards women security
The Punjab government, in its efforts to protect and empower women, launched a mobile phone application through the Punjab Police department named ‘Punjab Police – Women Safety App’. Inspector General of Police Inam Ghani on Sunday stated that safeguard of women and immediate solution to their issues was among top preferences of the Punjab Police and that’s why the women safety application was launched by using new technology. This news appears to be a ray of hope for the women of the province as the number of sexual, domestic, emotional, and verbal violence incidents was constantly rising, not just in Punjab, but in the whole country. At the launch of the application on January 31, 2021, IG Punjab stated that the application has been designed by the effective use of information technology and besides Punjab Police, important agencies like Rescue, Motorway Police, and Punjab Highway Patrol have also been included so that the process of protection of women could be improved and women face the least amount of difficulty in challenging situations. He also urged all female students, working ladies and housewives of the province to immediately download Punjab Police Women Safety App in their mobile phones and register themselves on it so that they can get all possible help and guidance from the options available on this app. The app is an excellent example of constructive use of modern technology. It is a simple mobile app that could be downloaded and used on all smart phones. Women can easily register themselves by entering basic information from their mobile phones, and the app makes Emergency Helpline-15, Rescue 1122, Highway Police, and Motorway Police just one click away, in case of any emergency. In addition to bringing the security departments close, the app allows women to scan the location before going anywhere by observing the reviews given by other women, moreover, they can also give feedback on their experiences of being safe, partially safe, and unsafe...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Volunteerism and Social Cohesion
The 134th 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. Avinash Das, a volunteer for United Nations Youth Programme, noted that there are millions of volunteers around the world who work in extreme conditions without complaining or demanding any recognition for their work because what drives them is their purpose so selfless and vision considerate of not only their personal development but the broader communal development needs. Volunteerism is about offering your precious time and skills for the benefit of other people and to uplift marginalized groups. More appropriately, it is the passion that leads to internal and external peace. Volunteerism is a pivotal aspect of social cohesion because volunteers assist people and organizations without any discrimination and regardless of their caste, creed, religion, gender, age, etc. The second guest on show, Ms. Ayesha, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student of Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), said that volunteerism is one of the best ways how we can pay back to our society, where it can also be termed as the culmination of responsible citizenship. The third guest on show, Dr. Abrar Khan, a faculty member of the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, noted that educational institutions can provide the best platform to teach the young on how to contribute to society as an individual. Volunteerism helps youth to positively channelize their energy into the development processes and promote the messaging key to peace. Engagement of youth in the communal development process can help build their skills as future leaders, and not only help them thrive but the entire society. Educational institutions, especially schools, should include volunteer activities as part of their curriculum to encourage the spirit of social work in their students and...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Human Rights and Social Cohesion
The 133rd 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. Riaz Ghafoor, Assistant Director, Department of Information, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a significant milestone in the history of human rights. This document was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, and was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 vide General Assembly resolution 217A. It set out a common standard of achievements for all peoples and nations and fundamental human rights to be universally protected. As a matter of respect for fundamental human rights and to foster social cohesion, acceptance of diversity and differences is absolutely critical. All these fundamental human rights are not only enshrined in the UDHR but also our constitution vide articles 8-28 where every citizen is equally entitled to them. Our religion also promotes these rights for both women and men and inclusion of all members of the society. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the protection of these rights and enforce them through the institutions as part of the justice system, to ensure both equality and equity. Also important is to generate awareness among and educate the public about their rights and responsibilities towards the society as part of their social contract. To bring the newly merged districts at par with the developed parts of the country, it is extremely important to ensure provision of fundamental human rights for their residents as an opportunity to expand the country’s social capital. The second guest on show, Ms. Marukh, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student, noted that Ulasi Taroon workshops familiarized her with the concepts and essentialities of social cohesion and that how...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Enabling the Differently Abled
The 132nd 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. Syed Ilyas, CEO of Paraplegic Center, Hayatabad, noted that the rights of all the citizens including differently abled members of the society are enshrined in the constitution, which thus should leave no room for discriminating them in any way. They need to be treated with both equality and equity to make the most of their unique potential. In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Human Rights introduced the ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2018 in the Parliament on December 21, 2018. The Bill specifically proposed equity in the employment for PWDs in the public and private sector without discrimination. Later the National Assembly of Pakistan passed ‘The ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2020’. State should ensure the provision of facilities to cater to the different needs of PWDs and ensure their social inclusion. No society can achieve cohesion and flourish without the inclusion of all the members of society and valuing and harnessing their unique contributions and potential in the development processes. There is also a huge onus of the other members of society, to treat PWDs with equal respect, support and cooperate with them in a way that they do not feel excluded. We should think of them as persons with different abilities. The second guest on show, Mr. Umair Tayyab, opined that International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year, however, it is useless to observe such occasions without creating awareness on the rights of PWDs. PWDs are equally entitled to the right to education, therefore, the overall social structure should be considerate and inclusive of their participation needs. They are gifted with unique skills and need opportunities to channelize their...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Promoting Gender Equality to Prevent Violence Against Women
The 131st 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. Mehwish Mohib Kakakhel, an advocate by profession, noted that the provision of equal citizenry rights is ensured by the constitution of Pakistan where the fundamental human rights vide articles 8-28 are available to all citizens without any discrimination of gender. Laws on property, harassment and domestic violence issues are crucial for gender equality and address structural inequality issues. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) courts at the district level (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) where GBV related cases are specifically heard is an exemplary initiative as it provides speedy justice to the litigants. It also acts as a model for whole range of other interventions for gender equality. It is not only a matter of legislation but also awareness among the women about legal services on offer and how to utilize them to seek justice. But we must be cognizant of the fact that the state can only do so much and it is the responsibility of the citizens to report and support victims and connect and facilitate them availing the legal services on offer. Role of media is also worth mentioning, for positive portrayal of the role of women in the society. Speedy justice is another essentiality where the process of service delivery should be prompt enough. Legislation will be of no avail unless the key law enforcement institutions as part of criminal justice system implement the GBV related laws efficiently. The second guest on show, Mr. Muhammad Danish, a student and CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumnus noted that violence has different manifestations, and all forms of violence should be responded whether physical or mental. Women, children and transgender community are more vulnerable to different forms of violence and need special attention and legal coverage. It is the social and legal...
