Current Projects
Exclusive Interview: Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, SDPI, On Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral & Transit Trade During COVID19 Pandemic
In an exclusive online interview with Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), shed light on the impact of COVID19 pandemic on Pakistan’s economy and trade, particularly with its neighboring landlocked country, Afghanistan, and the systematic measures that can be adopted in case of a prolonged lock-down. ASC: How does the COVID-19 impact Pakistan’s economy and trade with other countries in the region? Dr. Vaqar Ahmed: Thank you for having me. I am very grateful for your invitation. COVID19’s impact on developing countries will be profound. In Pakistan’s context, we can see that while our aggregate local demand was already under pressure, now the global demand has also come under pressure. Along with the sluggish oil prices and their impacts on the global markets, we are faced with a trade shock where the exporters are receiving a lower demand from the foreign countries for their export items. As for the local situation, since there is low growth, the pressures will be phenomenal in the coming days. What we also know is that there are going to be multiple rounds of COVID19. What concerns me the most is whether we are prepared for those or not. We do know that is that this is only the first round of the trade shock and these trade shocks are occurring due to two main reasons. Firstly, because international supply chains have been disrupted, there are border closures. Within countries there are logistical issues and then there are challenges around the hygiene, and quarantine facilities at ports and land route stations that handle trade. Secondly, this disruption is going to impact lives, people and jobs, which are going to be associated with the productive sectors of the economy. We have not just seen this in the case of industry or services but also in the case of agriculture. With many countries lacking capacity to employ safe agricultural livestock practices, you are looking at...
Conference: Pak-Afghan Youth Entrepreneurs Devise Digital Business Strategies & Solutions To Deal With The COVID-19 Pandemic
As part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center’s efforts to enhance Pak-Afghan trade relations, improve business cooperation and explore ways of developing partnerships and joint ventures, CRSS organized a virtual Pak-Afghan Youth Entrepreneurs Conference on April 20, 2020 on Zoom. Over a dozen youth entrepreneurs from both Pakistan and Afghanistan belonging to various fields came together to discuss the current challenges being faced by entrepreneurs during this global pandemic. The current impact of COVID 19 reveals that the global economy is going to take a massive hit. Furthermore, it is evident that due to COVID 19, many sectors will face enormous challenges and unemployment will also rise worldwide. Considering these factors, SMEs and entrepreneurs can capture the market share during this time. Afghan participants included Ms. Parwarish Oryakheil, Vice President (AWCCI); Mr. Naqibullah Safi, Executive Director, PAJCCI; Ms. Spozhmai Siam, CEO Siam Business; Mr. Siam Parsalay, CEO Business Doctors; Ms. Asiya Ahmad, Co-Founder Tech Life; Ms. Weda Sabir, President, Talent Hunt Company and Ms. Marzia Panahi, Director Namad, while Pakistani participants included Ms. Fatima Anila, CEO Alvarish Pvt Ltd; Mr. Fahad Nasir, Manager Oxybridge; Mr. Aamir Malik, CEO, Time & Tune, and Ms. Wardah Usman; Manager Oxybridge. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Fatima Anila and Mr. Junaid Khan, Program Manager, Economic Connectivity, CRSS. As the entrepreneurs came from different sectors, the idea behind the conference was to gain an insight into how various businesses are dealing with the current challenges being posed by COVID-19 and what strategies will be adapted if the pandemic persists and the global lockdown prolongs. The entrepreneurs discussed the following four sectors and presented recommendations vis-à-vis global scenarios. Online businesses Using e-Commerce and Digital Solutions Recent studies have revealed that the...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Social Cohesion and Role of Civil Society
The 103rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on the topic of “Social Cohesion and Role of Civil Society”. The first guest on show, Mr. Subhan Ali, a social activist from Peshawar, noted that civil society is one of the most misunderstood concepts in Pakistan where it is only attributed to the non- governmental organizational (NGOs). It’s basically a social and public sphere that is located above the domain of family and below the state and includes almost all private-owned media, out-of-government political parties, various non-profit social, political and economic associations of people, institutions and organizations form civil society of a country. The role of civil society is critical not only to democratic development but cardinal in almost all aspects of public life. Peace cannot be built and extremism cannot be defeated without an all-inclusive strategy that considers and fosters proactive role of civil society. No government can achieve the social cohesion, peace and development goals alone without an active support and cooperation of all and sundry. Therefore, the government should help ease challenges facing civil society of the country as a critical support for citizens’ progress and prosperity. The second guest on show, Ms. Farah Yousufzai, a social activist, opined that non-governmental organizations are playing a remarkable part in the social peace and development while working in collaboration with the government, which makes their efforts more effective and transparent. A vibrant civil society is key to democracy which promotes respect for human rights, women empowerment and all those fundamental values and provision enshrined in the constitution. Only through such an education, can communities coexist respectfully. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Post Globalized Era and Social Cohesion
