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...

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...

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...