Current Projects
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka May 14, 2019
Electoral Process in Merged Tribal Districts The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) discussed the recent political developments and 26th Constitutional Amendment regarding an increased number of seats for former FATA. The guest on the show, Mr. Sangeen Khan, an advocate, said that Frontier Crimes Resolution (FCR) had been hampering the political process and administrative measures in the past. He commended the collaborative role of the media, civil society organizations and different stakeholders in the abolition of FCR. Mr. Sangeen said that a merger was prioritized over a separate province because the tribal areas are closer to the more settled areas for instance Mohmand is closer to Charsada. Moreover, a separate province would have proven to be troublesome for the people. The legislature has given a feeling of ownership to the tribal districts and it should be visible in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award too. The guest on call, spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Mr. Altaf Ahmad, said that in order to facilitate the electoral process there have been certain changes in the election schedule and a delay of six months is to ensure the maximum participation of the electorates. Redefining the delimitation of constituencies will be ensured in the given timeline. The second guest on call, Mr. Sajid Hussain, a sitting Member of National Assembly (MNA) said that everyone is aiming for immediate decision making in the Senate after the National Assembly’s consent on the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The report by Mr. Gul Hussain shared the facts and figures and responses of the general public regarding the election campaign. The report by Mr. Afzal Mohmand highlighted the importance of the constitutional amendment and the long term impacts of inclusion of tribal people in policy making. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Youth Development
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...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase : International Women’s Day
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...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra May 9, 2019
Fasting for Tolerance and Peace The latest episode of Ranra (Light) highlighted the importance of tolerance and acceptance for peace building with reference to ongoing holy month of Ramadan. The guest on the show, Dr. Izhar from Institute of Kidney Diseases, Peshawar said that fasting is meant for both physical and spiritual training and we must understand the objectives and the positive messages hidden in the practice of fasting. He added that multiple researches have proved that this exercise really helps in promoting tolerance and patience. Since it is observed that the level of tolerance is on a decline generally in society therefore it is really important to understand the social aspects of this particular month and how along term tolerant behavior can be developed. He also suggested that in order to avail maximum health benefits people should restrict themselves to a healthy diet and routine instead of getting indulging in excessive eating. The field based report by Ms. Ceena Naeem shared the benefits of fasting on individuals and on society as a whole. Two messages 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 values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Tuesday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Tuesday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with input from government and other senior officials. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural and female issues are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary objective of the show has been to...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey May 8, 2019
Right to Education for Orphans The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the right to education for orphans and state’s responsibility regarding it. The show was hosted by a transgender, encouraging inclusion and equal citizenry for all genders. The guest on the show, Mr. Imran Takar, a children's rights activist said that orphans living in Pakistan are often deprived of their basic rights to education, health and dignity leading to many social and economic problems which in turn makes them vulnerable to numerous crimes. Moreover, orphans are often denied from the right to inheritance when their one or both parents die. This adds to their many troubles and miseries. The provision of equal opportunities to orphans and street children is the collective responsibility of the society and government and to ensure facilities and resources to relieve this marginalized and vulnerable segment. The second guest on the show, Mr. Usman Marwat, a social activist shared that his organization was working to support orphans. However, in order to protect the rights of orphans and other poor children of the society more legislation and implementation is needed. There are some welfare organizations striving to support the orphaned, but the government should also set up orphanages and provide with the resources of education, boarding and other facilities so that these children may enjoy their rights without any discrimination and deprivation. This will enable these children to become productive and valued citizens of the society. The first report by Mr. Shakir Mehsud highlighted the social issues faced by the orphans. The respondents added that in the constitution there is no particular mention about orphans. Article 14 and 25 of the constitution discuss the rights of individuals and what should be the state responsibilities in this regard, but no specific mention of orphans and disabled has been noted. This is the call of the day to do legislation for the...
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka May 7, 2019
Say No to Plastic Campaign The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) discussed the recent campaign of 'Say No to Plastic Bags' in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The guest on the show, Ms. Sara Rehman, Assistant Commissioner, Peshawar stated that the provincial government of KP has put a ban on the use of plastic bags to ensure a clean and safe environment as the excessive use of plastic bags is proving to be a menace for our society. District Administration has adopted a gradual but steady policy to discourage the use of plastic bags and replacing them with biodegradable and cloth bags. Responding to a question regarding the industry and human sources involved in the production of plastic bags she explained that all the stakeholders are on board and we have assured them that government will not immediately shut down this industry. However, they have been asked to change their technology and adopt more environmental friendly methods. The alternative is biodegradable bags which are not made of polythene chemical. They have the option of producing biodegradable and cloth bags. The second guest on the show, Mr. Lehaz Ali, a journalist said that according to news reports an increase of 15% has been noted with each passing year in the use of plastic bags. There are 160,000 people directly associated with this industry and 600,000 indirectly involved. Public awareness is crucial to discourage this trend along with clear legislation and implementation. A field-based report by Mr. Tahir Rasheed shared the facts and figures regarding the excessive use of plastic bags and the need for immediate substitutes. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs...
