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....

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...