Current Projects
Q2 Security Report – 2019
The second quarter of 2019 shows a plateauing situation for Pakistan, with 229 fatalities, as opposed to the first quarter’s 228. The injuries, however did increase by almost 49%, from 185 in Q1 to 275 in Q2. Balochistan had the highest number of fatalities while Balochistan and FATA exhibited a rise in violence. KP, Sindh, and Punjab all showed a decline in violence-related fatalities. The federal territory of Islamabad showed a sharp increase. North Waziristan Agency had the highest number of fatalities district-wise in the second quarter. The number of suicide attacks went up from two to three in Q2 but the number of fatalities from these attacks nearly quadrupled. Fatalities from clashes with the security forces, IED explosions, armed attacks, and bomb explosions also increased in Q2. Target killings declined by about 50%, both in incidents and fatalities. For the first time in many years, security personnel fatalities accounted for 29% of the total in Q2, a 10% increase over Q1. The fatalities of militants and civilians recorded a decline in this quarter. A large number of militant and insurgent groups staged a comeback during this quarter, with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claiming the most number of attacks. Sectarian violence declined in Q1 (6 fatalities), but seems to have reemerged in Q2 (40 fatalities). Balochistan reported the highest number of sectarian casualties with 26 fatalities and 75 injuries. Two of the three suicide attacks in Q2 were sectarian in nature, and were claimed by TTP, Daish, and Harakat-ul-Ansar (HuA). Readers can approach CRSS for information related to this report. Alternately, you may send your queries to mail@crss.pk, directly to Mohammad Nafees, Senior Research Fellow, CRSS – the author of the report (mohammad.nafees@yahoo.com), or Zeeshan Salahuddin, Senior Research Fellow, the editor. [docxpresso file="https://crss.pk/wp-content/uploads/CRSS-Security-Report-Q2-2019-Final-.odt" comments="true"...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Conflict Resolution Through Dialogue
The 65th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on April 19, 2019, on the theme of “Conflict Resolution Through Dialogue”. Conflict resolution has been one of the core themes Ulasi Taroon aims to discuss and the radio show mainly focused on the importance of dialogue to prevent conflict and peacefully coexist. The first guest on show, Dr. Imran, a faculty member from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar, noted that the existence of conflict among humans is a social reality and it cannot be ignored. History shows that conflicts cannot be resolved through violent means and opting such methods has never yielded lasting results but it is through dialogue and mutual understanding that most of the international and local conflicts have been resolved. Dialogue is an ability to exhibit tolerance, respect and greater wisdom. There is a dire need to develop the conflict resolution capacity of our youth leaders and help them develop this incredibly powerful soft skill of dialogue. This will enable them to counter extremist perspectives and lead peaceful conflict resolution within their respective communal, academic and professional spheres. The second guest on show, Ms. Kainat said conflicts are not necessarily armed in nature but it can also be a mere disagreement; a clash of different views, ideas and perceptions and such conflicts should always be resolved through dialogue. The third guest in studio, Ms. Hafsa added that the tone and temperature of national politics can take a serious toll on youth; negatively impacting and leaving them intolerant of different views and manifestoes. We need to cultivate our youth leaders in the virtues of patience and tolerance and ideals of peace and coexistence, and help them master the use of dialogue for conflict resolution. The fourth guest in studio, Mr. Usman noted that disagreements and...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Role of Literature for Social Cohesion
The 64th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on April 12, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Literature for Social Cohesion”. The first guest on show, Mr. Fazal Mohamed noted that literature is the reflection of a society’s social and political trends. Poetry is a very powerful medium to disseminate the messages of peace and love. Literati should create such a content that can build social cohesion in the society and promote humanity. He added that literature serves as oxygen for a society as well as a unifying factor worth leveraging. It is the reflection of the cultural norms and values of the particular era and the trends at that time. We should all try to learn the art of peaceful conflict resolution by resorting to dialogue in the centrality of discourse embedded in the global democratic values. The second guest on show, Mrs. Zeba Afridi said that social media is an extremely powerful medium to leverage the potential of literature in bolstering peace perspectives. There is a dire need to reconnect young generation with the literature; sensitizing them in the importance of books to broaden their vision. The guest on phone, Mr. Noor ul Amin said that referring to our classical and modern literature can greatly foster social cohesion, like Khushal Baba where he said that tolerance, dialogue and democracy are the essences of humanity. In the 20th century literature, Hamza Baba says that only the cohesion and united efforts can help achieve your ends. While talking about the role of the writers and poets, he added that poets have always longed for unity and harmony and modern poetry also aims to prompt masses to play their role for peace and coexistence and nudge them towards conflict resolution through mutual understanding and dialogue. The current generation of literati also realizes that love and peace are fundamental to social harmony and peaceful...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Social Cohesion and Role of Media
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...
