The 118th 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. Ali Gohar, Advocate, noted that critical thinking is one of the most essential soft skills, especially for young people to help them think logically, formulate good arguments, and create new knowledge. Both parents and academia should encourage the young to ask questions so that they confidently participate in the dialogue processes in a dispassionate way. Cultivating critically thinking young minds can be institutionalized through a system of education that is cognizant and responsive of the future leadership needs of the young minds. The second guest on show, Ms. Irum Rahim, an Ulasi Taroon Alumna, noted that women have an extremely important role in the peacebuilding and development processes. We must inculcate self-confidence and self-belief in them through the capacity building opportunities like CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Youth Workshops. Dr. Shuja, Chairman, Department of Philosophy, University of Peshawar, in his recorded message, said that critical thinking is the pre-requisite for a democratic discourse where people with different views get each other to come around to their point of view through making good arguments and dialogue instead of forcefully imposing views on others. This process of reasoning with critical thinking at the core can help solving problems in a systematic manner and critical to complex problem solving. This skill is of a special significance in democracies where things have to be debated, at the social level as well as in the parliament. This way, the decisions are not imposed rather evolve through am inclusive and informed process. 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...

The 116th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject topic. The first guest on show, Dr. Ilyas Syed, CEO Paraplegic Center, Hayatabad, Peshawar noted that people with physical disabilities are differently abled as they have exceptional capabilities to excel in different areas of life and still capable to achieve a lot. According to The Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981, they have rights for their employment, rehabilitation, and welfare and for matters connected therewith. They have all those rights which are highlighted by Convention on Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – 2006, including right to life, equal recognition before the law, liberty and security, protection of the integrity and independent living. Differently abled persons do not feel any kind of disability in the developed countries as they offer a whole range of dedicated services and facilities easily accessible to such people. Such a portion of population in Pakistan also deserves the same level of treatment; rights and facilities. The state and society should also be considerate of the special needs of such people during the pandemic, as the challenges of COVID crises are more formidable for them to deal with. The government should undertake initiatives to build an inclusive infrastructure which is cognizant of the citizens’ different needs as a measure of social inclusion and fostering sense of belonging among all the citizens. The second guest on show, Mr. Rizwan Ahmed, student of Sarhad University of Information Technology (SUIT), noted that participation in CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon workshop sensitized me to respect others rights, be respectful of the people with different opinions and empathetic of the diverse needs of differently abled people. Cultivating such a mindset is extremely important for a peaceful society and for successful...

The 115th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed the how equal citizenry rights figure in the post FATA-KP merger scenario. The first guest on show, Ms. Baseerat Bibi, Member, Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that Pakistan’s tribal areas had been governed under a special law known as the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) for over seven decades since creation of Pakistan, until they were merged with KP province through 25th constitutional amendment. Previously, the access to fundamental human rights - available to the citizens in other parts of the country - was highly restricted for the people of former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) due to FCR. The 25th amendment has increased the public awareness about fundamental values and created an environment conducive to participation in and access to democratic processes and rights, respectively. The step augurs well for the region in terms of peace, security and development. Women need to be encouraged to come forward and play their critical role in the peace building process. While the development process in the region will be gradual and it will take some time to develop the core service delivery systems, it is really important for people to be patient and cooperate, aware of the new system and services on offer for them. To bring change in the merged districts, it is extremely important to educate people and sensitize them on the values - of respect, acceptance and rule of law - key to social cohesion, where media has an important role to play in this regard. The second guest on show, Mr. Abdul Majid Wazir, a student and Ulasi Taroon alumnus, noted that the young members of tribal society have an important role to play in the development of their region, especially in terms of improving democratic awareness. This includes enhancing public understanding about their rights that...