Is Religion An Impediment for Women’s Economic Empowerment?
Religion and religious ideologies have always managed to hold their place in all societies. In the recent past, religion has been used as a tool to promote terrorism and militancy by some interest groups globally. In Pakistan however, besides its use for promoting terrorist/extremist ideologies by the militant organizations, religion has often been used to subjugate women. Pakistan has a significantly low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index 2020, placing it only ahead of Iraq and Yemen. Despite improvements over time, only half of the female population is literate, whereas 72.5 percent of males are literate. Similarly, female labor force participation stands at only 20.1%. With only 1 percent of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities as opposed to 21 percent of male population. Majority of women entrepreneurs are operating in the informal (SMEs) space, and the concentration of women led businesses is confined to traditional female sectors such as textiles, beauty, food, agriculture and vocational training etc. This low performance of women in the economic arena is due to many factors. E.g. Pakistan is a highly patriarchal and conservative country in which gender roles are defined according to religion and culture be it social, political or economic. As per existing gender roles assigned, women are meant to be inside the four boundaries of the house, tending to ‘women’s work’ while men are meant to deal with the outside world of politics and economics referred to as ‘men’s work’. The discrimination against girl child/females starts at home and often female children are deprived of opportunities of higher education and skill development, and as a result most of the times females are unable to explore employment as skilled workers besides having fewer business opportunities. The attitude of parents towards their daughters is getting them married as soon as possible. Low levels of education, socio-cultural norms, patriarchy, fear of being harassed, and lack of...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Peace, Progress and Tolerance
The 130th 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. Hafiz Salman from Peshawar High Court noted that the essence of tolerance lies in acceptance and respecting diversity and different opinions living in the society. It is not only an essentiality for peace and coexistence as anchored in the constitution but also underpinned by all the religions on earth. Tolerance is a muscle cultivated and strengthened by regular practice. During dialogue, while it is important enough to get your point across, equally important is to give a chance of good hearing to the others point of view. Tolerance perspectives can be best nurtured and encouraged at home and then educational institutions as a mandatory youth development exercise. Educational institutions ought to be cognizant of the need to build critical thinking skills of the young and encourage them to ask questions about the issues of their concern. Only then can we develop their problem-solving skills and generate new knowledge. The second guest on show, Ms. Maheen, a student and CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna, noted that tolerance is a process, more of a journey and not a destination, and is best continued successfully through empathy. Exhibiting respect and acceptance is not merely a matter of our moral obligation but also social, political and legal binding as responsible citizens. During conflicting situations, tolerance may be a difficult choice but its impact is worth it. Our society should be more open to questions which can augment the process of peace building, progress and prosperity. The young people as major social media users can use the medium to promote the messaging key to social peace and harmony. Both guests concurred that initiatives like Ulasi Taroon can help achieve these ends manifest in the way they actively engage and build the peacebuilding...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Children as Equal Citizens
The 129th 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. Imran Takar, Child Rights Activist, noted that the fundamental human rights enshrined in the constitution are available to all citizens of the state including children. It is the responsibility of the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years. These are formative years of children and need not to be missed to cultivate their potential for responsible citizenship and future leaders. Child rights violations need to be dealt seriously to create deterrence in the society while different forms of media also need to be utilized effectively for public awareness and cooperation on child rights protection. The second guest on show Mr. Farman Ullah, a student of FATA University and Ulasi Taroon Alumnus, noted that youth development efforts of civil society like CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon workshops enable the young to participate in the democratic and development processes in the society. Being part of Ulasi Taroon workshops, I was able to learn the importance of acceptance and equality for social cohesion, and that how important the dialogue for peaceful coexistence, especially in a diverse environment. The third guest on phone, Ms. Valerie Khan, Child Rights Activist, noted that one of the most serious issues concerning the child rights is child marriage which is a curse that needs to be tackled at different levels including social and parliament. Addressing the issues of children requires onboarding women at different levels of society; from grass root to decision making. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the...
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TESTIMONIALS
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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.