Current Projects
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...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra June 13, 2019
Right to Health for Females, Facilities and Challenges In the latest episode of Ranra (Light) the right to health for females and challenges in this regard were highlighted. Recent information shows that more than 4% of women have no access to basic health facilities along with a very high mortality rate of 48% which raises serious concerns for the female population. The guest on the show Dr. Ismail, Principal Medical Officer (PMO) by profession said that health is a matter of great concern, especially when we talk about women. It is not only the fundamental human right to have good health facilities but also the key component of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) moreover it is the constitutional right of citizens of the country that the state provides them with all the basic health facilities. While talking about the provision of reproductive health facilities in hospitals whether government or private, he addressed that the health system and mechanisms have improved to a great extent as strict implementations have been observed. Although the mushroom growth of private hospitals and clinics has been evident however people are still suffering not only because of expensive treatments but also because the resources of government hospitals have been divided because doctors of government hospitals have started their private clinics with increased fee structures. He added that sensitization of importance of health and the hazards revolving around improper and delayed treatments must be taken into consideration and for that matter role of civil society and media can definitely be an effective tool to spread awareness through health campaigns.The second guest on the show Dr. Izhar, a nephrologist by profession discussed the issue of recent doctor's strike and said that the types of reforms the government is trying to bring are although not against the interest people nor doctors completely but there are certain points of concern due to which doctors...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey June 12, 2019
Article 25: Challenges and Measures The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) focused on Article 25 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which is based on the right to good living standards for every individual and the challenges created by anthropogenic activities of human beings to achieve the entitled standards of life by opting for plastic in their daily activities. The guest on the show, Dr. Nadia, a climate expert by profession talked about the fundamental human rights and said that it is the constitutional and international right of all the human beings to have a clean and healthy environment under Article 25 of UDHR. She was of the view that with the advancement in technology and increasing needs of human beings the environment has been effected through multiple anthropogenic activities, out of which first and foremost is the use of plastic in our daily lives in different forms e.g. household, use of plastic utensils and polythene bags etc. While talking about the health hazards of plastic she was of the view that plastic by composition is a polymer which is non-biodegradable in nature due to which it affects human health if used frequently. She elaborated that use of plastic may cause cancer, depression, hormonal disturbances and many other genetic problems in human beings. She further added that use of plastic is not only hazardous for humans but it equally affects aquatic life and one of the reasons for infrequent change of climate around the globe is the contamination of our surroundings because of dangerous activities of human beings. She said that we should avoid or at least reduce the use of polythene bags in our routine activities to tackle the alarming situation and improve our environmental conditions through these practices. The second guest on the show, Mr. Haris Khan, a social worker, said that although the use of plastic bags is banned by the government of Pakistan still it is a big industry and millions of people are...
Pakistan Center of Excellence
This report was made possible through the dedication and hard work of the PACE team and the guiding spirit of Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, CRSS and Zeeshan Salahuddin, Project Director, PACE. Farhana Kanwal, Syeda Uruba Nisar and Shayan Imran were instrumental in the compiling and editing of this publication. CRSS would especially like to thank its respected trainers and guest speakers who shared their knowledge and insights on PACE thematic areas. CRSS would also like to appreciate the enthusiastic participation of the young faculty members of various universities across Pakistan. Download
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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.