Current Projects
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...
Only by Identifying Road Blocks, Can Women Be Economically Empowered: Farhatullah Babar
The more you do, the more you achieve, the more you achieve, the more you understand what more needs to be done, says Farhatullah Babar, Secretary General, PPPP and Former Senator during the Public-Private Dialogue on Gender Focused Economic Reforms, held at Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad on February 22, 2019. The event was also participated by Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA and several private sector representatives along with the representatives of the State Bank, SMEDA and civil society. He said that the womens’ economic participation issue is inseparable from their other issues. We need to have a very clear idea as to what inhibits womens’ economic empowerment. We all know that women are subjected to violence, discrimination of identity, and inequality before law and it’s a proven fact that a large number of women are disenfranchised. The society refuses to give them their due right to work; discouraging them to collectively voice their concerns. There is no recognition of their domestic work and their economic contribution in the informal sector. Even if recognized, they face issues like non-payment and under-payment. In 1950, the provisions of ‘equal pay for women’ and ‘anti-torture law’ were enshrined in the first annexe that would pave a path to the drafting of the Constitution in 1956, however, the 1956 constitution and following were silent on the subject matter. The informal sector – comprising nearly 8.5 million workers with a significant woman percentage – needs to be recognized and regulated. Only by identifying road blocks, can women be economically empowered. Pakistan is an overly legislated country; it just faces severe implementation challenges. The flawed and discriminatory criminal justice system along with women’s limited knowledge and access of and to their rights and legal processes respectively, adds fuel to fire. The ILO convention 189 – though signed but not ratified – calls for recognition of womens’ domestic work....
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Importance of Accountability to Strengthen Democracy and Governance
The 52nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on January 18, 2019, on the theme of “Importance of Accountability to Strengthen Democracy and Governance”. The guests on show, Mr. Kamran Bangash, Special Assistant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Technology, and Lehaz Ali, a senior journalist, were of the view that good governance and indiscriminate accountability are the two important components of an efficient democracy and ultimately lead to peace and cohesion. Mr. Kamran Bangash noted that democracy has three key pillars including accountability, rule of law and public participation. He emphasized that across the board accountability is the most important ingredient of democracy. The departments mandated to uphold the accountability mechanisms like accountability bureau and different commissions and bodies should be truly independent and non-partisan. The best ever form of governance is the accountable governance. Only by adherence to rule of law and equal application of law on everyone, can democracy be nurtured and strengthened. The self-accountability is as important as the other mechanisms for good governance in democracy. Not only the public representatives but the society at large needs to be sensitized on the virtues of self-accountability. The second guest on show, Mr. Lehaz Ali noted that accountability is part of good governance. Accountability comes with the empowerment. He elaborated that unless people are provided the fundamental rights available to them in the constitution, it will be futile to start accountability. The media should resort to promoting the accountability and other democratic practices rather than sensationalism. 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...
China asks Turkey to retract “baseless accusations” on Xinjiang
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, in a press briefing on Monday, rebutted Turkish accusations on China’s Xinjiang region. Turkey had recently criticised China for its treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region. Below is Chunying’s response to questions asked on the matter: Q: On February 9, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey criticized China on the situation in Xinjiang and its relevant policies. What is your response? A: I have noted these very bad remarks made by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. The Chinese Embassy in Turkey has already made a response at the earliest time possible, and the Chinese side has made stern representations with the Turkish side. Before saying anything else, I want to draw your attention to a fact. The Spokesperson of the Turkish Foreign Ministry claimed that “the distinguished folk poet Abdurehim Heyit passed away in his second year of imprisonment”. However, the fact is that he is still alive and in good health. I saw videos online yesterday that testify to that. The Turkish side is extremely mistaken and irresponsible in making groundless accusations against China just based on some ridiculous lies that declare a living person dead. We are strongly opposed to that. I would like to add a few points. First, since 1990s, the “three evil forces” (terrorism, extremism and separatism) in China and abroad have plotted, organized and conducted thousands of violent terrorist attacks in Xinjiang, injuring and killing a great number of innocent people of various ethnic groups. Drawing on the anti-terrorism experience of the international community and based on its realities, the Chinese government has been actively working to counter terrorism and extremism and made notable achievements. People in Xinjiang now have a stronger sense of security, happiness and fulfillment. Recently, diplomatic envoys and representatives from a dozen countries as well as media...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Importance of Gender Equality for Social Cohesion
The 51st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on January 11, 2019, on the theme of “Importance of Gender Equality for Social Cohesion”. The guest on show, Mr. Inamullah Marwat, Analyst, The Nation, noted the gender equality is a prerequisite for social cohesion where all members of a society – regardless of their gender, colour, cast, creed, and social, economic and political backgrounds - are treated equally, given equal opportunities and considered important part of the society. The difference between sex and gender also needs to be understood to foster gender equality. The cohesion in any society is directly and greatly proportional to the level of inclusion of the female population with regard to their socio-economic and political participation. He said that Pakistan is stuck between the traditional and modern social fabric; taking gender equality at times as a threat to the religious ideology though the values of equality are enshrined in the religious tenets including Islam. Nobody should be allowed to exploit the religious narrative for one’s own partial interest. There is a dire need to foster dispassionate dialogue among people from different walks of life, bring much needed changes in educational curricula and launch awareness campaigns at the mass level on the on social values of equality critical for peace and harmony. The teaching faculties at all levels must encourage gender equity. The academic discussions and popular media discourse must be inclusive of the roles and responsibilities of citizens; men and women to foster responsible citizenship. Equal inclusion of all genders in democratic processes can ensure inclusive policy making and help developing an alternative narrative crucial for peacebuilding. The guest on call, Ms. Sana Ejaz, a social activist, said that gender equality must begin at home. Women empowerment can be...