The 102nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on the topic of “Post Globalized Era and Social Cohesion”. The first guest on show, Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), noted that globalization is such a phenomenon that connects different parts of the world and leads to greater interaction among various populations. This results in the expansion of international culture, and economic and political activities beyond the state borders. Globalization has created a free market economy and the world has become virtually a borderless planet. The post globalized era may pose some challenges but at the same time, it means many unprecedented opportunities of peace, cohesion and development. Public awareness about the opportunities of globalization is vital to harness its true potential for connected growth and development. The young population around the world can make the most out of it by learning, practicing and promoting the global values key to social cohesion. The policy makers should consider allocating resources for youth development given their incessant energies, talent and potential. The second guest on show Mr. Amir Raza, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, said that globalization has shaped the world like the web where everyone – including states and societies – is interconnected with and interdependent on each other. It is this complex interdependence that has created joint high stakes for peace. Globalization is a healthy phenomenon for social cohesion and helps promoting its core values. It should be seen in its universality not as exclusively a western concept. For the countries like Pakistan, it can provide a much-needed opportunity of tourism to not only expose the local communities to foreign cultures but also portray a positive image of the country abroad. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi...
COVID-19: Misinformation As Lethal As Lack Of Information: Speakers
The Afghan Studies Center (ACS) goes virtual with its first-ever online dialogue on the theme “Impact of COVID-19 on Pakistan and Afghanistan and the Role of Youth”. Over 20 participants from different parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan and two from the United Kingdom joined the session to discuss the subject theme and put forward their recommendations in this regard. Youth from both the sides were of the view that we have to look after each other as there is no longer a “me” and a “you”. There is only us. The young lot needs to be determined and committed. We can defeat this virus by banding together and taking it seriously. We have to come up with ideas to help raise awareness. Youth really has to come together to contribute solutions to this problem, and we must convince our peers to do the same, instead of creating additional issues, remarked participants from both countries. Hizbullah Baryal from Afghanistan stated that modern solutions are needed for education in Afghanistan – a sector deeply impacted by this global crisis. Perhaps it is time to use this as an opportunity to revamp our educational systems. Adding to this Ahsan Hamid Durrani from Pakistan said that as we implement online solutions, we need to be mindful that the availability of the internet is not uniform for all students in both countries. The education system needs to come up with alternative ideas as well, instead of just sticking to virtual education prototype. Danyal Hayat from CECOS University Peshawar, while sharing employment side of the COVID 19 impact, stated that at least half a million textile and garment industry workers had been dismissed in Punjab province alone. 12.3 million and 18.5 million people in various sectors may lose their jobs. A lack of written labor contracts, inadequate legal protections, and poor enforcement of labor laws and regulations could heighten the problems during this crisis. Aleena Shah, President Youth General Assembly (YGA) Pakistan and Safia...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Good Governance and Social Cohesion
The 101st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on January 03, 2020, on the topic of “Good Governance and Social Cohesion”. “In the contemporary world, democracy is the most viable, inclusive, desirable and sustainable form of government as it is of the people, by the people, for the people”, resonated with all the guest speakers. The first guest on show, Mr. Ajmal Khan, a lecturer of political science from Edwards College, Peshawar, opined that the human rights, cultural diversity and social cohesion are among the core principles of democratic governance where every citizen has equal opportunities for social mobility, quality education and participation in the decision making processes, just to name a few. Therefore, this form of governance is not only conducive for the provision of fundamental human rights to all the citizens, but also to uphold rule of law and bolster across the board accountability. For democracy to flourish, not only the citizenry should be responsible but also the political leadership where they should adopt the democratic values before propagation. Institutional transparency and separation of powers where they observe their respective constitutional limits is crucial for socio-political and economic progress, as well as democratic development. The second guest on show, Mr. Imad Khalil, an advocate by profession, said that democratic governance is all about citizens empowerment and equality, accountability and rule of law. Its overarching focus in public empowerment and prosperity is manifested in its fundamental principles. Youth is backbone of the society and need opportunities and capacity for participation in the political and decision making processes as well as national development. State must not miss this opportunity to strengthen democracy by allocating resources for youth leadership development; equipping them with the...