China Watch [April 29 – May 5] 9 SEZs to be established under the umbrella of CPEC
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan announced that nine special economic zones would be established in different areas of the country, including in Bostan area of Baluchistan under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Special Commentator of China Economic Net, Cheng Xizhong said Pakistan and China will enjoy a significant increase in their trade under the second phase Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has turned down rumours that Beijing is setting up military bases in Pakistan. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (EZDMC) has signed a concessional agreement with China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) to develop Rashakai Special Economic Zone (RSEZ). Nine economic zones to be established under CPEC Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan announced that nine special economic zones would be established in different areas of the country, including in Bostan area of Baluchistan under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During the Question Hour, Mr. Ali Muhammad told the Senate that a feasibility report for establishing special economic zone in Bostan has already been received. He said that he had no information about shifting of proposed zone in Bostan to Lasbila. Haroon Sharif has lauded the cordial relations between Pakistan and China, saying that the government wanted CPEC to be a multidimensional initiative, which would bring foreign direct investment parallel to infrastructure development.[i] FTA to bring dramatic increase in Pak-China trade Special Commentator of China Economic Net, Cheng Xizhong said Pakistan and China will enjoy a significant increase in their trade under the second phase Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The revised FTA that was signed in presence of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday is to be effective from July 1st 2019. According to Mr.Cheng...
Women are not Children of a Lesser God: Shandana Gulzar Khan
Only by a vibrant private sector and a conducive working environment for them can enhance the business activity in the country. Pakistan’s yearly fall in the figure of exporters is almost 1% which also carries a proportionate effect on the women exporters. Pakistan’s exports reduced from 25 to 20 billion in the last 5 years due to coercive tariff policy in the past. However, the new tariff policy is hoped to be more friendly and promote exports growth. These were the remarks made by the Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Ms. Shandana Gulzar Khan during the Public-Private Dialogue on Gender Focused Economic Reforms, held at Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad on May 02, 2019. The event was also participated by the Parliamentary Secretary for National History and Literary Heritage, Ms. Ghazala Saifi and several private sector representatives along with the representatives of SMEDA and civil society. She said that in domestic commerce, unfortunately the big industries have found their captive audiences but Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face problem. We are inviting investment in Pakistan – mainly from Singapore – in MSMEs where Singapore intends to develop the special economic zones established in the provinces. Overcoming the major road blocks; especially addressing elite capture is crucial for the future of Pakistan’s economic stability. The indiscriminate accountability is critical to uphold rule of law where everyone – regardless of socio-political or economic background - should be given equal opportunities for social and economic inclusion and mobility. There is dire need to address the poor-rich divide to ameliorate the economic inequality. Women in Pakistan have a limited access to the power corridors due the limited women representation. Gender focused economic reforms and inclusive legislation require knowledge and thoughtful consideration of the issues that concern the businesswomen and the aspiring entrepreneurs....
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Religious Freedom, A Constitutional Right
The 58th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 01, 2019, on the theme of “Religious Freedom, A Constitutional Right”. The purpose of the show was to underline one the core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan; Article 20: Freedom to profess religion and to manage religious institutions where (a) every citizen shall have the right to profess, practise and propagate his religion; and (b) every religious denomination and every sect thereof shall have the right to establish, maintain and manage its religious institutions. The first guest in studio, Mr. Moazzam Butt, a lawyer by profession, noted that religious freedom is the fundamental human right ensured by the Constitution of Pakistan and available to all the citizens of the country. The flouters must be subject to law in case of violation of this basic constitutional right. There is a dire need for an inclusive dialogue to not only identify the barriers to uphold the religious freedom but also to emphasize the importance of an egalitarian society for peace and cohesion. The society is responsible to respect the others citizens’ right to practice their religion, as much as the state. The notion of responsible citizenship is embedded in the constitution and demands peaceful coexistence of the communities of different faiths. As responsible citizens, we should be very cautious about the societal fault lines that make us vulnerable to the drivers of disintegration. Deviation from constitution and giving up on fundamental human rights can destroy the social fabric of the society. Only by compliance with the core constitutional values of equality, acceptance and rule of law, can social cohesion be strengthened. The second guest in studio, Mr. Haroon Sarbdiyal, a representative of Hindu Community, said that the effective implementation of Article 20 of the Constitution of...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra May 3, 2019
Equal citizenry for differently able persons The latest episode of Sabwoon, Ranra (Light) highlighted equal citizenry for differently able persons, discussing in detail, the challenges faced by them and initiatives introduced on part of Provincial Government. The guest on the show, Mr. Liaqaat Ali, former Deputy Director at social welfare department and senior teacher at special education complex said that by the concept of differently able people we mean all those citizens who are physically, mentally challenged or even having minor disabilities in any way. He was of the view that the under constitution of Pakistan and disabled persons Act 1981, they have the equal right to education, health, transportation and all other fundamental facilities same as that of other citizens moreover they are being privileged on behalf of the state in the way that they have 2% quota fixed education institutions, which has been increased to 4%. He further said that they are given a 50% discount on any kind of tickets, 30% discount on utility stores as well as marriage allowance with 75% relief in fees to pursue their studies. He further discussed that government has made efforts to establish an association for providing a proper platform for pursuing their demands at. He said that although the government is putting its efforts to take on board the differently able persons of the society it is the responsibility of special persons as well as the common people to report any special case or persons with disabilities to ensure the access of government institutions. He said that proper educational institutions are working to ensure the education of differently able persons in Peshawar and other districts. The second guest, Mr. Jawad said that although he is a differently able person but he has not faced any sort of serious challenges in his life regarding his disabilities but wishes to see more cooperation on behalf of society and government to streamline their issues regarding...
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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.