Current Projects
Collaborative Workshops and Debates-April 26-27, 2019, Kohat
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the fourth two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for young university students, on April 26-27, 2019, in Kohat. The workshop was held at Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat. The workshop 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 young students from Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat and FATA University, FR Kohat. 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 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 youth of Pakistan. PACE encourages to point at preconceived narratives and notions and embed the national discourse in constitutionalism and the rule of law. She further described that how important is the concept of equal citizenry and its implementation in today’s Pakistan. She stressed on adopting the framework of equal citizenry and that is the only way we can come up as a rational nation internationally. A state’s responsibility is to protect its citizens rather making the laws which create a segregation among them and this is where discrimination starts. A state is not supposed to view its citizens through the prism of religion as it leads to disparities among the people. Ms. Farhana elaborated on the success and achievements of PACE in its first phase and also the objectives of PACE Evolution. The Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Jamil Ahmed of Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, expressed his immense over conducting PACE Collaborative Workshop on their campus. He said that the purpose of such...
Press Release: Combating political patriarchy remains a challenge in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Women around the world are still principally absent from national and local decision-making bodies, struggle to have a meaningful role in the economic domain, and face exclusion from political processes. Despite representing half of the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators. From discrimination and violence to a lack of support and resources, women face countless challenges to participation in the civic and political life of their countries. Strengthening women’s rights and addressing barriers to political participation are critical to achieving gender equality and female empowerment, according to Ms. Natasha Rathore, Manager Programmes at Aurat Foundation (AF), who was speaking at Afghan Studies Center’s 23rd Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue in Islamabad. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have reserved seats for women to ensure their substantive political representation. However, the specific modalities of gender quotas and women posted through this mechanism become key determinants that continue to negatively affect their political effectiveness. Women elected through quotas are reported to feel obliged to act for women as a group and are inspired to bring new issues to the table. However, majority seeks to disassociate themselves from the quota and women’s issues to demonstrate that they are ‘serious’ politicians. At the same time, many have been accused of acting only as proxies for men and of being excessively loyal to party leaders. Thus, a question arises, are quotas a sufficient mode of intervention to allow for a quantitative and qualitative decrease in the gender disparity or we need to do a lot more? Youth from Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on the point that combating political patriarchy remains a challenge in both countries. They emphasized less on the electoral process or the overall system and stressed more on the need to change the mindset. The key goes back to economics; only financially strong women can work...
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka April 23, 2019
Senior Citizens and their Rights The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and counsel) discussed equal citizenry for senior citizens and their constitutional rights. The guest on the show, Mr. Abdul Ghafoor, Director Social Welfare Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that the department is trying to improve shelter homes accompanied with effective implementation of 2014 Act for senior citizens.He added that there are about 2.8 million senior citizens in the province. Anyone the age of 60 is considered a senior citizen in our country. According to 2014 Act of KP Government, our senior citizens are entitled to enjoy certain concessions and privileges in our society. Even though our culture endorses respect for the elderly however, when it comes to their rights they are commonly overlooked. He elaborated that the Social Welfare Department has connected all such rights to the issuance of a special card bearing a logo for senior citizens which unfortunately has not been issued since the past five years. Our people need to have an understanding of the concept before such cards are issued in order to give proper rights and concessions to senior citizens who have spent their lives for the state, family and society. The second guest on the show Mr. Hamza Jahangir suggested that after reaching the age of 60 and above ID cards should be issued for life. Health facilities and financial support must be made accessible for such senior citizens. A field-based report by Mr. Gul Hussain highlighted the concerns of senior citizens in the merged tribal districts. The second report by Ms. Asma Gul shared the details of the 2014 Act for senior citizens and its implementation. A total of four calls were received during the show. About Sabawoon : Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications program, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates-April 24-25, 2019, Peshawar
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the third two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for young university students, on April 24-25, 2019, in Peshawar. The workshop was held at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar. The workshop 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 young students from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, CECOS University and Abasyn University, Peshawar. 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 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 youth of Pakistan. PACE encourages to point at preconceived narratives and notions and embed the national discourse in constitutionalism and the rule of law. She further described that how important is the concept of equal citizenry and its implementation in today’s Pakistan. She stressed on adopting the framework of equal citizenry and that is the only way we can come up as a rational nation internationally. A state’s responsibility is to protect its citizens rather making the laws which create a segregation among them and this is where discrimination starts. A state is not supposed to view its citizens through the prism of religion as it leads to disparities among the people. Ms. Farhana elaborated on the success and achievements of PACE in its first phase and also the objectives of PACE Evolution. Ms. Farhana further added that one of the core objectives of this workshop is to create a cadre of youth skilled with debate and critical thinking. In our society, we usually avoid questioning, PACE...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Importance of Constitutional Literacy
