Current Projects
Collaborative Workshops and Debates- October 01-02, 2019, Sargodha
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the eighth two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for university students, on October 1-2, 2019, in Sargodha. The workshop was held at University of Sargodha, Sargodha. 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. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed started off the workshop with a welcome note to all the participants including students and faculty members. Dr. Ahmed extended his gratitude to CRSS for organizing PACE collaborative workshop at their university to engage with the students in impactful sessions and activities. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ashfaq stressed on the need of conducting seminars on equality, diversity and tolerance, to make the younger generations understand the values of inclusive societies. During her introductory remarks, Ms. Shagufta Khalique, Program Consultant CRSS, said 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. Ms. Farhana Kanwal. Program Manager PACE, elaborated on the success and achievements of PACE in its first phase and also the objectives of PACE evolution. The first formal session of the day was kicked off by Ms. Shagufta Khalique on ‘Fundamental Human Rights’. During her session, Ms. Khalique, thoroughly discussed about Universal Declaration of Human Right (UDHR) connecting it with fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan of 1973. She said that...
Trade-only relations are fragile; trade along with investment converges mutual interests; Former Minister Haroon Sharif
The world is moving into a new geographical market and it is championed by China; Asia is the new economic center of gravity and Pakistan is at the cross-roads of regional economic connectivity. Former Minister of State and Chairman of Pakistan’s Board of Investment (BoI), Haroon Sharif, believes Pakistan has a geographical edge over other regional countries, but where do we fail? Our problem is that we outsource our thinking either to China or the International Financial Institutions (IFIs); our diplomats are great, but they need to be sitting in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent, rather than sitting in Geneva and New York. Haroon Sharif was speaking at an international conference on Afghanistan, Regional Geo-Politics and Trade connectivity with experts from US, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Islamabad today. He further added that there is a major misconception about trade; relationships grounded on trade are the most fragile. “We should not overemphasize trade and connectivity. Rather, it should be trade and investment. When you have investment, only then you have mutual stakes, that's when you work together”, he stated. Intizar Khadim, DG Center for Development and Peace Studies (CDPS), Kabul, Afghanistan, political analyst and author, while shedding light on Afghanistan’s role, stated that the war-torn country has always been at the center of geo-politics as it lies at the cross-roads of regional connectivity. In this age of connectivity, a new term has emerged recently i.e., ‘glocalized’ – not to be mixed with ‘globalized,’ he clarified. Today’s human is global and local at the same time. So, there has to be a mixed approach; just imposing an alien approach to an indigenous problem won’t solve it; it has not worked so, particularly in Afghanistan, he said. The problems of Kabul are not exclusive in nature; all regional countries share the risk. As no one can live in isolation, the...
Post Globalized and Transnational Era Direly Needs Social Cohesion: Chairman CII
Social cohesion is an immensely important theme of youth engagement and leadership development given the role of youth in the peacebuilding process. The things have gone much beyond the nation-state and we are going towards transnational and global citizenry era. This post globalized and transnational environment demands social cohesion for success, forward movement and peaceful coexistence. The transnational post globalized era - rather than tolerating diversity - demands acceptance of diversity. The educational system in place for harnessing the future leaders is not at par with the international standards. Modernity demands broad mindedness that comes not only through education but the overall social environment. The biggest grey area in this system is that it has limited the potential of young only to the classroom where this system is classroom centric in nature. Limiting the potential of young generation kills its potential just like caging a bird kills its potential to fly. The remarks were made by Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) during the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops’ Annual Alumni Gathering held by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), in collaboration with Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar at PUTA Hall, situated in the same varsity. The CII Chairman said that the entire system of education and environment is linked with the market. Resultantly, the subjects and themes critical to social development have been direly ignored. This also limited the potential of young minds to explore other potential career options. Exclusion of or deprioritizing social sciences from the educational agenda takes a terrible toll on the overall society and state craft as well as allows incapable people - devoid of a vision for social cohesion and development – to make their way to the state institutions and call the shots through narrow, tunnel-visioned approach. Linking education with the market...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Role of Women in Peacebuilding
The 77th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 19, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Women in Peacebuilding” to underscore the criticality of inclusive peacebuilding processes. The first guest on show, Ms. Farah Khan Yousafzai, a women's rights activist, said that peace refers to the state of absence of conflict. The most important element of a progressive society is peace where women have the most crucial role. As direct victims of extremism, women can better understand not only the importance of peaceful society but the drivers jeopardizing the social peace and harmony. Cultural barriers are also responsible for the minimal participation of women in peacebuilding processes and also inhibit inclusive democratic development. Women living in rural and less-developed areas are still not aware of their fundamental rights to be able to make any contribution - only with little efforts - in the socio-political and economic progress. Modern means of communications and information dissemination have been successful – to some extent – in developing understanding among the masses that a society cannot progress if the women are not in a dynamic position and not on board the decision making processes. Their role is crucial to not only the establishment but also the maintenance of peace in the environments vulnerable to conflict. Male members of the society should be cognizant of the importance of representation of women in every field of life, and provide a conducive environment to them. They must be equally encouraged for their political participation both at the community, provincial and national levels. She stressed that social cohesion is the lifeline of a progressive society and that only nurtures when every individual is aware of their rights as well as responsibilities. The second guest on show, Mr. Muzammil Khan Mohmand, an advocate, noted that...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Freedom of Expression, a Right with Responsibility
