Current Projects
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Tolerance of Diversity
The 43rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 16, 2018, on the theme of “Tolerance of Diversity”. The first guest on show, Mrs. Malalai Akhtri, a social activist and representative from Bahai community, noted that diversity is beautiful as it is natural and not a manmade phenomenon. Thus it needs to be tolerated and respected. Being intolerant towards differences equates to going against the nature which will definitely create problems and polarization, and cause disintegration in the society. Only by understanding the diversity, can our society enjoy, celebrate and harness the virtues of it. The understanding of diversity requires us to move out and think critical of the preset ideas and stereotypical notions about others. The diversity can be in terms of language, culture, faith, gender, views etc the society needs education about its existence and benefits for peaceful coexistence. Besides the educational institutions, the education in the ideals of respect, tolerance, equality and acceptance should begin at home; spearheaded by the parents and other family members. The second guest Dr. Fakhrul Islam, a researcher and Chairman, Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, said that the universe itself is an example of diversity. Peace is only possible when the individuals in a diverse society exhibit tolerance and acceptance for the ones different from them in terms of faith, culture, views etc. Diversity is quite natural and can be observed in the working of nature and universe. Monotony and sameness often does not appeal to our aesthetics. If we can enjoy a bouquet where a group of different flowers are fastened together, then we must enjoy and respect diversity in our society. We should also display appreciation of diversity in our homes; within our families to cultivate the seeds of change and tolerance. Our educational...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Right to Dignity of Women in Pakistan
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...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Youth Leadership Development
The 41st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 02, 2018, on the theme of “Youth Leadership Development”. The show focused on the core themes of the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops and underscored the role of youth - as future leaders - for promoting the core constitutional values including respect, tolerance, acceptance and equality. Both the guests on show including Mr. Saleem Khan and Ms. Momina Afridi from University of Peshawar who had themselves participated in the Ulasi Taroon workshop, not only lauded the initiative but also recommended similar programs for the communities at large for dissemination of the messages of peace and outreach at the grass root level. The first guest on show, Ms. Momina Afridi noted that the process of the cultivation of the virtues of tolerance, coexistence and cohesion should begin at home which is the breeding ground for responsible and proactive citizenship. The role of family and parents in this regard is more important than the society and varsities. “The two-days’ workshop has been a turning point in my life as I feel more confident and tolerant of diversity now”, she added. The second guest on show, Mr. Saleem Khan said that the peace and cohesion require acceptance of fundamental human rights, different opinions, equal citizenry and adherence to rule of law. There is a dire need to educate the youth in the tolerance perspectives and virtues of mutual respect. The Ulasi Taroon initiative is need of the hour and CRSS has taken a major stride to promote cohesion in the society. We hope that it continues in the future too - given the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding and conflict resolution - as it attempts to inculcate the youth with responsible citizenship. “We are taught philosophies and theories in the universities but we need to be equipped with practical knowledge and tools...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: The Pillars of Democracy
The 40th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 26, 2018, on the theme of “The Pillars of Democracy”. Both the guests on show including Ms. Shagufta Malik, Member of Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Mr. Fayaz, a senior journalist from Express Tribune emphasized that social cohesion is only possible once there is coherence, understanding and clarity of roles among all four pillars of democracy. “Executive, judiciary, legislature and media are considered as four basic and essential pillars of democracy. The core constitutional values for peace and cohesion need to be respected and promoted for the socio-political and economic progress and democratic development of the country”, said Ms. Shagufta Malik in her opening remarks. The executive, judiciary and legislature should only commit to execution, adjudication and legislation respectively; realizing their roles and working according to their jurisdiction. Such operation within defined constitutional limits can alone significantly foster democratic norms in the country. As fourth pillar of democracy, there is a huge onus on media for professional and responsible presentation of the issues that concern the communities the most; undertaking participatory information programming in a dispassionate and impartial way. The success of a state depends on the successful performance of the institutions within their assigned constitutional functions. The second guest on show, Mr. Fayaz was of the opinion that the interference of these pillars within each other’s jurisdiction is detrimental to the social integration and cohesion. Rather than making the counterproductive interference, these institutions should attempt to generate good results within their respective spheres of work instead. Coordination and exercise of powers within their limits will also result in good governance. The media’s...