The 57th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 22, 2019, on the theme of “Importance of Constitutional Literacy”. The first guest on show, Prof. Dr. Dost Mohammad appreciated CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon initiative as to how it endeavors to strengthen social cohesion in the society and termed it as ‘need of the hour’. He noted that the rules and legislations evolved - as the society grew and progressed over the ages - and culminated into the document of constitution to define the roles and responsibilities of different actors in the society including state and citizens. The constitution is an outcome of human experiences and societal evolution over the centuries to regulate the human behaviors for peaceful coexistence. It describes the fundamental human rights available to the citizens of a sovereign state. It also ensures mutual respect between the core pillars of the state. He added that democracy is a process to uphold equal citizenry, transparency and accountability in the society. It is only by constitutional literacy among the citizens, can their fundamental human rights be upheld. It is an essential prerequisite for access to justice, social capital, inclusion and mobility, and participation in the democratic processes besides preventing violations of human rights. The second guest on show, Mr. Nangyal Khan, a student from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, shared that the beauty of the law is that it evolves with the progress of mankind. He elaborated that constitution defines the principles to regulate peaceful coexistence of diverse groups in the society. It also outlines the fundamental human rights available to the citizens especially Articles 8-28 in case of the Constitution of Pakistan. Adherence to rules and regulations anchored and fulfilling the roles and responsibilities enshrined in the constitution are critical for not...
China Watch [April 15-21] 5 billion dollars development grant to be provided to GB by China under CPEC: Chinese Envoy
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing has said that his government had provided Rs.5 billion development grant under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which the Federal government will shift to Gilgit Baltistan government soon. Pakistan and China will sign the preliminary design of ML-1 project during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Beijing. Prime Minister Imran Khan will pay a four-day visit to China to attend the Belt and Road Forum and hold bilateral talks with the Chinese leadership on the new phase of CPEC and other issues of mutual interest. President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that CPEC has made Pakistan an important destination for global trade and investment. The Chinese government has offered Pakistan market access similar to that offered to countries of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) after seven years of negotiations. 5 billion dollars development grant to be provided to GB by China under CPEC Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing has said his government had provided Rs.5 billion development grants under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which the Federal government will shift to the Gilgit Baltistan government soon. Mr Jing said the Chinese government would assist GB in the development of various sectors, including widening of Karakoram Highway from Raikot in GB to Thakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chief Minister Mr.Hafeezur Rehman thanked the Chinese government for provision 100 beds of GB hospitals. He said that presently there was lack of women delivery beds and detection machines for breast cancer in GB hospitals. The chief minister suggested that Chinese and GB governments should initiate a project for disabled persons in the region. Mr.Yao Jing assured the Chief Minister of taking every possible step for resolving GB people’s issues.[i] Preliminary design of ML-1 railway project under CPEC to be signed during PM's China visit Pakistan and China will sign the preliminary design of ML-1...
Second Round of PACE Collaborative Workshops
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the second four-day collaborative workshop for young university lecturers and professors between April 15th and 18th, 2016 at Hill View Hotel, Islamabad. The workshop 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 young university lecturers and professors from COMSATS Institute for Information Technology (CIIT), CECOS University, Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), and the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies Department, Peshawar University (PU). [read more about PACE] Mr. Zeeshan Salahuddin, Project Manager, welcomed participants to the workshop, saying that PACE is put together by CRSS to counter radicalization, inculcate critical thinking, question preconceived notions and narratives, and embed the national discourse in constitutionalism and the rule of law. He said that PACE is grounded in the universal values of tolerance and acceptance; tolerance is one virtue that leads to a range of other factors such as perseverance, coexistence and the idea of peace building. [read more about Zeeshan Salahuddin] Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, CRSS, elaborated on the objectives of the training saying equal citizenry is a concept which is guaranteed in all the constitutions of the developed countries, including Pakistan. We need to consciously treat all Pakistanis as equal citizens and should respect their rights. He said that the primary objective of the workshop is to trigger critical thinking through a discourse anchored in fundamental global values such as socio-political diversity, acceptance of diversity, rule of law and equal citizenry. The idea is to create a critical mass of young leaders equipped with the skills to critically analyze issues, look at each other as equal citizens, and correct misconceptions about marginalized communities. [read...
