The 67th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 03, 2019, on the theme of “Social Cohesion and Role of Youth”. The show aimed at discussing the importance of youth’s role to bolster peace; promoting respect for core constitutional values. Youth makes up a large portion of the overall population and their potential presents itself as a social capital and an opportunity fundamental to a lasting positive change and socio-political and economic development. Youth must be educated in the constitution and abide by its values to contribute to social cohesion, peace and prosperity. The first guest in studio Mr. Majid Wazir, a student of Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, noted that respect for and compliance with the constitution fosters mutual trust - a fundamental prerequisite for social cohesion - among the citizens and help them feel secure, respected, cooperate with each other and contribute to country’s social capital. The best contribution youth can make in the future of country’s social and democratic stability is to study constitution and promote its compliance in letter and spirit. It is quite unfortunate that not all the members of youth are able to make their way up to the university level education which is decaying their infinite potential. The youth; especially the educated have a huge onus to propagate the peace and tolerance perspectives. The second guest in studio, Ms. Mahnoor, a student of Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, opined that we must be the change we want to see and only by reforming ourselves, can society be reformed. The society will become cohesive if all its members fulfil their respective roles and responsibilities. Deviation from constitution increases vulnerability to the push and pull factors of radicalization, therefore, it’s absolutely essential to respect constitution and rule of law. The third...

The 66th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on April 26, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Women in Peacebuilding”. The participating guest speakers were of the view that making up an overwhelming portion of the overall population and that too with such a tremendous potential, the exclusion of women from peacebuilding process will be detrimental to social cohesion. The first guest in studio, Ms. Nosheen Orakzai, a faculty member from the University of Peshawar noted that women are peace-loving by their nature. The inclusion of women in the peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes is critical to social cohesion given that half of the country’s population is comprised of females. She stressed that to ensure women’s active and positive participation in the socio-political or economic development, it is essential to first educate them, followed by the provision of equal opportunities for social mobility. It is therefore necessary to create an environment conducive to their meaningful participation in the democratic processes; especially decision making. Women empowerment will also pave the way for more women oriented opportunities that can help them be an important part of decision making processes. Compliance with the constitutional values of peace and coexistence can help foster gender equality. The constitutional and human rights education should be made part of the educational curricula to sensitize the society at large on the importance of role of women in peacebuilding. With women on board the peacebuilding process, a society is bound to experience peace and sustainable development. The second guest on phone, Nazra Syed was of the view that only by institutionalizing the gender inclusion and women empowerment, can we harness the true potential of female populace in the peacebuilding and overall development of the country. Government has taken...

The 63rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on April 05, 2019, on the theme of “Social Cohesion and Role of Media”. The show mainly focused on the criticality of the role of media and its effective use for promoting respect, tolerance and acceptance as a measure of sustainable peace. Only by positively and responsibly harnessing the potential of media, can it lead to social development of the country. The first guest in studio, Mr. Safiullah Gul, a seasoned journalist, noted that with great power comes great responsibility and freedom of expression is both power and responsibility and it must be realized that the social cohesion greatly hinges upon responsible citizenship. We do have rights but our right to swing our arms and fists end where the other person’s nose begins. Essentially, every citizen should be aware and have knowledge about the fundamental human rights. This will not only equip us with intellectual wherewithal to articulate our issues and concerns but also encourage to respect others’ rights. Media has a very important responsibility to build such an understanding among the public to play their role in fostering social cohesion. He underlined the need to have ethical journalism and such an educational structure which is inclusive of the ideals of peace and cohesion. He appreciated the CRSS efforts for social cohesion through strategic communication and dissemination including the use of radio airwaves. The Center’s advocacy campaign serves as an inspiring peacebuilding example for other forms of media, and the same should be done through television because visual impact has its own effect and power. Every media channel should aim to promote the positive messaging and perspectives as mandatory public service programming. The second guest on phone, Mrs. Farzana Ali, a senior journalist, said that the role of media is crucial to...