Current Projects
Pak-India Conflict Report [2016 – 2018]
Author: Mohammad Nafees Overview The recent stand-off between Pakistan and India after the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 was a reminiscent of similar events in the past that had triggered tensions, if not large-scale hostilities. Two major incidents in 2016 – militant attacks at Pathankot Air Force Station and Uri Army Camp on the 2nd of January 2016 and the 18th of September 2016 respectively – did escalate political tensions and fueled nationalistic, often jingoistic rhetoric. The immediate Indian reaction to these two attacks was to blame them on Pakistan-based militant groups. The arrest in March/April 2016 of the Indian navy commander Kulboshan Jadhav, who was reportedly running an espionage network out of the Iranian port of Chabahar, brought the bilateral relations literally to a standstill. India demanded Jadhav back but Pakistan declined on the grounds that he had confessed having organized terrorist activities in the southwestern Balochistan province. Following his conviction to death by a Pakistani military court, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to get Jadhav off the hook. The ruling on the spy is expected in the latter half of the year. This report takes a stock of what both countries have achieved and lost as a result of their dispute over the predominantly Kashmir Valley (Indian-administered Kashmir). It is based on Indian and Pakistani press. No editing is done to the reports that appeared in the Indian and Pakistani press with the basic intent to allow the readers to know how conflicting perspectives are at play and harming the bilateral relationship. Pakistan-based militant groups accused by India for terrorist activities in its part of Kashmir are central to the hostile relations. These include Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which are very active in the Indian Kashmir as became evident from the number of attacks claimed by them. Fatalities from Cross-Border Firings...
Women’s political empowerment can never be materialized without their economic empowerment
Political empowerment of women can never be materialized without their economic empowerment. Economically empowered women, in comparison to men, impact the whole socio-economic fabric of the society; a lot of indirect investment can be done in human capital this way. Research suggests that by giving same amount of money to a man and woman; it is the woman that makes a greater difference – in terms of better health, hygiene and improved nutritional value of the whole household. “We are also working to bring about gender-sensitive budgeting in Pakistan”, said Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Member, National Assembly of Pakistan, though stressing that change requires continuity and stability in the long run. She was speaking to businesswomen, representatives from Chambers, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), as well as experts from Islamabad based think-tanks, in a public-private dialogue on Gender Focused Economic Reforms, organized by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad. There ought to be a change in the mindset, urged Ms. Nabeela Farman, Manager, Women Entrepreneurship Development, SMEDA, who was also present in the dialogue. People, and girls in particular, must understand that one does not necessarily have to go for a job; there is much more potential in doing business. Yet, she believed that a ripple effect has been created, as more and more young people are inclined towards entrepreneurship these days. Moreover, SMEDA has been strongly recommending, and in parallel lobbying hard, for women quota in industrial estates and special economic zones. SMEDA, for the first time ever, initiated business incubation centers across the country for women’s skill development. These centers were later handed over to the private sector and are doing a very good job indeed. In all this process, we found out that access to finance and accessing new markets are amongst the major hindrances for working women...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates-March 26-27, 2019, Islamabad
Mr. Imtiaz Gul said that the objective of these workshops is to create an environment for debate and critical thinking. We normally avoid to question, one of the objective to elicit critical thinking and it starts with questioning. Our religion also encourages asking questions and challenge preconceived notions. We always need to consider the perspectives coming from different segments of the society. Mr. Toaha Qureshi shared his views saying that Islam isn’t threatened by the European society. There are prejudices against every race and religion in Western world. Nut the question is how we fight these problems. One should have the resistance to fight against these racial issues and one of the weapon is to be closely associated with your roots but at the same time should have to be able to gel in to the modern world. Debates should be based on realistic approach. In Europe, Muslims are facing prejudices but at the same time the same behavior is prevalent in South Asia as well. We need to understand that terrorism and extremism are international phenomenon. These are not limited to one region or religion. There is a huge responsibility on youth. Not every Muslim is a terrorist and we need to project this message. This messaged can only be spread through adopting a moderate way of depolarization between religious and liberal extremists. We need to focus on streamlining the education system by bringing on all the modes of education on the same page. This way, we will be able to create a compatible environment which can help our youth to pave the way for a brighter future. Ms. Romana Bashir spoke on respect for diversity, rights and opinions. She shared her views by asking a question about definition of diversity and tolerance about diverse groups in the surroundings. She discussed about diversity of ideas, beliefs and practices. She pointed that diversity is not a problem but a binding and connecting force. It is joyful and a source of learning because we interact...
