Current Projects
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.
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Acceptance of Diversity
The 55th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 08, 2019, on the theme of “Acceptance of Diversity”, to explore the varied dimensions and virtues of diversity and the importance of its acceptance for social cohesion. The first guest on show, Mr. Shakeel Waheed Ullah, a writer and an activist, noted, “Diversity in the world and human society is a natural phenomenon but the knowledge about its importance may not come naturally, rather it needs to be inculcated. Therefore, respecting diversity is as important as respecting nature”. The diversity can also help strengthening the social fabric and act as a driver of peace and coexistence if exhibited respect for and tolerance of it; which begins at home. The initial responsibility lies with parents to provide such an environment at home which is conducive to diversity. Secondly, the academia should propagate the ideals of diversity through available youth development opportunities and other possible avenues of dissemination. But the primary responsibility lies with the state and government to not only practice but also implement it and educate the masses about its virtues to make it a national culture. The efforts undertaken by CRSS around this issue - through youth leadership development and strategic communication - are praiseworthy. The second guest in studio, Ms. Zunash Zaki, an alumna of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops, admitted that the idea of diversity and acceptance was something new and unique for her to learn during the CRSS’s workshop. Difference is the essence of life but we did not know that acceptance of diversity is so crucial for social cohesion. I came to learn how celebrating the diversity can unleash its hidden potential and unlock countless opportunities of development and prosperity through shared goals and collective vision. There is a deep relationship...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Youth Capacity Building Workshops
The 54th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 01, 2019, on the theme of “Youth Capacity Building Workshops”. The first guest in studio, Ms. Mahnoor, a student of Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar and an alumna of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops (14th Round), noted that rule of law requires active participation of and collaboration among all segments of the society and not just possible through the state’s efforts alone. Based on diverse experiences, people living in the society may have different views and they must be valued and respected. In fact, it is very important to interact with the people with different opinions and diverse backgrounds as it helps developing understanding, tolerance and patience. “Participation in CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon workshop provided an opportunity to understand the basis of such views”. Ms. Mahnoor emphasized that dialogue is the key and leads to an improved understanding among people with diverse opinions. This workshop taught us the values of gratefulness and positive thinking and the crux of the activity was to pay respect to the views of others with tolerance and acceptance. The second guest in studio, Ms. Noor Fatima, a student of Islamia College University, Peshawar, shared that when the people from different regions and backgrounds are together, the divergent views may come and demand respect. To pay respect to the opinions of all, we need to understand that it’s not just about right or wrong views, it’s a matter of different views. Every individual has formed his/her views according to their environment and background. Only by adherence to law, can we uphold rule of law. Respecting rule of law is the most essential pre-requisite for social peace and harmony. "Rule of law means the supremacy of law - not the rule of a person, department or political party - where everyone is...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Role of Literature for Social Cohesion
The 53rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on January 25, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Literature for Social Cohesion”. The first guest on show, Mr. Abaseen Yousafzai noted that if the humans start behaving like animals; dominating and hunting the weaker species and live only for themselves, then there will be no difference between man and a brute. As humans, we should respect each other – as it is also the basic principle of democracy to respect the rights, opinions, feelings and views of others. The second guest on show, Miss Kalsoom Zeb, a poetess, while elaborating the role of writers and poets, noted that society and literature are quite related; where both affect each other. The writers serve as eyes and ears of the society where they portray their observations through their work. Their work should also depict the positive aspects of the society to foster unity and cohesion. “There is an equal onus for peace on all members of the society. Therefore, not only poets but every individual is responsible to work for peace. Whatever happens in the society is felt very deeply by the poets and is ultimately reflected through their work. Thus, they have a very crucial role in educating the public”, said a young poet, Mr. Bakht Zada Danish, during the radio report. 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 of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of...
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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.