Current Projects
Sabawoon Showcase Jarga Maraka April 9, 2019
Good Governance, Planning and Implementation of Mega Projects The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Counsel) discussed good governance with reference to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT project), its planning and implementation. The guest on the show, Mr. Khalid Ayub, a social activist, said that BRT is the most costly and controversial project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is a fact that Peshawar needs a major traffic project to fix traffic issues but is BRT the only solution? Besides its heavy cost, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) government promised to complete it within six months but even after one and a half year this seems unlikely. Mr. Khalid Ayub alleged that the public was not taken on board and the traders and businessmen have suffered huge losses. Mr. Mian Mohammad Shakeel, Director Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) for BRT, shared that pre-feasibility and feasibility were considered before the project was started. It was realized that it was a much needed project for Peshawar. Transport is a big problem here and it was the right of our people to have such a transport system that people may travel with ease. The report by Mr. Abdul Razaq shared the statistics that BRT includes a 26-kilometre road from Chamkani to Hayatabad with 31 bus stations. This project has three phases and the first phase is still under progress. Almost 20 changes were introduced within a year which wasted public money. The report by Mr. Inamullah highlighted the key points of good governance and how public participation can have a positive impact on governance in a democratic system. Mr. Syed Safi Pirzada, an officer in a civil organization, said that in a civilized society good governance means the voice of the public. Five 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...
Across the Board Accountability Key to Rule of Law: DIG Hazara
The ultimate objective of rule of law is peace; upholding the fundamental human rights - enshrined in the constitution vide articles 8-28, where it has to be considerate of the ideals of equality and equity. The selective application of law is always detrimental to social cohesion. These were the remarks made by Mr. Mohammad Ali Babakhail, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hazara, during the seventeenth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with the University of Haripur. The DIG Hazara noted that rule of law requires volunteerism - characterized by responsible citizenship - on the part of each and every member of the society. The best the citizens can do to uphold rule of law is to adhere to law. An egalitarian society is the one where everyone is subject to law, no matter how powerful. The countries that provide opportunities for participation in the democratic processes and environments more conducive to social inclusion are more likely to develop. Rule of law is directly related to the democratic values of peaceful coexistence. Social media has a huge potential to promote adherence to rule of law and the virtues of responsible citizenship. The purpose of police is to maintain law and order and uphold rule of law in the society. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police is ever more accountable and a role model for other provinces to reform and incorporate the policing needs of the communities and ameliorate the public-police trust deficit. The public must also recognize the tremendous sacrifices laid by the police - for peace and rule of law - going above and beyond the call of duty. Ms. Amna Sardar, former member of provincial assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said that one of the most significant responsibilities of elected representatives is to fulfil their mandate for effective representation by doing legislation critical to the social peace and cohesion, and public...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra April 4, 2019
Right to Health for Women The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the constitutional right to health for women. The guest in the show, Dr. Ismail shared that the mortality rate from curable diseases especially for women and children is high in rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and merged tribal districts (previously known as FATA), as they are the most neglected regions in terms healthcare facilities. He added that in these areas mainly women suffer due to lack of proper healthcare facilities and low immunization. Limited access to clean drinking water, proper food, lack of proper hospitals and trained health professionals impacts the lives of pregnant women in these areas. In far-flung areas the number of female doctors and nurses or lady health visitors is limited. The healthcare system should be improved by the government and concerned authorities. He suggested that in order to improve the primary healthcare system in the region, there is a need for implementing first-ever health policy. The report by Asma Gul shared that every year every year a large number of women die during pregnancy or childbirth-related complications as most of the families are not aware about the health of women and babies. Most of the deaths occur in poor and underdeveloped countries of the world including Pakistan. The report by Ceena Naeem shared that according to the United Nations, there is a lack of general awareness about the good health of the mother and unborn child and Pakistan has to improve a lot. Three calls were received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (exFATA) 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...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey April 3, 2019
Prevention of Drugs in Youth The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the use and prevention of drugs among youth and the measures to be taken. As per the statistics by United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Pakistan, drugs users are mostly between the ages 15 to 65 with 78% of them being male and 22% female. The guest in the show, Sayed Ali Naqi, a representative of Dost Foundation shared that, in Pakistan 6.7 million people are using drugs and the biggest reason for it is the fact that Afghanistan is neighbouring Pakistan and 90% of raw drugs come from this region. He added that unemployment is also one of the major factors for getting addicted to drugs. He noted that it is quite alarming that from 2015, 800,000 people are adding up yearly in the existing number of addicts. It is increasing because of the lack of work on prevention. Mr. Yasir elaborated that the use of drugs is common in all classes. He shared that in 2018 his foundation was accessed by 1,800 users for treatment including 35 females. He said that both male and female resist treatment because drug addiction has been stigmatized culturally. While talking about the merged areas Yasir said that tribal areas are also very close to the border and are more vulnerable to drug abuse. He said that keeping in view the growing number of drug addicts it is really important to have proper planning and awareness programs along with more rehabilitation centers by the state. Three calls were received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the merged tribal Areas (exFATA) 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, equal citizenry, and social cohesion. The show airs Tuesday through Thursday every week under three themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:15 PM to 4:00...
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...
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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.