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The power of the people is always more than the people in power; a Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/II Dialogue in Islamabad highlights
Hate does not end hate, only love can. Revenge cannot end revenge, only forgiveness can. War cannot end war, only peace can. Let us rise above hate and revenge, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Member National Assembly of Pakistan Andleeb Abbas quoted Martin Luther King’s words at a high-level Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/II dialogue Beyond Boundaries convened by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Islamabad, urging both sides to focus on the positives first to mitigate negativity. She was of the opinion that people to people linkages across the border are significantly good but political will has been missing for long at the state level. Though, she optimistically stated that the power of the people is always more than the people in power. Hence, at the people’s level, there must be continued efforts towards peace and development. A 13-member high-level Afghan delegation, headed by former Member of Afghan Parliament Khalid Pashtoon, landed in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations with the Pakistani delegation of 13 members in a bid to devise recommendations to present to their governments. Khalid Pashtoon urged all the delegates to stop digging into the blame game of the past and invited both sides to think of solutions of peaceful coexistence for the current and future generations. Afghan Senator and Member of Afghanistan Cricket Board, Gulalai Noor Safi, stated that to further improve bilateral relations, security issues should not be allowed to impact the flow of trade, as seen in border closures, as it makes both the Pakistani and Afghan traders suffer and, consequently, makes the people in general bear the brunt. Complementing her view, Mehnaz Akbar, Member of National Assembly of Pakistan, suggested to create a bilateral parliamentary group to continue debating issues that affect people on both sides. Member of High Peace Council Laila Jaffari, from the Afghan delegation, affirmed the need to push...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Elections in Erstwhile FATA, a Step Towards Inclusion
The 75th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 05, 2019, on the theme of “Elections in Erstwhile FATA, a Step Towards Inclusion”. The programme focused on the first ever elections held in merged tribal districts (erstwhile FATA) for 16 general seats of the Provincial Assembly of the Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KP). It is the first major step towards inclusion and a more connected future, after the integration of tribal districts into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a result of 25th Amendment, one and half a year ago. Tribal people are very excited about these elections and hope that their political participation will lead to a sustainable peace in the province. The first guest on show, Mr. Shahsawar Khan, a social worker, was of the view that the draconian law of Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) deprived the tribal people of their fundamental human rights. The merger of FATA into the larger KP province augurs well for the status and rights of tribal people as equal citizens having been protected by the constitution of Pakistan. However, a proper planning is the need of the hour to ameliorate the issues related to administrative, political and social development in the region. The 25th Constitutional Amendment has given us the rights to assembly and political campaign; both essential prerequisites for democracy. The introduction of electoral process is also critical to foster the sense of inclusion among the people of erstwhile FATA. The common people of tribal region are very excited about and looking forward to their political participation and democratic processes, both men and women. He concluded by saying that the election commission has to be very vigilant for smooth and peaceful implementation of the electoral process. The second guest in studio, Mr. Zahir Shah Safi Advocate said that holding elections in a transparent manner is the need of the...
Hamaray Heeray
Authors: Shams Momand and Malik Mustafa Download
Respect for Human Dignity, Diversity and Pluralism Vital to Nurture Democracy: Dr. Khadim Hussain
As its foundational principle, the concept of democracy calls for respect for human beings and believes in the notion of human dignity and their participation in the decision making processes in all facets of life. The second most essential principle of democracy is pluralism, which means equal citizenry without any room of discrimination on the basis of color, cast, creed or gender, or for discriminatory attitudes in the society that are detrimental to the social cohesion. The remarks were made by Dr. Khadim Hussain, Director, Bacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation, Peshawar during a discussion and networking workshop on social cohesion titled “Strengthening Peacebuilders and Catalysts for Change”, held by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at University of Peshawar. Dr. Khadim Hussain added that there should be equal opportunities of social mobility and socio-political and economic participation for all the members of the society, without any bias and regardless of their backgrounds. The notion of pluralism aims to empower the individuals of all faiths for their participation in the democratic processes as equal citizens; despite having different religious views. Respect for human dignity demands respect for different opinions living in the society and exhibiting tolerance for diversity. People from different backgrounds have different concerns and interests and inclusive dialogue is only how they can articulate their issues and represent their respective communities. The inclusion; accommodation of different viewpoints is what actually adds immense value to the national discourse as well as lends a great power to the concept of democracy. Rejecting the diversity of opinions is absolutely contrary to the democracy. Only tolerance of and exhibiting respect for diversity can strengthen democracy and foster social cohesion in the society. Failure to celebrate diversity can lead to disintegration of and conflict in the society. Therefore, only...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Youth as Peacebuilders
