Current Projects
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Ideals of Social Cohesion
The 81st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on August 16, 2019, on the theme of “Ideals of Social Cohesion”. The program emphasized on the provision of equal rights to the citizens, awareness of and acceptance for diversity, inclusive democracy and rule of law as fundamental ideals of social cohesion. The first guest on show, Mr. Nangiyal Azam Khan, a public administration student and one of the Ulasi Taroon Alumni, said that social cohesion is social bond between the people living together in a society and a social fabric that binds them together. There are some fundamental elements that are involved in establishment and sustainment of social cohesion in a society. A cooperative relationship established between the individuals of the society is the first and foremost element and essentiality for social cohesion, however, that varies across different cultures and societies. The role of social actors, change agents and leaders is the most important element to bring cohesion in the society, where firmness of character is a necessary quality of the leader. All the citizens must have awareness about their rights enshrined in the constitution as human rights education can greatly decrease the vulnerability of citizens against the human rights abuses. The institutional reformation is also an outcome of the collective public pressure mobilized by the constitutionally learned citizens. The constitution of Pakistan provides equal rights to all the citizens regardless of their religious, social, economic or political backgrounds and proper implementation of such constitutional provisions is absolutely essential to counter and prevent extremism in the society. Social media has an incredible potential to drive social change among the society and can prompt the masses into responsible citizenship given its true power leveraged. Same is the case with...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Ulasi Taroon at a Glance
The 80th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on August 09, 2019, on the theme of “Ulasi Taroon at a Glance”. The first guest on show Mr. Malik Mustafa, Manager Programs, CRSS shared that the Center has been consciously striving to promote fundamental democratic values critical to peace and social cohesion since its inception and recognizes its drive for social changes as its core mandate as a think tank, training and advocacy center. As part its advocacy for a just and equal society, it has undertaken a counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) that aims to cultivate the youth leaders and the society at large in the core constitutional ideals of respect, diversity, acceptance and rule of law; all those democratic ethos that nurture social cohesion. Research based evidence suggests that many socio-political problems in the country can be easily attributed to the lack of social and political education; especially constitutional education. Human rights education can easily prevent human rights abuses. There is a tendency among youth to discuss the contemporary problems and make criticisms without being able to identify their critical roles to ameliorate these issues. Ulasi Taroon aims to prompt them think critically of the notion of the better future where they not only just keep complaining of what is missing, demanding what needs to happen but also fathom that an equal onus lies on them for the Pakistan they desire and the responsibilities that they need to undertake for a connected and cohesive future. Pakistani youth is immensely talented; it only needs opportunities to channelize their infinite potential into national development and Ulasi Taroon aims to precisely hone the skillset required in this regard. Youth across the globe are highly receptive to the diverse ideas which underpins the importance of youth development...
Role of Tribal Youth Key to Development: Speakers
One of the essential elements of inclusive democracy is complaint redressal mechanism to address the issues that concern the citizens the most, said Dr. Jamil Ahmad Chitrali from Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar during the 22nd round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at and in collaboration with FATA University, F.R. Kohat. He said that the responsive governance rests upon the critical feedback of all the public and private sector stakeholders to improve the service delivery through an inclusive process. The merger of tribal districts augurs well for the socio-political and economic progress of the region as it will harness the potential of tribal people for national development. At the core of inclusive democracy is indiscriminate accountability and transparency that can in turn strengthen the institutions. Conflict is one of the most misunderstood concepts where the conflict of ideas and different opinions living in the society ultimately lead to the socio-political growth and adds to the society’s collective wisdom. Democracy nourishes with freedom of expression where citizens share their diverse perspectives with respect and understanding. He concluded that merger of tribal districts has come with opportunities as well as challenges, however we have to be a bit patient. Mr. Sanober Khan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Headquarters, Kohat said that rule of law means that everyone is subject to and equally accountable before law, regardless of the socio-political and economic backgrounds. KP police – through its massive reformation - have different services on offer which are oriented for public welfare, safety and security and to meet the policing needs of the communities. The role of students from the newly merged districts in exceptionally important to uphold rule of law. They can not only promote the prerequisites and virtues of rule of law...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates- October 3-4, 2019, Bhakkar