Pakistan: Remarkable reduction in violence between 2013-2018
Across Pakistan and across all metrics, violence-related casualties continued to decline in 2018, registering 45% drop from the previous year and 86% drop since 2013, says annual report 2018 of ‘The Center for Research and Security Studies. According to annual report 2018 of ‘The Center for Research and Security Studies’, if look purely at fatalities from terror attacks and incidents, the number dropped 83% from 4643 in 2013 to 754 in 2018. This unprecedented drop in violence across the country as the bulk of the success is owed to the extensive kinetic operations conducted across the country. However, according to annual report 2018 of ‘The Center for Research and Security Studies, while the progress on eliminating terrorism is exceptional, the progress on eliminating its root cause of extremism remains woeful at best. Two major incidents in 2014 precipitated this decline. The first was a brazen attack on Karachi airport in May, 2014. This resulted in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a military response to rid the tribal region of FATA of militants, the province of Balochistan of insurgents, and the city of Karachi of urban crime. Second, terrorist attacked a school in December, in an incident that would leave a permanent mark on the country, killing 135 children and school staff members. In response, the Pakistan government enacted the National Action Plan (NAP), designed to root out terrorism and extremism from the country. The reports say that this document and subsequent actions provided further impetus to the ongoing operation, and fueled policy changes aimed at improving security. Between 2013 and 2018, a total of 23754 people died from violence-related incidents. Of these, 13428 perished in terror/insurgent attacks, 8976 in counter-terror/counter-insurgency operations, and 1350 from robberies, drone attacks, and other forms of criminal activities. Sindh suffered the highest number of fatalities and Balochistan the highest number of injuries, despite FATA being the...
Mankind Must Put An End To War Before War Puts An End To Mankind, Highlights Pak-Afghan Youth At Afghan Studies Center
US and Afghan Taliban, it seems to be, will reach an agreement soon. Though, later, Afghan Taliban will have to sit with the Afghan government to materialize the intra-Afghan agreement. Pakistan is doing everything in its capacity to set the table between the Taliban and the Afghan government, as Pakistan believes in an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process for lasting peace and development. Whatever the flaws may be in the electoral process, Afghan government represents the Afghan people; it is the only voice they have. Hence, not to take Afghan government on board is out of question, stated Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, while speaking at Afghan Studies Center’s 20th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue in Islamabad on January 24, 2019. He was speaking on the theme, “Threat Matrix in Afghanistan: Implications for Central Asia & Pakistan.” Participants included Pakistani and Afghan youth enrolled in universities in Pakistan. Afghanistan is passing through the toughest phase in recent decades. Last year was the bloodiest; yet for the first time in a very long time, there also lies a window of opportunity for making history by harnessing peace through talks. Dr. Afridi believed that after US and Afghan Taliban reach an agreement, Taliban will be asked to give up arms and become part of the political process along with Afghan government. He was very optimistic that this time, there may be some tangible gains in terms of achieving peace. Though, he cautioned about the perpetuating threat matrix within Afghanistan which poses challenges to the country’s stability – involving firstly militancy by the Taliban, Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-KP), drug trafficking, trust deficit between Pakistan and Afghanistan, proxy wars, and limitations of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Besides, narco-economy is also a significant factor in the perpetuating Afghan conflict as it is the financial life-line for militants. Illegal Afghan Opiate Economy is more than $2.8 billion...
Coercive Measures Not Suited to Uphold Rule of Law: CCPO Peshawar
Regardless of our social, political or economic statuses, we must all be subject to and submit before law to ensure everyone’s equality before the law. The social cohesion follows immediately when we believe in the rule of law and certainty of punishment. The fault lines of the society such as deviation from constitution and giving up on rule of law and fundamental human rights can make the deviants ever more vulnerable to the push and pull factors of radicalization, besides causing a massive disintegration and destruction to the social fabric and cohesion. These fault lines were manifest in the incidents that took place in Swat before the military operation to uproot terrorism. These were the remarks made by the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), Peshawar, Mr. Qazi Jamil during the fourteenth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with the Islamia College University, Peshawar from January 22-23, 2019. He said that the stories of our heroes who went above and beyond the call of their duties and displayed exceptional courage and commitment to uphold rule of law are worth remembering and disseminating to underline the precious value and cost of rule of law in the country. This is hoped to inspire the citizens to commit to and promote rule of law. People may hold views and grievances against the government and state institutions for misperformance and delivery failure but it should never ever translate to violence and rebellion. The youth has a crucial role in this regard; they should study and research and make positive interventions accordingly - through peace advocacy. We may have disagreements but social cohesion demands shared goals, common objectives and concerted efforts with the inclusive role of people from all segments of the society. The mutual trust and social capital is not only the prerequisite for social cohesion but also for the rule of law. The...