Misinformation as lethal as lack of information amid COVID-19 pandemic, stress Youth Leaders from Pakistan and Afghanistan
Afghan Studies Center (ACS) goes virtual with its first ever online dialogue on the theme “Impact of COVID-19 on Pakistan and Afghanistan and the Role of Youth”. Over 20 participants from different parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan and two from UK joined the session to discuss the subject theme and put forward their recommendations in this regard. Youth from both the sides were of the view that we have to look after each other as there is no longer a “me” and a “you”. There is only us. The young lot needs to be determined and committed. We can defeat this virus by banding together and taking it seriously. We have to come up with ideas to help raise awareness. Youth really has to come together to contribute solutions to this problem, and we must convince our peers to do the same, instead of creating additional issues, remarked participants from both countries. Hizbullah Baryal from Afghanistan stated that modern solutions are needed for education in Afghanistan - a sector deeply impacted by this global crisis. Perhaps it is time to use this as an opportunity to revamp our educational systems. Adding to this Ahsan Hamid Durrani from Pakistan said that as we implement online solutions, we need to be mindful that the availability of the internet is not uniform for all students in both countries. The education system needs to come up with alternative ideas as well, instead of just sticking to virtual education prototype. Danyal Hayat from CECOS University Peshawar, while sharing employment side of the COVID 19 impact, stated that at least half a million textile and garment industry workers had been dismissed in Punjab province alone. 12.3 million and 18.5 million people in various sectors may lose their jobs. A lack of written labor contracts, inadequate legal protections, and poor enforcement of labor laws and regulations could heighten the problems during this crisis. Aleena Shah, President Youth General Assembly (YGA) Pakistan and Safia Ibrahimkhel from Afghanistan...
Q1 Security Report – 2020
Casualties from Violence in Pakistan – Q1, 2020 Pakistan suffered 224 violence-related casualties (140 fatalities and 84 injuries) during the first quarter of 2020. Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) recorded the highest number of fatalities by a wide margin. Balochistan had the second highest number of fatalities (40), followed by Punjab (14), and Sindh (9). Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) had three fatalities while Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) reported no incidents of violence (table 1). [docxpresso file="https://crss.pk/wp-content/uploads/CRSS-Security-Report-Q1-2020-2020.odt" comments="true" SVG="true"]
COVID-19 Myths Vs Truth
Myth 11: The hand sanitizer is as good as soap and water. Truth: The virus is weak, and will die from hand sanitizer, but there is no substitute for soap and water. For Cleaning surfaces, most cleaning products will work. A Public information Campaign by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
COVID-19 Myths Vs Truth
A Public information Campaign by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). Myth 1: the virus will die in Warm/hot Weather. Truth: There is no data to Support this. It is likely that hot weather will help in that the virus will not survive long on hot surfaces, but it will not die altogether.
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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.