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...

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...

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...

The 68th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 10, 2019, on the theme of “Importance of Tolerance Perspectives for Social Cohesion”. The show was prepared in alignment with one of the core project themes of tolerance and its connectivity with fasting. The guest in studio, Mr. Hassan Madani noted that the essence of the holy month of Ramadan is to display the highest form of patience, tolerance, self-control and support to others. These are the very traits that are essential for a healthy society that is socially cohesive. “Ramadan is an opportunity to learn and adopt the tolerance perspectives, and then keep practicing them rest of the year”, he said while adding that this month also teaches Muslims to be disciplined and charitable in social life. But it seems as if the people have only accepted the outer form of observing fast - which is to practice hunger and thirst for a certain period of time every day - and not the essence of it. He emphasized that we need to understand the true spirit of this month i.e. control over anger, evil thoughts and to support and help the needy.  We should teach our children the real essence of this month from the beginning and make them realize that only by serving and helping others, can we peacefully coexist, develop and also get the consent and forgiveness of Allah. Fasting impacts the attitude and behavior in ways beneficial to the community at large where it prompts us to empathize with the disadvantaged people. It is a collective responsibility of both state and society to propagate the values of peace and tolerance perspectives that are common to all the religions and also enshrined in the constitution. The guest on call Dr. Fakhar-ul-Islam shared that the true purpose of fast is to foster tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence among the members of a society. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a...