The 76th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 12, 2019, on the theme of “Freedom of Expression, a Right with Responsibility”. A detailed discussion was carried out on the topic that every individual - though - has the right to express one’s thoughts but with certain limitations and responsibilities. The first guest on show, Mr. Amjad Aziz Malik, a freelance journalist, opined that freedom of expression is the constitutional right of every individual but it is one of the most misunderstood concepts where we are not well aware of its true essence. This is precisely the reason why we feel our right of freedom of expression violated when we are stopped from any unethical discussion. The freedom of expression can and ought not be discussed in isolation from its limitations and sensitivities living in the society. This also requires an overwhelming focus on the human rights education to foster better understanding and peaceful coexistence among the members of the community. We must believe in and practice constructive criticism; whether its directed at the government or the society. Privatization of media is the biggest example of freedom of expression including social media which allows every individual in the society to express their views on the issues of concern. This freedom comes with an onus to not abuse this right. The role of PEMRA is crucial for the oversight mechanism to keep a proper check and balance over all media channels for responsible dissemination of news and information. The second guest on show, Mr. Fida Malik, President, Khyber Union of Journalist, said that it is our legal, constitutional, moral and ethical right to express ourselves and criticize where we deem important but hate speech in any way is not acceptable and justified. However, the limitations of freedom of expression may vary from culture to culture....
Role of Youth Vital in Shaping Brighter Future for Pakistan: Chairman, KPPSC
The youth must cultivate, practice and nurture critical thinking skills for meaningful participation in the democratic discourse and decision making processes. They should challenge the stereotypes, not believe in everything being told to them - as it is - and must verify the authenticity through critical thinking and research, and not just relying upon a singular source of information to shape their opinions. Only by resorting to these modern perspectives, can they strengthen democracy. These were the notions expressed by Mr. Farid Ullah Khan, Chairman, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission, during the twenty-first round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at and in collaboration with Department of Shariah and Law, Islamia College University, Peshawar. He said that the political parties should practice democracy even within their internal affairs; promoting the democratic norms and values indiscriminately where the politics of inheritance ought to be discouraged. While it’s important to refer to the past to derive critical lessons and inform future decision making, the youth must make their valuable contributions in the present and look forward to the future to harness the potential opportunities. As the past is beyond control and cannot be changed, so instead of just complaining about it, start making the most out of present to ensure a connected future. The youth must endeavor to wrestle with the dilemmas facing Pakistan and strive to resolve them where possible. At the same time, they should conserve their optimism and energies by practicing gratitude, participation in the community development and the virtues of tolerance and patience. Optimism demands looking up for potential opportunities that come along with a problem. There is always a good reason in every bad situation and things happening to you. Mr. Muhammad Waqar Azeem, a Police Services of Pakistan officer posted...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates- August 29-30, 2019, Jamshoro
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the seventh two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for university students, on August 29-30, 2019, in Jamshoro. The workshop was held at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro. 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 Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Prof. Dr. Tanweer Hussain started off the workshop with a welcome note to all the participants including students, faculty members and the Vice Chancellor, MUET. He thanked CRSS for organizing the seminar at their campus and engaging youth in such fruitful activities. Moreover, he was of the view that these activities are the need of the day because it is crucial for Pakistan to fight against extremist narrative. The nation of Pakistan needs to be united on one narrative in order to curtail the threats of extremism and radicalism. He quoted a verse from the Holy Quran that translated as “Allah commands all the human beings to not spread violence on earth.” Dr. Hussain appreciated the role CRSS is playing in order to shape the minds of youth in positive direction and bringing up crucial topics of peace and harmony. Vice Chancellor, MUET, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Aslam Uqaili also addressed the participants of the seminar and shared his views on countering extremism in Pakistan. The Vice Chancellor said, “I am glad to see the youth gathered for a cause today and playing their role as change agents of future”. There is no dearth of minds and intellect in our country, all we have to do is to direct and guide them to a path of positivity and understanding. We have so much diversity in our country which is the real beauty of Pakistan. We have produced people like Dr. Abdus Salam who has brought a good...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates- August 26-27, 2019, KarachiCollaborative Workshops and Debates- August 26-27, 2019, Karachi
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the seventh two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for university students on August 26-27, 2019. The workshop was held at University of Karachi, Karachi. It was conducted under the umbrella of the Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE), a counter-radicalization and pluralistic values’ focused project, in partnership with the Dutch Government. Participants included students from University of Karachi, Karachi. Dr. Shumaila Shafket Ali, University of Karachi opened the session with a welcome note. Dr. Shumaila said that she has been affiliated with PACE for past three years and finds an immense pleasure to welcome CRSS team at the university. I must admit that the aim with which they are working to promote tolerance, diversity and tolerance, needs to be appreciated. In these seminars, we have to reflect on one thing that who are we producing in higher education system. Are we just producing the graduates or educated humans? There are many dimensions to the term educated humans; being educated means you have the ability to critically think, you have the ability to bring changes in your personality, you are compassionate enough to understand differences and perspectives and you are able to not only accept but celebrate diversity. All this requires a lot of tolerance and I am sure this seminar will help create that environment which is required for understanding and respecting differences. University of Karachi is the most diverse institution with different cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders and languages. Since, we are a diverse nation, we need to learn how to celebrate diversity. How to acknowledge and value each other and that is the beginning of a real learned, refined and educated society. Dr. Huma Baqai was the first speaker to the seminar and had a session on ‘Fundamentals of Democracy, Governance and Accountability’. Dr. Baqai started off with defining democracy, saying that one...