Is Khalilzad a Peacemaker or Peace Breaker
The worst thing a peace negotiator can do is to deploy intimidation on one of his key interlocutors. This is exactly what your special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad did before leaving Kabul on January17. “If the Taliban chose to fight over peace talks, the United States would support the Afghan government,” Khalilzad warned the militia, which is extremely reticent and ultraconservative but still the most wanted player for eventual peace in Afghanistan. This warning, coupled with Khalilzad’s ambiguous if not dubious approach, has not only annoyed the Afghan Taliban but also raised doubts whether he is unconsciously pursuing a policy that has – at least for the time being- stalemated the entire reconciliation process. Mr. President, Khalilzad’s latest conduct has triggered apprehensions here in this part of the world that, being intrinsically averse to Pakistan, he may be double-gaming in the peace process, and thus attempting to jeopardizing not only the entire process but also undermining Pakistan’s readiness to continue facilitating the reconciliation process. Mistrust and double-games – tied to regional geo-politics – could seriously thwart your mission – beyond repair – and the rational intent to hammer out a mutually beneficial and acceptable peace plan. Key players here in Pakistan suspect that, taking advantage of your patronage, Khalilzad, may be using his past venom to discredit Pakistan and spread mistrust among all regional players. This will only prolong the stalemate and hamstring your desire for pulling out of Afghanistan to prevent further financial attrition. Through their official website, Taliban on January 18, made known displeasure over Khalizad’s capital-hoping in the Gulf instead of talking to them in Qatar as detrimental to his own mission. The worst thing a peace negotiator can do is to deploy intimidation on one of his key interlocutors. This is exactly what your special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad did before leaving Kabul on January 17 Mr. President,...
[CRSS Analysis] The Political Economy of China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Introduction: Pakistan and China have been remained close allies and friends for decades. The two countries have faced both good and difficult moments together and tried to help each other without hesitation. From the very creation of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949 to date, Pakistan has been extending to China whatever support it could at international and regional fora. This also includes recognition of the Republic, its membership of the United Nations (UN), and eventually facilitating the detente with the United States (US). China, on its part, too, has always demonstrated its gratitude for the support it received from Pakistan and has always been keen to help Pakistan where it is possible. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – is the latest manifestation of this unique bilateral relationship. China understands that Pakistan is going through one of the worst economic phases in its history. This phase is attributed to various factors, mainly Pakistan’s participation in the US War on Terror, which inflicted both economic and human loss in the country. Among other factors, climate change is also posing a serious threat to the country. Moreover, poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition are other issues that are also holding Pakistan back. However, China, by understanding Pakistan’s current woes, has yet again extended its hand of cooperation and help in the form of CPEC. CPEC started with the initial estimates of US $46 billion. However, it expanded over time and has now reached to US $62 billion. It is a very comprehensive program covering a number of areas including, but not limited to, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, IT, social development and welfare, skill development, and tourism. CPEC has two dimensions; the first includes Pakistan and the second includes the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, its focus is on the needs of Pakistan in the field of economic and social...
Stop Chewing On Unpleasant Past
Had it not been for a former general’s gracious acknowledgment of the US emergency support during the October 2005 earthquake and the 2010 massive floods, a rare breakfast rendezvous with former American ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter – a well-known Pakistan sympathizer – would have been a sheer embarrassment altogether. Most of the questions that Munter, now president of the EastWest Institute, faced from an august gathering, sprang from the bitter past and a skeptical today, reminding the guest of the “bad things” that the US has been doing to Pakistan (read: drones, Salala attack, arrogant spoon-feeding attitude, and the high-handed do-more mantra). “I would request you to stop chewing on an unpleasant past and focus on a better future,” said a visibly upset and frustrated Munter after a few, wrapped-in-history, negative, and cynical questions. Think about what is winnable and not what has happened, he advised. The more you delve on losses, victimhood, anger and frustration, the more you obscure the strong and positive story that you can tell the world, particularly the story since the elections, remarked Munter after listening to the questions coached in the victimhood narrative and mixed with the usual regurgitation of the past. You cannot really win the argument abroad by always projecting yourself as a country of “victims, losers, angry, and resentful people”. Nor will you win respect and acknowledgment through such narratives, remarked an agitated Cameron when reminded of the battering that Pakistan took during his stint as ambassador in Pakistan. During his ambassadorship, the year 2011 was the most tumultuous. In January, CIA contractor Raymond Davis killed three Pakistanis in Lahore. In May, US Seals converged on Abbottabad to terminate Osama bin Laden, and in November, US-NATO Apache gunship helicopters and F-15 jets pounded two border patrol check-posts at Salala, Mohmand Agency (ex-FATA), martyring 28 Pakistani soldiers. With his unusual...
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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.