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the ninth two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for university students, on October 3-4, 2019, in Bhakkar. The workshop was held at University of Sargodha, Bhakkar Campus. It was organized under the umbrella of the Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE), a counter-radicalization and pluralistic values’ focused project, in collaboration with the Dutch Government. Participants included students from University of Sargodha, Bhakkar Campus. Mr. Rameez Mohsin, Lecturer Social Work Department welcomed the participants to the event. He shared that it is an immense pleasure for the university and students to have CRSS team over for the seminar. He said that Bhakkar is a backward area with almost no facilities; therefore, this seminar will provide an exposure to the students to interact with learned scholars and speakers. He added that PACE Collaborative Workshops changed his perspective about stereotypical behaviours towards religious and ethnic minorities in its first phase of teachers training. He hoped that the seminar will impact the students the same way and will give them a broader perspective of differences. Farhana Kanwal, Project Manager PACE, said that it is a very different experience coming to Bhakkar and getting to know the students and interacting with them. She shared that PACE is a counter radicalization initiative by CRSS which was started in September, 2015 and completed its first phase in September, 2018. The core objective of PACE is to indoctrinate the tradition of questioning and critical thinking among the youth of Pakistan. She added that the purpose of such activities is to bring together the youth at one platform and discuss about critical issues of multiculturalism, diversity, democracy and accountability. Dr. Khalid Zaheer was the first speaker to the session and spoke on ‘Religious Freedom, Fundamental Rights and Social Inclusion.’ Dr. Zaheer, while referring to the...
CRSS Congratulates its Alumna, Jalila Haider for making it to BBC 100 Women 2019
As a matter of great pride for Pakistan, Jalila Haider, a Quetta based human rights lawyer has made it to the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) list of 100 most inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2019. It is worth mentioning that Jalila Haider had been a part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) Baloch youth leadership development initiatives of Balochistan Youth Forum and Balochistan Democracy Awareness Initiative from 2013 to 2015. These capacity building programmes aimed at providing a platform to the disgruntled Baloch youth to ventilate their grievances through dialogue with their counterpart students in the universities across Pakistan, besides civil society, academia, intelligentsia, media and diplomatic fraternities. "CRSS was the first social and political platform where I got the chance and connect with the diverse group of youth from all around the world. There I understood the value of democracy and how can the issues be resolved if democracy is sustained in the country", she quoted her journey with CRSS after being named in the 100 women of 2019 list. CRSS is proud of and rooting for its alumna and wishes her best for the future endeavors.
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Shared Values Among Faiths and Social Cohesion
The 79th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on August 02, 2019, on the theme of “Shared Values Among Faiths and Social Cohesion”. The idea was to discuss these core values shared by the different religions and how these shared beliefs can be leveraged to counter extremism, foster cohesion and resolve conflicts. The first guest on show, Mr. Shakeel Waheed Ullah, a columnist, and writer by profession, said that there are various common grounds among all the religions including the shared ideals like tolerance, peace and the message of love and these shared values can be leveraged to foster interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence of the people and communities of different faiths. It must be understood in its true essence that every religion teaches the lesson of peace and discourages extremism. A culturally, religiously and ethnically diverse society demands respect for and acceptance of differences to counter hatred and intolerance. The diversity of sects within Muslims direly demands the cultivation of tolerance perspectives. In this regard, educational curricula have to be utilized critically, devoid of the content based on hatred and promote peace and respect; both interfaith and intrafaith. The religious leaders of different faiths have a huge peacebuilding responsibility and must teach and promote the virtues of humanity. The citizens must also participate in the religious festivals of other religions to be able to understand each other better. Youth, as the biggest part of overall population can make a huge impact by promoting unity and respect for diversity. The second guest on show, Ms. Salma Khattak a lawyer and social activist by profession said that all the religions share some fundamental ethos of love, acceptance, consideration, empathy and tolerance which offer an exceptional opportunity to foster social cohesion. Humans are bound...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Role of Civil Society in Peacebuilding
The 78th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 26, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Civil Society in Peacebuilding”, to not only underscore the criticality of inclusive peacebuilding processes but also how the peacebuilders can act as proactive agents for and catalysts of change where they can play a remarkable role in bringing peace and prosperity in the society through their progressive activities. The first guest on show, Mr. Bilal Sethi, Chairman Pakistan Development Foundation, a local peacebuilding organization, was of the view that peace is manifested in empowered citizens who enjoy certain freedoms allowed by the law and have a conducive environment for socio-political and economic inclusion and mobility. Peacebuilders are such selfless catalysts of change who struggle and strive to support these ideals vital to social peace and harmony. The government’s support; through allocation of resources for social development is the fundamental necessity for the overarching goal. Public-awareness regarding the importance and values of peace and their roles and responsibilities for a peaceful society is one of the most important components in this process where civil society as well as individuals especially the learned can play a key role. He said that every individual needs to be sensitized on the importance of peace for society. He opined that peacebuilders can make use of the Appreciative Inquiry approach; highlighting the positive aspects of the society even in the environments loaded with negativities to promote social cohesion. A peacebuilder must believe in, exhibit and promote the virtues of tolerance, respect and equality, and ready to contribute to the social development. The second guest on show, Mr. Misbah Ullah, a social activist, said that social peace is not just the responsibility of national institutions but an equal onus is on...
