The 92nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 01, 2019, on the topic of “Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion”. Given that all the countries in the world are host to some level of religious diversity, interfaith harmony becomes an extremely pertinent global phenomenon. The first guest on show, Mr. Asif Javaid, a social activist and a representative from Hindu community, noted that Pakistan is among those countries of the world where members of all leading religions live. Not only the majority faith Islam, but also the constitution and our culture extend equal rights and freedoms to the members of the communities of different faiths. We must understand that only by respecting the rights of individuals with different faiths, can we coexist peacefully. This mutual respect and understanding is an essentiality for social cohesion. Responsible citizenship demands that every member of the society should spread the message of peace and tolerance. The second guest on show, Mrs. Rubina Moeen, representative of Minhaj-ul-Quran, Peshawar wing, said that Islam means and promotes peace, not only for the Muslims but peace for the entire humanity. Cultivating acceptance perspectives and addressing social intolerance are critical to strengthen social harmony and capital; both key to development. Equal citizenry means equal rights, freedoms, opportunities and justice. A country’s reputation as a responsible member in the global state system also rests upon on the level of state’s impartiality towards its citizens and the freedoms offered to them. 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 in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential...

The 91st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 25, 2019, on the topic of “Dialogue Must for Conflict Resolution”. The first guest on show, Mr. Shakeel Waheed Ullah, a senior journalist based in Peshawar, noted that the diversity is natural to human society, so as the phenomenon of conflict. Conflicts are bound to arise whenever there is a difference of opinion and interests. However, exhibiting tolerance and through understanding of and respect for these differences, these conflicts can be managed at the very initial stage. It is extremely important to nib its occurrence at the onset as ignoring them at this stage can lead to armed and violent conflicts uphill to control later. History is testament to the fact that the ultimate solution to conflict is dialogue. Every society has some indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for personal or communal conflicts. These local provisions must be leveraged for social peace, harmony and order. Pashtun society also has a tradition of Jirga - a local conflict resolution mechanism through dialogue - which though needs reinvigoration and reformation. Youth must also be equipped with the intellectual tools key to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution and CRSS is cultivating the future leaders in the same skills through its youth development initiative of Ulasi Taroon, he concluded. The second guest on show Ms. Sarah Anam, a psychologist, noted that women have a rich peacebuilding potential and their mediation skills can prove to be quite instrumental for conflict resolution. Thus, their role should not be suppressed and they must to be given opportunities for participation in development process. Mediation is always a long term process which is the basic principle of dialogue in any type of conflict. She added that open-mindedness is an essential mediation requirement where the mediator must be...

The 90th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 18, 2019, on the topic of “Freedom of Expression Vital to Strengthen Democracy”. The first guest on show, Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, Former President, Khyber Union of Journalists, opined that freedom of expression is explicitly enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan vide its Article 19 and this provision gives citizens a right to the expression of their opinion but within the certain limits. The states which do not allow its citizens to express themselves on the issues of concern jeopardize their social cohesion. “While multiple opinions and disagreement are the beauty of diversity, self censorship and accountability are also important”, he concluded. The second guest on show, Mr. Lehaz Ali, a senior journalist said that while the citizens living in a democratic state enjoy certain freedoms and protections, they are also subject to certain rules and regulations in place to prevent the violation of others’ rights, uphold rule of law and maintain, social peace and order. The freedoms end where violation of the rights of others begin; more precisely, your freedom ends where my nose begins. Denying citizens their fundamental legal rights leads to chaos and disintegration. Media - with an important role to dispense information and educate public - needs to be impartial. It also needs to be cognizant of the sensitivities living in the society while fulfilling its responsibilities. The third guest on show, Ms. Zoona Javed, a journalism graduate said that democracy demands equal citizenry; equal right to expression on the issues of concern. The fundamental freedoms available to the citizens in a democratic state augur well not only for the democratic development but in other key aspects of progress like social, economic and political. While censorship is important, it should not inhibit the freedom of...

The 89th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 11, 2019, on the topic of “Merger of FATA, a Step Towards Social Cohesion”. The show discussed how the integration of former FATA region into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa greatly supported the equal citizenry dream of tribal people. The first guest on show, Mr. Saeed Ali, a faculty member of FATA University, noted that KP-FATA merger has paved way for tribal district’s equal access to social, economic and political rights as such fundamental provisions were not recognized under the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). The integration augurs well for a bright and a more connected future, where it will give them better opportunities of social inclusion and mobility. Such changes in the life of a nation defines their future. A holistic approach taken by the state is always beneficial for the sustainable peace. The second guest on show, Mr. Alamgir Khan, one of the Ulasi Taroon Youth Alumni and a student of IM Sciences, Peshawar noted that tribal youth understands the need and value of social peace, order and cohesion very well, having witnessed war and violence in the conflict-ridden region. Youth of former FATA truly believe in activism and determined to play their critical role in upholding equality and rule of law. They do not want to be discriminated on the basis of their culture, cast, creed or language. Youth wants equal citizenry, representation and constitutional rights. The legal system in place after the merger will help to provide political, social, and economic rights to the people of tribal districts. What really will make a difference will be the practical steps and implementation of constitutional provisions available to them. Former FATA youth has an important role to play, to spread awareness about the constitutional rights available to and legal services on offer for the tribal...