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...

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...

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 –...