August 7, 2018: The 23rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 22, 2018, on the topic of “Celebrating Our Diversity. The in-studio guest, Mr. Nangyal Afridi, a student from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar and a social activist, noted that the term diversity might be known to most of the people but there are only a few of them who comprehend its idea and importance for a peaceful coexistence. Diversity is a natural phenomenon and it adds to the beauty of a society. The societies that capitalize on diversity make rapid progress and development. The first guest on phone, Mr. Hussain Shaheed Sohrwardi, an academician from University of Peshawar emphasized that our society; particularly the youth needs to be educated on the importance of exhibiting tolerance for diversity and acceptance of cultural, religious or ideological differences. The case of Mashal Khan - a living example where the difference of opinion caused the loss of a human life, underpins the criticality of fostering respect for diversity. It is not only the job of academia to foster such respect but a great onus is on parents, government and civil society as well. The second guest on phone, Mr. Ali Imran from Department of Journalism, University of Peshawar was of the view that we need to understand that every individual is unique and different from others in many ways. The diversity can be observed in thoughts, perceptions, cultures, religions and practices. We must accept and value it, be tolerant, respect others’ ideas and learn to live peacefully. “Where the diversity is rampant and people from different backgrounds have dialogues, the creativity advances and aesthetic sense promotes”, said Dr. Khadim Hussain in 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...

August 06, 2018: The 22nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 08, 2018, on the topic of “Abolition of FCR and Rule of Law”. The first guest on show, Mr. Zahir Shah, Advocate Peshawar High Court, said that the rehabilitation and development process might take some years after the merger of FATA with KP. However, the best part about KP-FATA merger is that now the tribesmen and women will have the right to access apex courts in the country as equal citizens. He emphasized that the process of reforms may be slow and gradual but most importantly the abolition of FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulation) is a sigh of relief for the newly emerged districts given tribal people’s exploitation under the draconian law for decades. The community leaders and prominent personalities of FATA, and civil society along with the state should create an understanding among the common people that the merger has taken place and now they have to move ahead collectively to make the transition process smooth and effective. He said that the FATA youth must now channel their talents and energies into the national socio-political life, besides creating a demand for their basic right of quality education. The second guest on show, Mr. Safder Hayat Dawar noted that the merger was inevitable as FCR remain imposed in these areas since 1901. Local people were trapped and entangled as they did not have access to justice and rule of law, unlike their fellow citizens from other parts of the country. The tribal youth has played a very vital role in this historic decision as they are well aware of their rights and responsibilities as equal citizens of the state. Dr. Abdul Hafiz from Bajaur and a social activist in Peshawar, said in the radio report that end to FCR was longstanding demand of the tribal people and extension of regular law would bring this part of the country on par with...

The nineteenth radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 18, 2018, on the topic of “Equal Citizenry and Social Cohesion”. The first guest on show, Ms. Khurshid Bano, a social activist noted that though the notion of equal citizenry is clearly enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, yet there is a long way to go to achieve the milestone of egalitarian society. For example when a woman gets married, the legal document gives her an equal right of divorce but mostly the women are either unaware of it or that clause is deleted. She emphasized that rule of law and equality needs to begin from home. Educational institutions, civil society and most importantly the state have to play their role in promoting equality and equity; regardless of color, caste or creed. The second guest on show, Mr. Waqar Ahmad Awan was of the opinion that there is a dire need to create awareness among the masses on ideals of equality, respect, acceptance and inclusion. These values are not only anchored in our social contract but also in the religious teachings. Education holds the key to most of the issues posing our society. Mrs. Shagufta from CRSS said that Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the mother document when it comes to the principles of equal citizenry and other fundamental human rights available to the humans. “Every individual is responsible to abide by his/ her social contract. She/ he should not only know about her/ his rights and duties but also about the rights of others. If it is so, then most of our problems will cease to exist”, said Shahid Khan, a young Journalist from Peshawar in 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...

The eighteenth radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 11, 2018, on the topic of “Importance of Interfaith Harmony for Social Cohesion”. Ulasi Taroon consciously promotes the virtues of democratic ideals such as equality, acceptance, inclusion and tolerance as a measure of ensuring social peace and harmony regardless of faith. It also attempts to ensure a diverse participation in its series of radio shows i.e. people from diverse communities and faiths. The first guest on show, Mr. Alexander Mehboob from Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan, emphatically said that all the religions promote peace, love and tolerance. The religious leaders from all faiths must promote these values if we are dreaming of a cohesive society but unfortunately, there are very limited efforts to create respect for other faiths among the masses. The second guest on show, Mr. Haroon Sarbdiyal, a rights activist working in Peshawar on interfaith harmony and rights of the minorities, representative of Hindu community noted that the 1973 constitution of Pakistan ensures religious freedoms along with fundamental human rights for all citizens of Pakistan, but not only the minority faiths, even the majority Muslims are unaware of their fundamental human rights. It is need of the hour to sensitize our youth on the importance of cross-religious and cultural relations, to help strengthen social cohesion and foster the interfaith harmony. Maulana Hayat Ullah suggested that the onus is on our religious leaders too to create an environment of harmony, peace, and love and understanding among different faiths, communities and cultures. They should also develop their own understanding of the different religions before promoting peaceful coexistence. About Ulasi Taroon Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address...