The 46th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 07, 2018, on the theme of “Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities”. The show was dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The first guest on show, Mr. Zawar, a representative of an organization for the special people, noted that the disabled people are also an important part of this society and they can equally contribute in social cohesion. The social inclusion demands an equal importance, value and respect for them besides equal opportunities for participation in the socio-political and economic processes. The real disability lies not within the disabled persons but within the attitudes and conduct of the rest of the society. The society should recognize the role and importance of disabled people and give equal rights and space to them in the society. The second guest on show, Mr. Wadan said that he was thankful to CRSS for offering such an opportunity and medium to communicate. He said that people do not pay much attention to and lack empathy towards the persons with disabilities. If the society does not display positive attitudes towards the special people, then their problems will be multiplied manifold. We should not make the disabled people do something odd or inappropriate. It can be very discouraging for them to be involved in unsuitable jobs where the normal people are involved in ordinary jobs. We should never ascribe ridiculous names for physical disability. The third guest on show, Mr. Javed was of the opinion that the state must underpin and ensure inclusive facilities in the schools, institutions and all other public places to resolve the problems concerning the disabled population. The guest on phone, Ms. Afshan Afridi, an activist for the rights of the disabled persons, shared that the disabled population ought to be economically empowered as a...

The 44th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 23, 2018, on the theme of “Importance of Soft Skills for Youth Development”. The guests on show, Mr. Fawad Wazir, a student from Political Science Department, University of Peshawar and Mr. Adnan Khan, Department of Journalism, University of Peshawar, were of the views that youth is the future of any nation, and along with academic excellence, their soft skills development can make them a responsible citizens and successful individuals. Mr. Adnan noted that there is a huge onus on the educational institutions to provide opportunities for soft skills development and inculcate the youth with the tolerance perspectives and values of respect and coexistence. Efforts are direly needed to develop critical thinking among our students at all levels of education, so that they are able to challenge the stereotypes living in the society. This will enable our future leaders to generate critical discourse fundamental to the socio-political progress of the country. Mr. Fawad said that skills like leadership, tolerance, flexibility and communication can help in achieving social cohesion, capital and inclusion, interfaith harmony and mutual respect in a society. Our curriculum and social structure need to bolster these ideals; providing the opportunities and a conducive environment to the youth to develop and deploy these skills. The cultivation should begin at home where the families should act as a breeding ground for soft skills and responsible citizenship. Furthermore, the role of civil society, media and above all, academia is critical to polish and nurture these soft skills. The guest on call Mrs. Shagufta, an educationist, emphasized that the students should be encouraged to ask questions to help them think out of the box, be more creative and not just be a memorizing machines. “In my interaction with...

The 42nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 09, 2018, on the theme of “Right to Dignity of Women in Pakistan”. The first in-studio guest, Mr. Hamza Jahangir, a lawyer, noted that the constitution of Pakistan - under articles 8 to 28 - clearly describes the fundamental human rights available to the citizens where human dignity vide - Article 14 - is also enshrined as one of the fundamental constitutional provisions. The right to dignity of women is not only covered by the constitution but also secured by the international treaties. However, it is quite unfortunate that we still witness the violation of this right, also through gender discrimination. The respect for women is a prerequisite for peace and progress, and efforts in this regard are needed at the grass root level; beginning at home. The second guest on show, Mr. Zainuddin Kakar said that the matter of dignity is specifically enshrined in the Medina Charter - much before the western strides - stating that the women are entitled to the right to dignity. Unfortunately, despite the provisions for dignity in the religious as well as the constitutional tenets, these rights are mostly denied in practice. Mr. Kakar referred to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that describes the fundamental rights available to the humans as global citizens including the right to life, liberty, and equality along with the dignity. While it is the responsibility of the state to ensure and enforce these rights, an equal onus is on the citizens to fulfil their responsibilities. The best way to promote the values of dignity and respect is by education. The guest on phone, Ms. Khurshid Bano, a women rights activist, stressed that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we have a good legislation about female rights but the incidents of domestic and gender based violence result from the lack of implementation of these...