Responsible Citizenship Vital for Rule of Law: DPO Kohat
The concept of rule of law educates us in the virtues of abiding by the rules and regulations governing the society. It means and hinges on the discipline in the society. Police cannot function properly without public cooperation where it is absolutely essential for effective policing. Rule of law demands responsible citizenship where every member of the society is not only cognizant of but also performs their roles in the community development and peacebuilding processes. These were the remarks made by Mr. Wahid Mehmood, District Police Officer (DPO), Kohat, during the sixteenth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with the Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) from March 20-21, 2019. Mr. Wahid Mehmood emphasized that bridging and fostering public-police gaps and linkages is critical to uphold rule of law and much needed cooperation among the two - through an inclusive partnership - for a crime-free and peaceful society. There is a huge onus on public to responsibly report information about crimes and other activities jeopardizing law and order situation in the society. Only by practicing the ideals of tolerance, acceptance and patience, can responsible citizenship be nurtured. Mastering these ideals can not only make us responsible citizens but also lead to unprecedented success and cohesion in the society. The DPO Kohat stressed that the youth, in order to achieve success, need to nourish their minds with positivity and gratitude. The cultivation in such ideals is a prerequisite for positive thoughts, words, actions, habits and characters; as the quality of character makes the quality of success in life. He said that the peace lies within patience and tolerance. The highest form of the strength is forgiveness and highest form of the weakness is revengefulness. The real benchmark of success is our ability to respect people regardless of their...
NZ Prime Minister Takes Lead, Says Shooter Will Remain Nameless, Not Become Famous
In a landmark and extremely moving speech before the parliament, New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, came across as self-less, clear-headed and a resolute visionary. Never before had a head of government articulated a better framework to counter terrorism and extremism. In fact, the prime minister delivered several strong messages to politicians, media and people at large. The first message: Concede it was an act of terrorism. Disown, ignore the perpetrator and deny him the identity in public life. When talking about the tragedy that rocked her country on March 15 with 50 deaths, PM Ardern said, “He sought many things from his act of terror, but one is notoriety. And that is why you will never hear me mention his name. He is a terrorist. He is a criminal. He is an extremist. But he will, when I speak, be nameless. We, in New Zealand, will give him nothing. Not even his name.” Secondly, she only mentioned and highlighted the names of the victims, not of the beast who sought notoriety through the dastardly act. “And to others, I implore you: Speak the names of the lives who were lost, rather than the name of the man who took them,” said Ardern in an unusually composed yet compassionate address to the parliament. The third message was the promise of quick justice to all those who had suffered directly or otherwise. She pledged to invoke the existing laws to initiate the prosecution process as soon as possible. The fourth message that PM Arden delivered was to the present day media at large. Touching upon the fact that the white supremacist gunman was able to broadcast 17 minutes of his cold-blooded rampage on Facebook, she asserted, “We will look at the role that social media played and what steps we can take, including on the international stage and in unison with our partners.” She pointed towards the time that social media companies took to remove the video as it was re-uploaded to services like YouTube and Twitter that day. “There is no question that...
Only by compliance with the rules to regulate the society, can we peacefully coexist: DPO Swabi
Social cohesion refers to willingness of the people to respect, trust, cooperate with each other, and live together peacefully as equal citizens. Cooperation is the biggest reason why humans survived and socially evolutionized over the centuries and still exist among all the other species. The basis of human survival is cooperation; critical to prosperity, peace and growth. This cooperation mechanism among humans besides all other human affairs, relations and activities always needs to be regulated through laws for a sustainable survival, growth and prosperity of human race. This regulation is critical for equality regardless of socio-economic and political backgrounds, mutuality, transparency, certainty of law, universality and equal distribution of resources. The concept of mutuality calls for the due performance of citizens’ responsibilities while they enjoy their rights. These are all the ideas which led to the concept of rule of law. These were the remarks made by the District Police Officer (DPO), Swabi, Syed Khalid Hamdani, during the fifteenth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with the Women University Mardan from March 06-07, 2019. “Crises if survived, can bring out the best in us”, He added. The issues witnessed with the public institutions are the issues with the society at large as these institutions reflect the collective values of the society. Thus, we need to improve our value system and make it consistent with the fundamental values of humanity. DPO Swabi said that there is a huge onus on youth to help identifying the evil and promote the good; positive values in the society. Being a student is a privilege and for youth’s contribution for rule of law, sky is the limit. They must develop critical thinking and challenge the stereotypes with a rational approach. They must strive to learn in order to compete, grow and articulate as clarity comes...
