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CRSS Extend Heartfelt Condolences For The Irreversible Loss of Young Afghan Reporter Faramarz
Center and the Center for Research & Security Studies extend their heartfelt condolences for the atrocious and senseless killing of 28-year-old, young Afghan reporter Samim Faramarz that was unfortunately captured live on national television on Wednesday. Faramarz was on air when the blast from a large explosion cut off the broadcast and killed both him and the cameraman, along with 24 others. The reporter’s last words were: “The area is completely terrorized. I can smell blood here, and as you can see in the pictures …” Faramarz had finished his day’s assignment on Wednesday when the news of an explosion in a wrestling gym in the western part of Kabul claimed by the Islamic State took him and his cameraman, Ramiz Ahmady, 23-year old, to the scene. They reported live from there as the victims were carried by other young men from the gym onto any vehicles they could find when a second blast took place and ended the broadcast. Faramarz is the latest journalist to be brutally killed while working to highlight the human toll of the war in Afghanistan like many others. In September 2016 following a double bombing in Kabul, Faramarz wrote in a post on Facebook, “We live death.” Little did he know the same fate would follow him two years later. In June 2017, after a suicide bombing inside a mosque where the poor were being fed, Faramarz wrote, “Has anyone asked who are the luckier ones: those who die in terrorist attacks and leave this world, or those who are left living to see this oppression with their own eyes.” The news certainly is heartbreaking as the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan persists with the fighting only intensifying. ASC and CRSS extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and hope the conflict in Afghanistan soon finds its peaceful resolution and that the menace of terrorism, which has claimed the lives of thousands so far and continues to do so, can finally be brought to an end. Read his full...
‘APAPPS, revival of US-Pakistan talks will bode well for Afghan peace’
The revival of the US-Pakistan high-level contacts, consensus on the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) and a new government in Islamabad have sparked hopes of peace in war-torn Afghanistan. This was shared by speakers at a meeting held under the Center for Research and Security Studies’ Beyond Boundaries Pak-Afghan Track 1.5/11 in Islamabad on Thursday. The victory speech of newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted the new government’s vision for strengthened Pak-Afghan relations; showing the renewed importance the premier gives to Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan, for the first time in history, have institutionalized their working relationship under APAPPS for which meetings so far have been wonderful. Presence of this very crucial framework provides both countries the ground to move forward. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is also all set to fly to Kabul soon in this connection. There have been several exchanges of positive messages between governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent months. The general understanding is that the new civilian government and military in Pakistan are on the same page, which raises more hopes in Kabul, regarding bilateral relationship, as well as the Afghan peace process. The new government in Islamabad will take some time to settle, afterwards Kabul and Islamabad may fully operationalise the APAPPS framework. Furthermore, members of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Committee at the meeting stated that both regional and global security dimensions are changing rapidly. In this scenario, Pakistan and Afghanistan are no different. Both of these countries, too, are trying to keep up with the expeditiously unfolding nuances, but there have been significant developments which bode well for the peace and prosperity in Pakistan and Afghanistan. First, the military operations inside Pakistan have gone down to minimum, signaling a better security situation. Second, once the buffer-zone...
Only By Constitutional Awareness, Can Citizens Hold Governments Accountable: Speakers
Democracy does mean freedom as long as you respect everyone’s freedom of conscience and do not interfere with their freedom to make own decisions. Democracy is a system of government for the whole population and it must prevail under any circumstances as dictatorship suspends the fundamental human rights of the citizens. Harnessing future leaders should be one the most important concerns for the government to ensure a better and more connected future. In this regard, the issue of street children must be dealt with on top priority basis given their vulnerability to various menaces and impact on the future of the country. The remarks were made by Ms. Amna Sardar, former member of KP assembly during a discussion and networking workshop on social cohesion titled “Strengthening Peacebuilders and Catalysts for Change”, held by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Peshawar on September 5, 2018. Ms. Amna underscored that representation is one of primary roles of public representatives besides legislation, oversight and budgeting, therefore, they should represent and highlight those issues in the parliament that concern their voters the most as a measure of ensuring inclusive policy making. For a true democracy, the democratic values not only need to be promoted among the public but the public representatives as well, where they need to be familiarized with and sensitized in virtues of tolerance, self-accountability and rule of law. There should be across the board accountability where the citizens should also hold their representatives accountable for their responsibilities. Democracy requires that the judiciary, legislature and executive only commit to adjudication, legislation and execution respectively. The conduct of public institutions and their management of public resources is crucial to good governance. The rights awareness is critical for inclusive democracy where the aware citizens can actively participate in the political processes and...