The 74th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 28, 2019, on the theme of “Youth as Peacebuilders”. The show attempted to highlight the role of youth in peacebuilding and discussed how youth can work as catalysts for educating the society in the peace perspectives. The first guest on show, Mr. Ubaid Safi, a student of the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar and Ulasi Taroon Alumni, noted that only the community which has been a victim of a conflict can better understand the precious value of peace and its true importance. The youth of a society serves as its backbone, and an asset critical to development. It is such a group that comprises agents of change who have infinite potential, talents, energies and enthusiasm to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The most essential prerequisites for social peace and cohesion are rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions and equal citizenry, as these core values – enshrined in the constitution – are the primary ingredients of any peaceful society. Youth must be educated in these ideals of peace to encourage them respect diversity and plan shared goals through unity and understanding. Ulasi Taroon initiative must be taken to the rural and remote areas particularly the merged districts so that the youth in these areas get equal opportunities to be sensitized on these core themes. The second guest in the show Mr. Altamash, a student of the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar was of the view that youth is the agent for positive change in the society. The social evolution and modernization result in progressive thoughts and ideas among the society especially the youth and make them catalysts for change. This impact become much more crucial in the countries like Pakistan where the total population of the country is comprised...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Role of Media for Social Cohesion
The 73rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 21, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Media for Social Cohesion”. Media being the forth pillar of the state, has a huge onus to educate people about their commitment to rule of law and social cohesion. The first guest on show, Mr. Kashif-ud-Din, an anchorperson and senior journalist, noted that media has a great leverage in shaping the public opinion, carving narratives and educating the masses on the virtues of socially cohesive and peaceful countries. Media is the most viable tool for strategic communication and dissemination whose positive or negative uses can either unite or disintegrate - respectively - the society. Contrary to its performance a few years back, media has been increasingly realizing its community development role by dispensing local information, demand oriented, conflict conscious and community focused programming. It is now responsibly taking up and highlighting issues that concern public the most. Responsible journalism demands impartiality; providing truthful information exclusive of the false facts of the matter. Only by such impartial journalism, can we educate the society effectively. The media houses should also play their part; promoting ethical standards in journalism that are conducive to positive messaging on cohesion in the society. There are several examples where media made outstanding contributions in upholding rule of law; highlighting illegal activities in the society and holding both citizens and public representatives accountable. Its role must also be appreciated in countering and dispelling the extremist perspectives and ideologies respectively; giving no space to any such anti-state propaganda that can jeopardize the national integration. We should also not ignore the effects of social media on the society - which is not regulated like mainstream media –...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion
The 72nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 14, 2019, on the theme of “Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion”. The first guest on show, Mr. Muzamil Khan Mohmand, an advocate by profession, noted that commitment to the values of multiculturalism can strengthen cohesion in the society. Social cohesion nurtures when multiculturalism and diversity are embraced and celebrated where people from diverse social, religious and cultural backgrounds respect each other despite differences and celebrate their cultural and religious festivals together. Having such a communal attitudes and practices can foster mutual trust and cooperation critical for the country’s social capital. He added that youth – being the major user of social media – can employ the positive use of this platform to promote tolerance perspectives and peaceful coexistence among the communities of different faiths and cultures. The educational curriculum can also be utilized to strengthen social cohesion through the inclusion of information about different cultures and their positive aspects. The role of religious scholars is also crucial in this regard; especially to promote interfaith harmony. “Cultural, religious and traditional diversity is not detrimental to social cohesion but rather an opportunity and connector for peace”, he concluded. The second guest on show, Ms. Sara Anam, a psychologist and social activist, opined that the peaceful coexistence of the diverse communities requires tolerance for differences and respect for fundamental rights. The communities rich in religious diversity should celebrate their religious and cultural festivals together to foster better understanding, trust and unity among them. Youth have a huge leverage to bring a positive change in the society and should put their efforts in the community development through sensitization on the virtues of...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Importance of Constitutional Literacy for Social Cohesion
