The 123rd 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 program discussed the role of social media in cultivating social cohesion among the communities, given how it has proved to be a game changer in terms of public outreach and dissemination of all sorts of information. The first guest on show, Mr. Riaz Ghafoor, Assistant Director Information, Local government Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that freedom of media is an essentially for the development and growth of democracy. It helps holding the system of governance accountable and resultantly improves critical public services delivery. Rampant social media misuse and information available without credible sources calls for citizen’s critical evaluation through the course of their social media usage. Social media literacy is need of the hour where the users should be sensitized on its exceptional potential for positive purposes given the incredible outreach and user base of the platform. It should also be used to promote tolerance perspectives and mobilization for the other objectives of communal concern. It is the responsibility of media houses to provide news and information to the citizens in a dispassionate and impartial way, while also being conscious of the sensitivities living in the society. Ms. Muska Safi, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon alumna shared that the role of media has expanded to assist the government by highlighting the gaps in the core services delivery and other issues of public concern. The youth - as a major user of social media - should utilize this platform for social development purposes and disseminate positive messages, to delegitimize extremism; both online and offline. Participation in CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon workshop familiarized me with the ideals of social cohesion and virtues of acceptance and coexistence. Especially, I learned that despite differences, how...

The 122nd 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. Rehana, a faculty member from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar noted that educational curriculum is of paramount importance to promote social cohesion, and it can serve as an institutionalized peacebuilding mechanism. All the developed nations have used this strategy to strengthen their social capital and for democratic development. The purpose of education should not only be to prepare the students for the market needs but also to fulfill the needs of a cohesive society. The teacher leaders themselves need capacity to advance these social development goals. The second guest on show, Mr. Mustafa from Islamia College University, Peshawar and CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon alumnus, noted that there is a huge responsibility on teachers to train the young minds to think critically, do research and generate new knowledge. Only through these skills, can they have the problem-solving capacity for the practical lives. The guest on phone, Dr. Adeel Rehman from FATA University, noted that living in a diverse society means a responsibility for its members to exhibit respect and acceptance. Youth is our future and to make it more connected and cohesive, we must sensitize them on the values key to peace and harmony. We must promote dialogue on the issues critical to peacebuilding, with all the stakeholders as part of the discussion. CRSS Ulasi Taroon workshop held at FATA university was very helpful to familiarize the tribal youth with notion of social cohesion and their roles as future leaders in the development processes. 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...

The 121st 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 the show, Mr. Imran Takar, a child rights activist from Peshawar, noted that our children not only just need food, education and health facilities but there are many other basic rights that they are entitled to. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - a legally-binding international agreement - sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of race, religion or abilities. Having agreed and ratified this and as a matter of its international commitment, it is the responsibility of state to extend these rights while also onboarding the society to ensure their implementation. These include the right to life, survival and development, protection from violence, abuse or neglect, education that helps them reach their true potential, express their opinions and be listened to, and be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents. The children also need justice like the adult population. The vision of the founder of Pakistan for indiscriminate equality and inclusion is pretty much applicable to the rights of children. The second guest on the show, Mohammad Idrees, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumnus and a student of Islamia College University, Peshawar, noted that there is a critical importance attached to the child rearing process given their future roles in the development of the society. They should be given the care and rights they deserve as an essentiality for their healthy upbringing. Participation in the CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon workshops was an enchanting experience and helped inculcating open-mindedness among us. Such workshops are of special utility to and should be continued to be held for the students from rural areas who do not have access to such opportunities. Peace is dependent upon the...

The 120th 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. Jamil Ahmed Chitrali from Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar, noted that democracy is the most popular and inclusive form of government in the contemporary global state system. It is a time-tested system and proven to be conducive to progress, development and social cohesion; with numerous evidences in the contemporary scholarship. In this system, constitution works as a social contract between citizens and state to be mutually answerable to each other. While the citizens are entitled to certain fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, there are some duties as well that need to perform as a matter of responsible, law abiding citizenship. The outcome of the successful implementation of this contract is social peace, harmony and development. The role of youth is very important is promoting democracy; its values key to peace and acceptance as they are the future leaders. The future of Pakistan lies in due compliance with the democratic values. The second guest on show, Ms. Zala Saif, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student of journalism and mass communication at University of Peshawar, noted that democracies put citizens in such a social setting where they have to cooperate with and respect each other to achieve the share socio-political and economic goals. The resultant environment is more likely to be cohesive and peaceful. The system of democracy promotes acceptance, rule of law and equality; equal rights and opportunities for development. The third guest on show, Ms. Noureen Nasreen, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar opined that the fundamental pre-requisite for democracy to flourish is equality; where everyone is treated as an equally important citizen and given one’s due rights....