Ministry of Finance in Kabul debunks fake reports about Torkham Crossing
The Afghan authorities have denied fake reports that circulated yesterday claiming their inability to keep the Torkham border crossing open for 24 hours and instead from 9 am till 7 pm only. Debunking the false news, an announcement released by the Ministry of Finance, Kabul, on their Facebook page yesterday stated that , “The Afghan Government reiterates its commitment to keep the Torkham gate operations on 24 hours bases to facilitate the inflow and outflow of trade. All facilities are in place to process the incoming and outcoming commodities according to relevant laws and procedures. We encourage all traders to declare their consignments for Customs processes at any govern time. The Customs Administration of Afghanistan is well prepared to process the consignments on time and with no unnecessary delays.” A story in The Express Tribune yesterday had mistakenly reported the fake news and attributed Afghan authorities’ failure to keep the crossing open round the clock to their lack of staff and required resources. However, now denied by Kabul’s Ministry of Finance, such false and unverified reports appear only to contribute towards destabilizing bilateral relations. Last month, Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally inaugurated the round-the-clock opening of the border crossing and the Afghan Government in response had eagerly welcomed the move. The recent statement by the Ministry reinforces the government’s commitment to keep the flow of trade smooth by keeping the crossing open 24/7. It appears that, despite the recent improvement in the two neighbors’ state-to-state relations, the continuing challenge the two will have to be wary of is how fake news is also used as an instrument to misguide the public opinion and taint public perception. The responsibility thus lies on the media houses of both countries to always verify and cross-check before releasing any report. This is because the challenge is then exacerbated by how fast dissemination of news, once...
CRSS Quarterly Security Report Q3, 2019
Casualties from Violence in Pakistan In the words of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the world is facing "an unprecedented threat from intolerance, violent extremism and terrorism” that affects every country. In Pakistan, intolerance is difficult to measure empirically, but violence and terrorism seem to be on the decline. Data from the third quarter data on violence-related fatalities shows a drop (14%) from 229 in Q2 to 197 in Q3. Injuries sustained from violence also dropped from 275 to 243. Download
Q3 Security Report – 2019
Casualties from Violence in Pakistan: In the words of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the world is facing "an unprecedented threat from intolerance, violent extremism and terrorism” that affects every country[1]. In Pakistan, intolerance is difficult to measure empirically, but violence and terrorism seem to be on the decline. Data from the third quarter data on violence-related fatalities shows a drop (14%) from 229 in Q2 to 197 in Q3. Injuries sustained from violence also dropped from 275 to 243 (table 01). [docxpresso file="https://crss.pk/wp-content/uploads/CRSS-Security-Report-Q3-2019-1.odt" comments="true" SVG="true"] [1] Associated Press. (2019, September 26). World faces 'unprecedented threat' from terrorism, warns UN chief. Dawn. Retrieved October 2, 2019, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1507486/world-faces-unprecedented-threat-from-terrorism-warns-un-chief.
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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.