Collaborative Workshops and Debates-March 08-09, 2019, Islamabad
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the first two-day PACE Collaborative workshops and debates for young university students, on March 8 – 9, 2019. The workshop was held at the Islamabad 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 students from Quid-e-Azam University, Federal Urdu University, and Air University, Islamabad. Director Communications and Strategy, Mr. Zeeshan Salahuddin started off the event by welcoming 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 also explained the importance of equal citizenry and its implementation. He emphasised that if Pakistan wishes to represent itself as a rational nation on a global scale it is imperative to adopt the framework of equal citizenship. Furthermore, he added that if the state started viewing its people through a religious prism it would lead to disparities between the people. Mr. Salahuddin also shared the success and achievements of PACE Phase I with the participants. Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, CRSS, explained the objectives of the workshop with the participants saying that equal citizenry is a concept which is guaranteed in the constitutions of all the countries in the world, including Pakistan. Mr. Gul initiated a debate after showing a brief video to the audience while encapsulating some of the ideals that prompted the creation of PACE. He said that these ideals also resonated with the core values that are acknowledged, practiced and respected as fundamental to social harmony, political peace and national cohesion. Her Excellency, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Inclusion of Differently Abled People
The 56th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 15, 2019, on the theme of “Inclusion of Differently Abled People”, to discuss how disabled people can contribute towards a cohesive society. The first guest on show, Mr. Niaz Ali Shah noted that persons with disabilities are differently abled and have an equal potential to contribute to social cohesion in their own way given they are considered as an equal and important members of a society and treated with respect. The major challenge is not the disability but the negative and intolerant behaviors of the society which make someone feel as a disabled person. The real disability lies not in the disabled persons but in the minds of those who consider them handicapped and are insensitive to their special needs. The state should take initiatives to ensure the structural inclusion of people with disabilities. The second guest in studio, Mr. Shabir Ahmad was of the view that our society is not well educated on the inclusion and needs of the special people, nor familiar with the sensitivities related to them. Whereas, the developed countries are considerate of the needs and importance of these special people. In many instances, they are devoid of facilities for education and end up getting the impression of being useless right from their childhood and live their lives in isolation. The guest on phone, Dr. Samina Afridi noted that the social cohesion demands inclusion of all groups of the society as exclusion leads to conflict. We have to juxtapose equality and equity to provide a more conducive environment for disabled persons, to help them grow and get opportunities for social mobility like other citizens. Multipronged approach is needed with sensitization, efforts for mainstreaming and friendly spaces for them and special a health and education policy at the core. The role of civil society...
CRSS Annual Security Report [Special Edition 2013-2018]
Author: Muhammad Nafees Editor: Zeeshan Salahuddin The Center for Research and Security Studies has launched its Annual Security Report [Special Edition 2013-2018]. The report takes a comprehensive look at the security situation of Pakistan over the span of last six years. Across Pakistan, and across all metrics, violence-related casualties continued to decline in 2018, registering a 45% drop from the previous year, and 86% drop since 2013. If we look purely at fatalities from terror attacks and incidents, the number dropped 83% from 4,643 in 2013 to 754 in 2018. This an unprecedented drop in violence across the country. The bulk of the success is owed to the extensive kinetic operations conducted across the country. However, while the progress on eliminating terrorism is exceptional, the progress on eliminating its root cause of extremism remains woeful at best. Download
Annual Security Report [Special Edition 2013-2018]
The Center for Research and Security Studies has launched its Annual Security Report [Special Edition 2013-2018]. The report takes a comprehensive look at the security situation of Pakistan over the span of last six years. Across Pakistan, and across all metrics, violence-related casualties continued to decline in 2018, registering a 45% drop from the previous year, and 86% drop since 2013. If we look purely at fatalities from terror attacks and incidents, the number dropped 83% from 4,643 in 2013 to 754 in 2018. This an unprecedented drop in violence across the country. The bulk of the success is owed to the extensive kinetic operations conducted across the country. However, while the progress on eliminating terrorism is exceptional, the progress on eliminating its root cause of extremism remains woeful at best. Please follow the links for the complete report. Complete Report (PDF) Executive Summary Introduction Victims of Terror Attacks Affiliation of Victims Claimants of Terror Attacks Counterterror Operations Outlaw Fatalities Terror Attacks and Counterterror Operations Comparison Drone Attacks Sectarian Violence CTDs: Dr. Farhan Zahid Military Courts: Imtiaz Gul Judicial Delays: Malik Altaf Javaid FATA Reforms: Shagufta Khalique NACTA: Saddam Hussein Please note that you can pick up a physical copy of the report, free of cost, from the CRSS head office in Islamabad, so long as copies last.
TOP STORIES
TESTIMONIALS
“
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.