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...

The 88th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 04, 2019, on the topic of “Post Globalized Era, Social Cohesion and Role of Youth”. The show focused on the speech made by Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) during the Second Annual Alumni Gathering held as part of the CRSS’s counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon. The first guest on show, Mr. Abdul Haq, a faculty member of City University, Peshawar endorsed Dr. Qibla Ayaz’s analysis that the world has moved beyond the nation-state to the globalization and transnational era; what we call post-globalized era. The world has become a global village with the increasing interconnectivity and interdependence. Such an overwhelming percentage of young population may seem like a challenge but it’s a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity, by harnessing their potential for national development. Youth can become an important instrument to bring positive change. However, our education system needs to be reformed to meet the needs of this transnational post globalized era i.e. ideals of cohesion, cooperation, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence. The role of civil society is also crucial to cultivate the society; especially youth, in the values of social cohesion, adherence to rule of law, tolerance and understanding. “During the Annual Alumni Gathering of the initiative, it was heartening to hear such views from youth leaders which are critical to social cohesion”, said Mr. Abdul Haq while appreciating CRSS’s youth development initiative Ulasi Taroon. He added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - after going through many formidable challenges of peace and security for more than a decade, which certainly has taught many lessons, has now started to experience progress. The second guest on show, Ms. Sheba shared that youth is a very valuable capital states can ever...