Afghan Studies Centre Holds Talk Session to Mitigate Misunderstanding Across Borders
Regional as well as global security dimensions are changing fast. New alignments and realignments are in the making; unexpected blocks are emerging. In this scenario, Pakistan and Afghanistan are no different. Both of these countries, too, are trying to keep up with the expeditiously unfolding nuances. It is in this context that a need for joint framework or mechanism, especially one on the security aspect, was felt materialising into Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace & Solidarity (APAPPS). Lieutenant General Asif Yasin Malik thinks all this augers well for future cooperation. He was speaking at the 15th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue – a youth initiative by Afghan Studies Centre and a peace building step aimed at mitigating the existing misunderstandings and misperceptions across both borders. Lt General Asif Yasin Malik believes the APAPPS framework manifests the intent from both sides to work together now and seek solutions to issues of mutual concern. The most promising factor about APAPPS is its exclusive Pak-Afghan bilateralism, he said. Pakistan and Afghanistan are in a transition-stage, though from different perspectives. Pakistan is moving forward towards an improved form of democracy and good-governance, while the Afghan people, having tasted the flavor of democracy, institutionalisation, education and women’s rights to an extent, do not wish to go back; they want to move forward. Today, Pak-Afghan relations cannot be viewed without keeping in consideration the unprecedented circumstances in the context of global politics. American dominance is shrinking gradually, firstly, because of the active role of China and Russia in international affairs and, secondly, due to the inward-looking policies of United States President Donald Trump’s administration. China is rising in the international power game while Moscow, on the other hand, is flexing its muscles again, faced further by the threat of the ideological spill-over from Afghanistan. On the other...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Role of Political Parties in Social Cohesion
August 16, 2018: The 24th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 29, 2018, on the topic of “Role of Political Parties in Social Cohesion”. The guest on show, Mr. Arif Yousuf, former MPA, said there are more than 72 regional and national level political parties in the country as per the Election Commission of Pakistan. These political parties can be very instrumental in strengthening the social fabric and fostering national cohesion and progress. If all these parties pursue the common objective of social cohesion, the dream of a sustainable peace will become a reality for Pakistan. He emphasized that the political parties must educate their workers on core democratic practices and values; critical to social cohesion. The guest on phone, Ms. Shagufta Malik, former MPA, was of the opinion that political leaders can easily promote the concepts of tolerance, respect and brotherhood among their followers besides the best democratic practices within their respective parties. Both state and civil society need to make concerted efforts to raise awareness among the masses and particularly women on the importance of participating in the democratic processes and utilize these avenues to foster social cohesion in the society. “Political parties are one of the most important stakeholders when it comes to social cohesion. They can play an enormously important part in bringing public together on a single platform, and build on commonalities”, said Malik Falak Naz, a student 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 core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor...
Way forward for ex-FATA requires mainstreaming in an inclusive way: CRSS Consultation
The provincial and local government elections should be held immediately in the new tribal districts, also the funds allocated for the development of FATA under NFC Award must be transferred without any delay to foster peace and prosperity in the region. These were the remarks made by the former MNA and PML-N representative Shahabuddin Khan Salarzai during a consultative meeting on Mainstreaming FATA - The Way Forward Post Merger with KP, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Peshawar on August 10, 2018. The money allocated under NFC Award for FATA - Rs.100 billion - will be critical to not only address the disgruntled tribal people’s grievances, make up for their 70 years long deprivation but also to foster socio-political, and economic development and last but not the least capital formation in the area. The allocation augurs well for better education and health facilities in the region. The tribal people should also give up old ways of thinking and backward traditions and adapt to the perspectives of modern age; such as harmony and peace. The tribal elders and chieftains should educate their children to help them compete with the counterparts; compatriots from other parts of the country. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s parliamentarians, Mr. Sajid Momand and Iqbal Afridi said that their party would take steps for the repealing of the new FATA Interim Governance Regulation, as it was completely in contrast to the democratic ideals enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. Recognizing the services and sacrifices of Khasadar force for peace in ex-FATA, they suggested that instead of laying off the cadre, it should be merged into the levy force given the economic reliance of thousands of families on the employment opportunities offered by the force. They called for the application and implementation of the Constitution of Pakistan to the tribal areas in letter and spirit. Senior journalist and analyst, Dr. Ashraf Ali termed the CRSS...