CPEC and Balochistan should grow together, Baloch leaders emphasize in Beijing
Baloch leaders representing the Balochistan National Party (BNP), Pakistan National Party (PNP), and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) on Tuesday had a rare heart-to-heart exchange of views with Chinese academia and experts on the Balochistan situation as well the status of CPEC related projects in the province. The delegation comprised of Senator Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini (Secretary General, BNP), Agha Hassan Baloch (MNA, BNP), Mir Naseebullah Khan Marri (Balochistan Health Minister), Dr. Ishaq Baloch (NP), and Syed Ehsan Shah (former Minister of Finance, PNP). Chen Shaoxin, Secretary General of the host China Association for Friendship (CAF), welcomed the Baloch leaders, and said their presence underlined China’s desire to pursue peace and development in an inclusive and collaborative way. The delegation highlighted issues such as exclusion of Baloch input from decision-making and key positions, pockets of economic backwardness, and a dismal state of infrastructure. They also underscored the need for taking Baloch leadership as well as tribal cultural sensitivities into consideration. They emphasized greater transparency and inclusion of community in all Balochistan-based CPEC projects. An inclusive approach, they said, will also mitigate security issues through community buy-in. They added that dedicated education scholarships, skill development opportunities, and job quota for Baloch youth are some of the instruments that can help neutralize misperceptions surrounding CPEC. Finally, the Baloch leaders informed the Chinese hosts that criticism of China or opposition to CPEC by some radical groups does not represent the general socio-political sentiment of Baloch people. Baloch are liberal and peaceful people. But if the youth do not get jobs it will be easy for religious radicals elements and the enemies of Pakistan to recruit them for anti-state activities, said Jamaldini. Mistrusts and complaints come from a long history of negligence and exclusion as main...
Youth sitting under one roof; a win for a progressive future; Pak-Afghan Youth Summit in Islamabad
“It is very heartening as well as my first time to be sitting across an assembly of youth from across the border. I will definitely report to the parliament about this and ask them to create a parliamentary caucus for Pak-Afghan relations,” Member of Parliament Ms. Mehnas Akbar Aziz stated this while speaking to a gathering of Pakistani and Afghan youth alongside high-level distinguished speakers from both countries at the Youth Summit organized by Afghan Studies Center in Islamabad today. The summit focused on connecting youth beyond borders to work for a better tomorrow and was attended by a high-profile 13 member visiting Afghan delegation and young representatives from High Peace Council, Kabul. Former member of Afghan Parliament Khalid Pashtoon, heading a visiting high-profile Afghan delegation also present, expressed that he was delighted to see the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan together under one roof. “This opens the roads for consensus towards a better and progressive future. Both countries were very close few decades ago, then bad things happened and there emerged a space between us two neighbors. Though, we miss those old days, when we used to be like twin brothers. However, I hope that once peace prevails in Afghanistan in the context of Doha talks, the two nations would get closer once again. Most of the issues between Kabul and Islamabad are linked with security; once the security issue is resolved in the bigger picture, everything else will fall in place,” he said, giving hope the youngsters present. Pashtoon further stated that, in recent years, a lot has been done regarding bilateral relations. “We have come a long way. One such example is of the opening of the Torkham border round the clock. It will help facilitate cross-border mobility and will also increase the trade volume. The surge in trade will result in increased profits across the border; reinforcing peace and better bilateral relation. It is our responsibility to give the youth a...
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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.