The 62nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 29, 2019, on the theme of “Merger of Tribal Districts, a Pathway to Sustainable Peace”. The show discussed the merger of tribal districts into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and its importance for rule of law, peace, and equal citizenry for the tribal people. The show also discussed the role the merged districts are expected to play as part of KP. The first guest in studio, Malik Anwar Taj, Member, National Assembly of Pakistan, lauded the historic 25th Constitutional Amendment and noted that the tribal people living in former FATA had long been socially and economically integrated with the rest of KP province but now after 25th Amendment, they are legally and officially a part of the province as equal citizens. He said that the inhabitants of this wide region have suffered a lot due to draconian law of Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), militancy, poverty, unemployment, exploitation and absence of good governance. Although the government has practically initiated the process of integration but there are too many problems to address and the process may take some time to culminate into progress and prosperity for the people. People in the tribal region need awareness and understanding more than anything else to support the process. Role of youth can be very vital too. The guest on phone, Mr. Ilyas, a member of Pakistan Marble Association, suggested that the effective planning and implementation of 2017 Mining Act will definitely lead to positive economic activity in the region. The second guest in studio, Mr. Zahir Shah Safi, a lawyer and social activist added that social cohesion in the region can be achieved if the tribal people are brought into the mainstream and fruits of democracy and development reach every nook and corner of the tribal region. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter...

The 61st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 22, 2019, on the subject theme. The radio show reflected upon the objectives of Pakistan Resolution 1940 and its connectivity with the core constitutional values, especially with regard to the human rights. The guests in the studio were of the view that given the creation of Pakistan was to ensure the protection of Muslims’ social, political and civil rights, there is a huge onus on the state of Pakistan to ensure all these rights for the minorities in Pakistan, to uphold equal citizenry and social cohesion in the country. The first guest in studio Mr. Ali Imran from University of Peshawar, noted that we as a nation have achieved several significant milestones despite the challenges of a weak political structure. We should be thankful to have Pakistan as a sovereign state where its citizens have all the fundamental human rights available to them in the Constitution. Everyone must remember, Pakistan was created with immense human sacrifices and now it’s the responsibility of new generation to take the country forward with the same zeal and spirit. Role of leadership is critical to lead the nation towards the vision of the founder of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah for peaceful and cohesive country. The third guest in studio Ms. Beenish, a lecturer at Iqra University, Peshawar, noted that we spend a major portion of our life with teachers - especially the formative years – for education. The citizens’ rights and responsibilities should be considered as an important component of education where the core constitutional values of peace and coexistence should be included in the educational curricula as a compulsory subject. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist...

The 60th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 15, 2019, on the theme of “Youth Development” to discuss their role in the social cohesion, and opportunities and challenges. The first guest in studio, Mr. Najiullah Khattak, the founder of Youth Development Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), noted that youth constitutes around 57 percent of Pakistan’s total population. Such a significant percentage of youth means a great opportunity for the development of country. Besides all other social, economic and political issues of national concern, the state should also focus on the youth development. It is extremely important to educate the youth with quality education, help them develop a collective vision and provide opportunities to channelize their talent in the national development. We must sensitize them in the ideals of equality, acceptance and rule of law and orient them with the core constitutional values as a measure of social cohesion and peace. Youth capacity building programmes to expose them to the new cultures can do wonders in broadening their vision for peaceful coexistence. The second guest in studio, Ms. Aisha Yousafzai said that state needs to look into and allocate resources for youth leadership development as well as equip them with the skills relevant to the contemporary market needs. The youth in Pakistan is very talented, they just need opportunities to learn, excel, grow and play their role in the community development. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people...

The 59th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 08, 2019, on the occasion of “International Women’s Day”. "The basic aim of this day is to educate and aware those women who are deprived of their basic rights of education, health, domestic affairs, etc”, said Ms. Shagufta Malik, Member of Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), during the radio report aired as part of the show. Women need to be given opportunities for participation in all fields of life and their contribution - whether educated or uneducated - is critical to all areas of social, economic and political life on equal terms with men. We want to ensure their inclusion and such awareness programs are initiated where they are empowered to ask about their rights and articulate their demands. There is a huge onus on female parliamentarians to work for the rights, inclusion and development of women and they need to focus on the implementation of legislation about female rights. The women’s participation in the decision making processes is vital for inclusive legislation and democracy. The political parties should also involve them in the internal decision making and electoral process. The guest in studio Ms. Anum, a representative from Women Chamber of Commerce, Mardan, noted that the world is existing because of female presence and their role to the global cohesion is significant. No country can develop without minimizing the gender gap and ensuring participation of women in the economic life of the country. Women who have been given opportunities, they are serving the nation; rendering exceptional services in all sectors of the society including health, education, security, politics, media, civil society etc. It is very unfortunate that many women die just because their husbands don’t take them to male doctors. Women empowerment requires education and awareness of the society at...