Open Letter to Afghan President Ghani
Respectable Mr President Following nearly four decades of war, Afghanistan may be at the cusp of an extremely critical juncture of history. The tedious efforts for ending the conflict appear to be getting serious, albeit with usual, though not unexpected, hiccups. But the US-Taliban talks – supported by all major regional stakeholders – could not have come thus far had it not been for your own contribution towards conflict resolution in many ways and you deserve undiluted credit for it. Firstly, you risked your political career by stepping into Pakistan’s mighty General Headquarters on November 14, 2014, in the hope of getting peace for Afghanistan. Secondly, you displayed unprecedented courage and political acumen to attend the Heart of Asia conference in Islamabad in December 2015 (despite strong opposition from within the National Unity government). Thirdly, you are indeed the undisputed author of the landmark three-day ceasefire (June 2018) that silenced guns across Afghanistan and allowed all Afghans embrace one another without the fear of a deadly ambush or a suicide attack (by Taliban). This hold in fire indeed ignited – for the first time – hopes that such an across-the-board meeting of Afghan minds is possible. Fourthly, Mr President, you belong to only a handful of Afghan leaders of the modern day Afghanistan, including, of course, your predecessor Hamid Karzai. Both of you are meanwhile an indelible asset for the dominant majority of the conflict-fatigued and peace-craving Afghans. They are all looking up to you for a way out of the bloodshed. Fifth, the progress that the Afghan women witnessed under your presidency also vouches for the wisdom of an academic and technocrat who considers women as an essential element of national progress. The list of your initiatives is long but the aforementioned points alone are more than enough to underscore your importance and your continued relevance to the peace process. As Taliban – who have transitioned from a...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Ulasi Taroon’s Journey at a Glance
The 50th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on January 04, 2019, on the theme of “Ulasi Taroon’s Journey at a Glance”. The show was a reflection on the journey of Ulasi Taroon initiative and its different components. The first guest on show, Mr. Shams Momand, Project Manager, Ulasi Taroon, noted that the initiative was an attempt to strengthen cohesion among the people from diverse backgrounds; educating them in the virtues of unity, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence despite differences. It promotes the values of mutual respect, tolerance, acceptance, equality and rule of law. It’s a multilateral initiative with the core prongs like i) strategic communication: for sensitizing the communities at-large - through radio advocacy campaign - on the values of social cohesion and ii) youth development: for enhancing the capacity of future leaders - in the universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province - to help them lead peaceful conflict resolution in their respective spheres. The second guest on show, Mr. Shahab-ud-Din, a senior journalist and one of the hosts for Ulasi Taroon radio programs, said CRSS had been actively involved in the promotion of tolerance perspectives and positive messaging; to delegitimize the extremist ideologies and prevent radicalization. It has more than a decade of experience of working around several social issues of critical importance like rule of law, democracy, governance, peace and security, counter-radicalization; employing its expertise in strategic communication, youth leadership development and dialogue. He added that the 49 radio programs aired so far as part of the initiative have covered a diverse range of issues critical to peacebuilding which, considering the commercial radio trends, is in itself a great achievement of generating such a unique and relevant discourse. We should cultivate and...
IMF — cure or curse
After his meeting with Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in Dubai, Prime Minister Imran Khan says they both have agreed on the need to carry out deep
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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.