Counter-terrorism: The Chinese Way
Unfazed by the Trumpian tariff wars and determined to create its own relevance to a geo-politically complex landscape, China is on the move to realise its stated goal of ‘shared development through connectivity’ under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Western skepticism on some elements of the BRI notwithstanding, the Chinese leadership is slowly but carefully trying to diplomatically wade through a complex regional neighbourhood, and at the same time offer its facilitating arm to mitigate conflicts through multilateral engagement. The first-ever unofficial Afghan-Pakistan-China Trilateral Counter-Terrorism dialogue recently held in Beijing illustrates this ambition. Chen Zhimin, the president of the China Association of Friendship (CAF), who hosted the meeting, told the Pakistani and Afghan friends, also represented by two senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that cross-border mobility of terrorist networks and their technical capabilities represented a major threat and required to be tackled with an integrated regional approach. In an indirect advice to Pakistan, Chinese officials, while acknowledging significant success against terrorist groups such as TTP and its Jamaatul Ahrar faction, also begrudged the fact that the issue of ideological extremism is not being adequately addressed in the country. They also proposed joint research ventures by think tanks to ‘generate further understanding of the issue surrounding extremist and terrorist groups’. Mr. Zhimin, the CAF president, reiterated Beijing’s position on Afghanistan’s peace process and its significance for counter-terrorism. “Peace dialogue should be led by Afghans themselves in an effort to remove internal differences of opinion. We will stand by in these efforts,” he said, and also touched on another critical issue at the heart of multilateral disagreements: who is a terrorist. “There is a need for clearly defining and identifying terrorist groups in order to develop collective and...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Celebrating Our Diversity
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...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Abolition of FCR and Rule of Law
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...
German, Australian, Danish, Dutch envoys stress democratic duties in CRSS summit
“Democracy cannot flourish without an economic agenda. You will not have democracy without prosperity. The public must have a well-aligned moral compass to fuel the social contract”, said German Ambassador Martin Kobler. Kobler was speaking at the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship program, the Pakistan Center for Excellence’s (PACE) concluding event in Islamabad. He was joined by the Australian High Commissioner Ms. Margaret Adamson, the Danish Ambassador Mr. Rolf Holmboe, the Dutch Deputy Head of Mission, Josephine Frantzen, and Executive Director CRSS, Mr. Imtiaz Gul. Holmboe added that one cannot have prosperity without democracy, which builds on the principles of equality, diversity and tolerance. Further, he apprised the audience that democracy is much more than elections; it is an interactive process, which goes beyond voting and everyone needs to continue participating, voice issues, exchange ideas and ensure accountability. This viewpoint was shared by the other speakers. Adamson stated that role of Pakistan is very significant in the pursuit of global peace. She said that the role of women a key component of thriving nation. The empowerment of women is a pre-requisite for a strongly functional democracy, because half the population, if disempowered, will only hurt a nation, she added. Frantzen, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of Netherlands said that the dynamics of our world are changing fast in these contemporary times. She was of the view that we need to keep re-visiting our norms and values to accommodate the diversity. To understand this and the complex issues of the present-day, like conflict between identity and integration, requires a lot of dialogue and debate. This is where PACE comes in and great work has been done in this regard, she added. All four diplomats welcomed the continuation of the democratic vote in Pakistan, commended the Pakistani public on getting out and casting their votes, and praised the...
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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.