CollaboraCollaborative Workshops and Debates-July 04-05, 2019, Quettative Workshops and Debates-July 04-05, 2019, Quetta
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the fifth two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for university students, on July 4-5, 2019, in Quetta. The workshop was held at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta. It was conducted under the umbrella of the Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE), a counter-radicalization, pluralistic values focused project, in collaboration with the Dutch Government. Participants included students from Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences and University of Balochistan. Project Manager, Ms. Farhana Kanwal started off the workshop with an introductory session and welcomed the participants to the workshop. Ms. Kanwal 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 habit 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. Youth is the shaper of future and whole objective of reaching out to them is to prepare a cadre of young people equipped with the tools of critical thinking. We believe that today’s younger generation has the ability to adopt new ideas and question preconceive narrative of intolerance. She stressed on questioning to start the process of positive transition of a society. She also stressed on including all the marginalized groups for a greater cause of peacebuilding and social cohesion. Ms. Farhana elaborated on the success and achievements of PACE in its first phase and also the objectives of PACE Evolution. Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Head of the Department of Mass Communications, BUITEMS expressed his gratitude over having PACE...
Huawei’s Ban & Repercussions for India
Ever since President Trump banned Huawei on May 15, 2019, accusing it of collecting sensitive US information and supplying it to the Chinese military, something which Huawei denies. The ban has created deep anxiety among the mobile markets globally, as the company is the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. The blacklisting of Huawei also prompted Google to suspend Huawei’s access to Android software. More than that, it has been labelled as a Mutually Assured Destruction by Indian tech consultants. Prasanto K. Roy, a tech writer and policy consultant writes in India Today: “The Google-Huawei trade war by proxy has wide ranging consequences. India better be cautious.” Huawei has about 3.4% estimated share in India’s growing smartphone market. The company recently launched its P30 Pro flagship with the latest features, such as Leica quad camera and macro lenses, which have thrilled the consumers. Though, Huawei is coming up with its own software, yet it would still affect Indian smartphone market, as it is dominated by Android software and Huawei has announced a three-year investment plan worth 100 million dollars as well. The Indian Telecom Regulatory Authority has announced not to invite Huawei for 5G trials, but Huawei refutes any such claim. According to the Authority, India imports 90% of its telecom network equipment i.e. routers, antennas or multiplexers mainly from Huawei. In the wake of US sanctions, India may resist US pressure along with Germany and UK, as the Indian Telecom authority has urged to make such equipment strategically important. Prasanto in his India Today op-ed, published on June 10, 2019, clearly warns New Delhi to be cautious in this fight, as India has been testing its own protectionist policies and hopes that Trump doesn’t retaliate on its 137 billion software and services exports. The author Shayan Tariq is a Research Intern at Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad and an IR graduate from Bahria...
Constitutional Education and Indiscriminate Accountability, Both Key to Uphold Rule of Law: ADOFC Swat
Rule of law means that every citizen has certain fundamental rights as well as responsibilities enshrined in the constitution. The youth leaders – regardless of their educational discipline - must study law and constitution as its only by the human rights education, can human rights violation and rule of law be prevented and strengthened respectively. The system of across the board accountability and check and balance – both on the state, government and citizens – is critical to uphold rule of law. The rule of law nourishes in societies which study the law and are aware of their rights and responsibilities available to them in the constitution. Therefore, an essential requirement to become a law abiding citizen and articulate your issues in a dispassionate way, is to study the tenets of rule of law. These were the notions expressed by Mr. Daniyal Ahmed Javed, a Police Services of Pakistan officer posted in Swat as Assistance District Officer, Frontier Constabulary (PSP, ADOFC Swat), during the twentieth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with Department of Forensic Sciences at University of Swat. Mr. Daniyal Ahmed said that not knowing a law is not an excuse to commit crime and break the law; even misdemeanor. Responsible citizenship demands adherence to rule of law and compliance with the core constitutional values critical to social peace and harmony. A democratic society is characterized by public empowerment through the provision of fundamental human rights equally available to every citizen, including right to fair trail and access to justice. The separation of power among the pillars of the state is critical to uphold rule of law. The state institutions must observe their constitutional limits and executive, legislature and judiciary should only commit to execution, legislation and adjudication respectively. The future leaders must learn to articulate...
