The 100th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 27, 2019, on the topic of “Interfaith Harmony”. The first guest on show, Mr. Nakaash Bhatti, a representative of Christian community and a lecturer at Government College Peshawar, opined that the acceptance of diversity requires cross-cultural interactions and inter-faith dialogue. The educational curricula can also be utilized to sensitize the youth on the importance of respecting diversity in the society in terms of different cultures, languages, religions etc. There is a critical need to inculcate tolerance perspectives in the children for their open-mindedness and acceptance of differences living in the society. The direct outcome of interfaith and intercultural dialogue is social peace and harmony. The second guest on show, Ms. Sapna Rani, a teacher and a representative from Hindu community was of the view that understanding and respecting the social diversity is the fundamental ingredient for social harmony and peaceful co-existence. The role of religious leaders is highly instrumental to promote intra- and inter-faith harmony; promoting the positive values of peace and coexistence. The third guest on show, Mr. Hassan Madani, an Islamic scholar, noted that there is a need to develop public understanding on how the religious diversity can be used as an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion. Interfaith harmony leads to mutual trust and cooperation in the society critical for the country’s social capital and development. It can be fostered through dialogue or other tools of strategic communication and dissemination. Respect for fundamental human rights demands equal citizenry and not judging each other on the basis of religion or sect. Sustainable change happens slowly and gradually but we should believe in the process no matter how small the steps or how little the output. We must be...

The 99th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 20, 2019, on the topic of “Youth Development and Social Cohesion”. The guests were of the view that youth development should be fathomed and treated as the most urgent priority for national development. The first guest on show, Dr. Khursheed Ahmed from the Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar, noted that there is a huge onus on the educational institutions to sensitize the youth on the values key to social cohesion and not just the formal education. This will enable the young people to channelize their potential into the national socio-political life. There is also a dire need to equip the young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to articulate their views on the issues of concern and effectively participate in the dialogue processes. Given their tremendous potential, the state should provide opportunities to youth that are not only important for them to prosper and thrive but also for their contribution in the development of the country. Civil society is making the biggest contribution to promote the ideals of social cohesion but the country needs more of similar conscious efforts from other stakeholders as well. The second guest on show, Ms. Farishta Noor, a student of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Peshawar, opined that while we talk about the concepts of diversity, human rights and social cohesion but hardly do we see them in practice. Post participation in the CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon workshops, we came to know that the constitution of Pakistan is very inclusive in nature, considerate of the needs of its diverse society and provides equal rights to all without any discrimination. It’s about time that the social cohesion perspectives are incorporated in the educational curricula as a more systemic youth development...

The 98th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 13, 2019, on the topic of “Role of Educational Institutions to Foster Civic Engagement”. The guests on shows were of the view that in civilized societies, every citizen is expected to work for the communal welfare through volunteerism. The first guest on show, Mr. Asif Khan from the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, noted that the purpose of education should not only be to qualify what the market needs but also hone the social change potential and become responsible citizens. The two most important institutions responsible to sensitize the youth on active and volunteer civic engagement and social welfare activities are family and educational institutions. Such an engagement and involvement of youth develop their potential for democratic participation and development. Youth is the primary source and force to solve civic problems as they are a catalyst for change. Having a sense of responsibility among individuals is the basic element for civic engagement. Promoting the culture of dialogue is need of the hour as it will not only develop the inherent communal capacity to resolve their issues but also encourage for a volunteer social change drive. The second guest on show, Ms. Almas Sikandar, a student from Department of Gender Studies, University of Peshawar opined that the educated citizens have a greater responsibility of social change than their illiterate counterparts. Youth direly needs to be sensitized on and resort to volunteerism as a matter of national interest. This way, they will become the role models and inspiring examples for future generations. Any change expected in the society has a precondition of attitudinal and behavioral changes. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to...

The 97th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 06, 2019, on the topic of “Youth Development and Critical Thinking”. The guests were of the view that developing critical thinking skills of youth is the fundamental requirement for their role in the national development. The first guest on show, Mr. Amjad Hussain, Lecturer, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar opined that critical thinking is such a skill through which we can distinguish between good and bad and have an informed opinion. It is the most important skill that the young people can ever have as it allows them to deal with formidable real life challenges; having been capable of complex problem solving. The educational institutions should be cognizant of this critical need and inculcate in their teaching methods as well, to create a critical mass of youth. Lack of critical thinking is poisonous to the system and highly conducive to conflicts and disintegration. Our students should be encouraged to ask questions going beyond the ‘what’ aspect of the issues; asking and analyzing through ‘how’ and ‘why’ aspects. The learning resulting from this process will help them develop critical thinking skills and deal with the complex problems in real life situations. Critical thinking is one of the most misunderstood concepts and it should not be confused with criticism. We should also promote the culture of dialogue – embedded in the democratic values - in the society. The second guest on show, Ms. Umaima Zia, a student of International Relations from University of Peshawar, noted that critical thinking is as much an important soft skill as networking, communication, decision making, social intelligence and conflict management. Diversity is the beauty of any society that – if accepted and celebrated – nurtures critical thinking, whereas monotony in the society...

The 95th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 22, 2019, on the topic of “Values of Social Cohesion”. The first guest on show Mr. Umair Tayyab, from University of Peshawar said that social inclusion – one of the key values of social cohesion – means equal citizenry where every citizen feels to be an important member of the society and is given equal opportunities to participate in the decision making processes. Also everyone is entitled to equal fundamental rights – as enshrined in the constitution – without any discrimination at all. Marginalization of any group in the society makes them feel discouraged and disgraced which can lead to disastrous disintegration in the society. Inclusion demands that the differently abled people in the society are given ample opportunities to fully showcase and channelize their true potential. The state is responsible to provide job and equal education opportunities to all its citizens. Women empowerment is crucial for national development where the role of male counterparts is very critical; exhibiting more respect and understanding. Religious leaders are the vital actors to promote inclusion of disenfranchised groups in the society, he concluded. The second guest on show, Ms. Arzoo Khan, President, Transgender Community, termed social education of the society at large as the primary precondition for inclusion of marginalized segments in the society. The transgender community is deprived of their due rights which jeopardizes social cohesion. The exclusion of marginalized groups from the socio-political activities and decision making processes leads conflicts and only furthers polarization. The transgender community deserves equal opportunities for social mobility, progress and to contribute and participate in the development processes including democratic and political. There is a huge onus on the society...