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)...

The Concept of Accountability in the Islamic State    The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) discussed the Islamic concept of accountability and its implications. The guest on the show, Molana Ashraf Ali Marwat, a religious scholar, noted that accountability is one of the core concepts required for good governance in an Islamic state. The early history of Islam is replete with examples of our Holy Prophet (SAW) and his companions setting the highest standards of accountability and transparency in the society. He elaborated that there are two levels of accountability in Islam that is self-accountability and the accountability for those who have some power and authority. Accountability and transparency are the prime requisites for any human society. He emphasized that lack of either factors leads to corruption, rise in crimes and injustices in the society. There are several organizations and departments in Pakistan that work to ensure accountability; however, their performance and credibility is questionable. The basic principle of accountability is to bring justice and equality in society. He concluded that establishing equality and justice is the basic aim of Islam. If there is no accountability then injustice prevails and the common man suffers. The report by Mr. Afzal Mohmand highlighted the concept of accountability and connected it to equality and effective rule of law. Mr. Inamullah Khan shared responses to the idea of accountability in modern democracy and its impact upon good governance. A total of three 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 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 Tuesday through Thursday every week under four...

Equal Citizenry and Inclusion for Transgender. The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed equal citizenry and the addition of transgender initiatives at the federal and provincial level to protect their fundamental rights. The guest on the show, Mr. Shakeel Waheed Ullah, a social activist and a transgender, said that gender issues, particularly transgender issues, are a sensitive topic. Gender equality not only means man and woman but also it includes the transgender as well. Provinces are yet to take major steps in representing transgender as there is a drastic difference between the data on their population which hampers policy-making, plus they are not treated as equal human beings at times. Although ID cards have been issued, yet their identity is still to be acknowledged as it is big challenge and societal attitudes really need to be changed. Fortunately there are multiple legislative measures but implementation needs to be looked into seriously. Ms.Namkeen, a transgender, said that even though I am an equal citizen but I am still in search of a job, despite having a Master’s degree. Acceptance has to start from home. She said that the measures seem external and something concrete is missing. The transphobic attitude is again a challenge for transgender and the normal people. She emphasized that transgender do have skills and capabilities they are not to be taken as a commodity or sex workers. The society needs to be educated over the misconceptions about transgender being special people. A field-based report by Anwar Anjum shared that a transgender is equally entitled to all sorts of public jobs and must be given  opportunities. A report by Bushara Mehsud highlighted the responses and concerns of transgender and societal attitudes towards them in tribal areas. A total of seven 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...

Peace through Sports  The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the importance of sports in regards to peace in the region. Mr. Majid Ali Khan, sportsman and Mrs. Huma Hussain, physical education trainer were of the view that sports is  the best method that can be used to overcome the growing intolerance and extremist attitude among youth, if proper planning is done by  the state. Mr. Majid said that sports is an essential component for personality development and enhancing skills like leadership, tolerance and respect for others. The youth of the region is talented but they lack the opportunities needed for exhibiting their skills. He further shared that tribal districts are the most neglected parts of the country when it comes to the provision of basic facilities and opportunities regarding sports. Mrs. Huma Hussain, while talking about female participation in sports said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate aims at providing sports opportunities to everyone, regardless of any discrimination. However, females rarely get the opportunity to participate in sports' activities especially, in both, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and  the recently merged  tribal districts. The government should provide equal sports opportunities to the youth regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds and gender ,she added. The first report by Mr.Rehan talked about the Peace Cricket league held in Peshawar. Teams from different universities participated in the event including some national players as well. As per one respondent in the report, “the event was aimed at spreading  the message of peace and love. Fortunately, peace has revived in the region and we are going to celebrate it with this event”. The second report by Mr. Farid Shinwari from Khyber District took into account the recent announcements for sports activities. Two live calls were received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the merged tribal Areas (FATA)...