Status Quo failing Imran Khan?
Asad Omar’s sad departure from the cabinet has made it abundantly clear; prime minister Imran Khan is pitched against firmly entrenched forces of status quo. Although incompetence, incoherence and indecision on some key issues has marked the first eight months of the PTI government, yet systemic opposition to his agenda – resistance to reform from within the governance system – stands out as a major obstacle to change. The PM, it seems, was hoodwinked by ministers and officials of water and power and health ministries. It is no coincidence that inflated gas and electricity bills shocked even high-end consumers. People within the system, in the quest for generating revenue for the government, played dirty by simply introducing exorbitant formulas for consumption of gas and electricity. Strange, though illogical explanations followed by ministers and officials, including Asad Omar, Omar Ayub and Ghulam Sarwar Khan. Similar explanations followed when drugs’ prices rose at least two-fold. How can a government pretend innocence when consumers at large have to endure three major shocks to their budgets with unusual financial implications? All this happened either with the knowledge of the Prime Minister, or his dodgy ministers and their associate officials acted behind his back to generate revenue for the government in what could be equated to a broad day robbery? Particularly Ghulam Sarwar Khan and their lackey officials at the Ministry of Water/Power and Petroleum offered strange explanations to the astronomical changes in the power and gas pricing formulas. Was it an attempt only to raise funds for the government through mischief and please the prime minister, or a conspiracy by the forces of status quo to create discontent and contempt for him among masses? If it was the latter case, and the ministers bought the arguments by ministry officials, then this proves the incompetence of these ministers and hence had little justification to continue. The Status Quo had...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra April 18, 2019
The Leishmaniasis Challenge The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the outbreak of Leishmaniasis in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , including the recently merged districts. The government seems to have failed to ensure quick health aid to patients suffering from the ailment and the unavailability of vaccines and medicines has added to their difficulties. Media reports suggest that over 28,000 cases of Leishmaniasis have been reported in the tribal districts and around 3000 in the province. According to the local tribal people, the outbreak is not overnight as cases have been reported over the last several months. The government and local authorities did not take timely action to control the outbreak and even now many patients are not receiving proper treatment. According to health officials, special centers have been set up at sentinel sites of the province where patients are being treated under the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO) in affected districts including Mohmand, Waziristan, Karak, Mardan and Khyber. WHO also provided 1,100 vials of vaccine to the provincial government for treatment of the patients. The locals said that the government should supply medicines and send health units on time to effectively control the outbreak, whereas awareness campaign are vital for informing people about the preventive and curative measures. Dr. Ismail and Dr. Taybaa emphasized that the masses need to be educated and sensitized on the symptoms and treatment of the disease. People have to be vigilant with any mosquito bite and must consult the medical physicians immediately. A field-based report by Mr.Afzal Khan Mohmand shared the facts and figures of the patients in the province and the measures taken by the provincial government. A total of four live calls were received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey April 17, 2019
Global Warming and Clean and Green Campaign The latest radio episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the importance of different campaigns to counter global warming. Mr. Manzoor Yousuf, Deputy Director Peshawar Development Authority said that the at directive of Prime Minister of Pakistan, ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ drive is launched throughout the country to raise awareness among the masses about the significance of tree plantation and a clean environment. He said that the government has set a target of planting 10 billion trees in the coming in five years , to fight global warming and deforestation. Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries when it comes to global warming and its consequences. Global warming is a serious environmental issue that needs to be tackled through plantation of a generous amount of trees. He said that industrialization, deforestation and developing housing societies on agricultural lands are one of the major causes of global warming. Furthermore climate change has had a negative impact on the environment resulting in unnatural weather events, floods and droughts. He suggested that government should take steps for the prevention of deforestation and enforcing a ban on construction work on agricultural lands. There is also need to initiate awareness campaigns for the common people so that they may understand the repercussions of climate change. Moreover, policies must be devised to protect the region from the adverse impacts of climate change. Individuals from all walks of life should take part in the tree plantation drive to make it a success. The first report by Mr. Tahir Rashid talked about the diseases and ailments as a result of global warming and growing pollution. The second report by Ms. Ceena Naeem shared the fact and figures about the plantation schemes by the government. Two live calls were received during show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the merged tribal Areas (FATA)...
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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.