The 71st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 31, 2019, on the theme of “Importance of Constitutional Literacy for Social Cohesion”. The speakers believed that only by having knowledge and awareness about the constitution, can citizens play a constructive role in the development of the country. The first guest on show, Dr. Jamil Chitrali, Head of the Department of Anthropology, University of Peshawar, while elaborating the concept of the constitution, said that the constitution of a state usually evolves and is influenced by religion, culture, society, values etc. The difference between authority and power is that the former comes with laws whereas the latter comes with one’s will. Constitution guides and empowers state, government and citizens and deviation from constitution holds them accountable and subject to law. Public’s literacy in the core constitutional values; their rights and responsibilities enshrined in there, is paramount to strengthen democracy, social cohesion and peace. Compliance with the constitution is the most essential prerequisite for egalitarian democracy as the constitution considers all members of the society as equal citizens and makes no discrimination on the basis of color, cast or creed. It is the responsibility of state to give opportunities of development to the youth given their potential, talents, energies and significant percentage in the total population. The second guest on show, Ms. Kiran Arshad, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Youth Workshop’s alumni and student of Iqra University, shared her experience before and after participation in the capacity building workshops organized by CRSS. She said that she got to know about her rights as well as responsibilities as an equal citizen of Pakistan after getting education on constitution. Constitutional awareness is critical to be able to participate in the community...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Leveraging the Potential of Art for Social Cohesion
The 70th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 24, 2019, on the theme of “Leveraging the Potential of Art for Social Cohesion”. History is a testament to the importance of artists who have always brought positive changes in the society. They are the real ambassadors of a culture and society and have always served as connectors in and between multicultural diverse societies. The first guest in studio, Mr. Mehmood Shahab, a KP based senior artist, noted that artists are the ambassadors of a society; they promote their social culture and languages when they go abroad, serve as connectors by bridging the gaps and create a positive impact. This gives them a huge leverage to understand the feelings and perceptions of a society, and utilize the medium of art for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The potential of art should be leveraged to disseminate the positive messaging in the society. This includes the use of different formats like dramas and movies to motivate the youth into social action for community development and to contribute to social cohesion. The artists - given their skill of creativity - can come up with and employ several different ideas to lay stress on the values critical to social cohesion like rule of law, respect, acceptance and equality. Given the critical need of social cohesion, there is a huge onus on artists’ community to be engaged in peacebuilding having outreach across such a broad cross-section of the society. The second guest, Mrs. Zahida Tanha, a female artist and poetess said that the artists – including but not limited to poets, writers, painters and sculptors - have a very diverse range of skills and talents that can be channelized for national development purposes. Every person has some kind of art within and it is our duty to encourage them for the expression of their talent. Artists have a huge leverage to...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion
The 69th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 17, 2019, on the theme of “Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion”. In the countries like Pakistan which are abode to people with different castes and creeds, the interfaith harmony becomes extremely critical for peace and progress. The first guest in studio, Moulana Ashraf Ali noted that the notion of interfaith harmony calls for peaceful coexistence and respect for the others’ faiths despite having a different religious background. The ethos of humanity are at the core of the concept of interfaith harmony which resonate with and are common to all the religions. The dialogue on interfaith harmony should be in the centrality of discourse embedded in the ideals of humanity. We must cultivate the tolerance perspectives to foster positive citizens’ attitudes. Only by tolerance and mutual respect, can disputes and conflicts be resolved peacefully, as also manifest in the history. Having a different faith does not disable you to have cohesion in the society and, adopting and compliance with the core human values can lead to social peace and harmony. The constitution of Pakistan also ensures complete religious freedoms to all the citizens where the values key to equal citizenry are enshrined in there vide articles 8-28. The second guest on show, Pastor Shehzad Murad from Diocese of Peshawar noted that every religion promotes peace, love and humanity. Both Islam and Christianity lay stress on the need for respecting the rights of all the human beings. We must also study other religions as a measure of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence, like I have knowledge about Islam and have read the Holy Quran. We should live peacefully, love and respect each other, and adhere to rule of law. During the radio report, Bishop of Peshawar, Humphry Peter said that dialogue is key to interfaith harmony and need...
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TESTIMONIALS
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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.