CRSS Launches New Publication of its Flagship Program – PACE
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) launches a new publication of its flagship program - Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE) - covering three years of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programming. PACE is a CVE initiative brought forth by the help of the Government of Netherlands with the aim of provoking critical thinking through discourse focused on core fundamental values; namely, socio-political diversity, acceptance of diversity, rule of law and equal citizenry, and the laws stated under Articles 8 to 28 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The first phase of the project was executed successfully from September 2015 to September 2018 and is covered in the publication. View PDF here.
China-Pakistan delegates discuss regional security, Afghanistan and India
Developing geo-political and strategic regional changes in the backdrop of the ongoing Afghan peace process, Modi’s thumping majority in his re-election and US-China trade war pose complicated implications for China, Pakistan and the region at large. In this context, Professor Ye Hailin stressed the need for increased regional cooperation and better ties for peace and security. He was heading a five member visiting delegation of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) – a think tank based in Beijing, at the roundtable conference on Regional Security: Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and India, hosted by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Islamabad on Wednesday. Lt Gen (retd) Asif Yasin, one of the delegates from the Pakistani side, stated that the friendship between Pakistan and China is not one between the people or governments but between the hearts and minds of the two nations which has been proven over and over again. China, besides Turkey and Malaysia, has stood by Pakistan through all difficult times, and Pakistan looks forward to even better times. In fact, Pakistan’s strategy under PM Imran Khan has been one of looking towards east rather than the west. Unlike his predecessors whose first official visits post-election would center in the west, PM Imran Khan has made a note of expanding Pakistan’s ties in the east, China being his second official visit after Saudi Arabia, he said. Regarding the ongoing US-Taliban talks, former Ambassador Qazi Humayun deliberated that the US has lost the war in Afghanistan, at an annual cost of $50 bn, but wants to recover its position on the negotiating table with Taliban. However, the Trump administration fears that if they announce a withdrawal of troops, a pre-condition by the Taliban for cease-fire, they would declare it as their victory. In this catch-22, the declining superpower has been actively boosting its strategic partnership with India and its role in Afghanistan. Chinese-Taliban talks, during...
Rule of Law Vital to Empower Public and Strengthen Democracy: DPO, District Dir (Lower)
Fostering the linkages between the public and police - on mutual cooperation and information sharing mechanism - is need of the hour to bridge the gaps and critical to ameliorate the longstanding public-police trust. The purpose of rule of law is to empower the public with the sense of security and enable them to cooperate with and trust other members of the society as well as the institutions to achieve their shared goals and common objectives of social peace, cohesion and community development. Only in institutionalized form, can power be an authority and its use otherwise is a clear violation of law. The purpose of law is to control the illegal use of power. Rule of law means that everyone is subject to law; government, individuals or businesses. Law is applicable equally to all regardless of how powerful they are in terms of socio-political or economic status. These were the notions expressed by Mr. Arif Shahbaz, District Police Officer (DPO), Lower Dir during the nineteenth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at and in collaboration with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, District Dir (Upper). The Lower Dir DPO said that even the government is not above the rule of law and there is a system of check and balance that kicks in, in case it exceeds its power or act above the law. The judiciary and media play a crucial oversight role to uphold rule of law and government accountability. Rule of law supports fairness and stability in the legal system and society at large. Absence of rule of law has countless devastating effects on the society where it leads to social disintegration, turmoil, uncertainty, vulnerability, distrust and conflict to name a few. Right and equal access to justice, right to fair trial, freedom of speech, freedom of press and equality before law are some of the fundamental rights, provisions and ideals critical to uphold and smooth operation of...
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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.