Current Projects
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Importance of Interfaith Harmony for Social Cohesion
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...
Across the Board Accountability Key to Strengthen Rule of Law: SP Operations Chitral
The eighth round of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops was held at University of Chitral, to exchange knowledge and information on social cohesion and cultivate the future leaders in the constitutional values critical to social peace and harmony. The event was organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) from July 19-20, 2018. Mr. Noor Jamal, Superintendent of Police (SP) Operations, Chitral said that the workshops like Ulasi Taroon help youth to unleash their full potential and channelize their talents and energies into peaceful conflict resolution. Rule of law means equality - i.e. every individual in the society is important - and indiscriminate application of law; equally applicable and accessible on and to everyone regardless of their background. Rule of law is conducive to peace, socio-political and economic progress, democratic development, employment opportunities, foreign investment, equality and across the board accountability. The efforts to strengthen rule of law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are manifested in the massive reformation that the KP police had gone through over the last few years with several public service initiatives - aimed to ameliorate the public-police trust deficit - at the core. The linkages between the public and police are extremely crucial to counter-extremism and foster rule of law. The youth must be educated on their rights and responsibilities enshrined in the constitution to uphold rule of law, besides, the media should also create awareness among the masses on the criticality of adherence to rule of law. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, Director (Academic), University of Chitral, said that the idea to prepare youth for the future challenges is deeply rooted within the policy of University of Chitral. This is achieved by involving the students in different academic and co-curricular activities to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. He urged the participating students to master the skill of...
APAPPS, A Renewed Hope In Pak-Afghan Relations
The last few months have witnessed a tremendous improvement in Pakistan and Afghanistan’s bilateral relations as seen in the signing of their landmark framework; Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS). This bilateral agreement has been a result of the long awaited willingness from both sides to work together and seek solutions for critical issues faced by both countries, said Ambassador Seema Ilahi Baloch, who was speaking at the Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue forum held at Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). The theme of the dialogue focused on ‘Pak-Afghan Bilateral Developments under the New Framework of APAPPS’ which was attended by 22 participants, comprising young Afghan and Pakistani students and young professionals, belonging to diverse demographics such as Kabul, Islamabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Ghazni, Herat, Kandahar, Tribal Districts (formerly FATA) of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Bajaur and Waziristan, Mardan, Rawalpindi, in addition to other areas. Ambassador Baloch, who has served as Ambassador to Poland and High Commissioner to Sri-Lanka, besides other notable positions and representation at international forums during her illustrious career. She has also been part of Beyond Boundaries – a Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/II initiative of CRSS and its Afghan counterpart supported by British government since 2015. She stated that they witnessed unprecedented optimism in Kabul last month in their meetings with Afghan CEO Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Opposition Leader Gulbuddin Hekmetyar, and other Afghan officials, as part of Beyond Boundaries’ delegation. She told the participants that Islamabad and Kabul agreed on seven point’s schema under APAPPS which include: Pakistan to support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation; the two countries to undertake effective action against fugitives and irreconcilable elements posing security threats to either of the two countries; both countries commit to deny use of their...
FATA Tribes: Finally Out of Colonial Clutches? Past, Present and Future
Authors: Farooq Yousaf, Haroon Rasheed, Imtiaz Gul Edited by: Zeeshan Salahuddin, Syeda Uruba Nisar This report - part of the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) special publications series - provides a brief introduction to the history, culture, traditions and demographics of the ethnic Pashtun tribes inhabiting the north-western border regions of Pakistan. The 27,220 square kilometre area inhabited by these tribes is historically known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and, until May 2018, had been governed by the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). Since then, Pakistan’s parliament has approved the merger of FATA into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and they are no longer subject to governance informed by British colonial-era legacy. The focus of this report is on the tribes, sub-tribes and notable families residing in the seven administrative units known as Agency (districts) that make up FATA. This report also looks at the traditions, cultural norms, and various traditional conflict mitigation and resolution mechanisms that these Pashtun tribes have practiced for centuries. An overview of economic, demographic, and geopolitical dimensions of FATA is also provided. Download
FATA Tribes: Finally Out of Colonial Clutches? Past, Present and Future
Authors : Farooq Yousaf , Haroon Rasheed, Imtiaz Gul Edited by: Zeeshan Salahuddin and Syeda Uruba Nisar Executive Summary: This report - part of the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) special publications series - provides a brief introduction to the history, culture, traditions and demographics of the ethnic Pashtun tribes inhabiting the north-western border regions of Pakistan. The 27,220 square kilometre area inhabited by these tribes is historically known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and, until May 2018, had been governed by the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). Since then, Pakistan’s parliament has approved the merger of FATA into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and they are no longer subject to governance informed by British colonial-era legacy.[1] The focus of this report is on the tribes, sub-tribes and notable families residing in the seven administrative units known as Agency (districts) that make up FATA. This report also looks at the traditions, cultural norms, and various traditional conflict mitigation and resolution mechanisms that these Pashtun tribes have practiced for centuries. An overview of economic, demographic, and geopolitical dimensions of FATA is also provided. Furthermore, this report explores the string of counter-terror campaigns launched by the Pakistani military in FATA soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. It also highlights the many initiatives undertaken by the Pashtun tribes to counter the spiralling Al-Qaeda-inspired militancy. However, after the United States (US) led Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, these tribes were sandwiched between the military and the militants (both local Taliban and foreign - all likely inspired or affiliated with Al-Qaeda). These foreign militants turned out to be a boon for the local, cash-strapped economy; many tribesmen provided them refuge either out of ideological empathy, sympathy or for direct monetary gains. The most...
Q2 Security Report – 2018
Executive Summary: The death toll from militancy has been on a steady decline. However, militants continue to stage attacks, especially targeting security personnel. Compounding this threat is the worsening relationship between Pakistan and the United States of America (USA) caused by the suspicions maintained by USA on the Haqqani network’s presence in the country – an allegation vehemently denied by Pakistan. In the second quarter of 2018, violence-related casualties continue to exhibit a downward trend, which has been observed since 2016. In fact, each of the last six quarters has shown a decline in violence-related fatalities, thus showcasing an improving security landscape. Balochistan remains the most violent province, and Karachi and Quetta the most violent cities. Every region in the country exhibited a decline, except Tribal Areas, where fatalities increased by 48%. Gun violence and clashes between LEAs and militants were the primary methods of violence. Civilians was the largest group affected, with 112 casualties. In addition. 61 security and government personnel were also killed during this quarter. Militants, criminals and insurgents suffered 79 fatalities. TTP claimed the largest number of fatalities this quarter (8), followed by IS (4), and finally TTP-JA (1) and BLA (1). Sectarian violence also saw a marked decline this quarter with 17 deaths related to sectarian violence reported in Q2, 2018. Readers can approach CRSS for information related to this report. Alternately, you may send your queries to mail@crss.pk, directly to Mohammad Nafees, Senior Research Fellow, CRSS – the author of the report (mohammad.nafees@yahoo.com), or Zeeshan Salahuddin, Senior Research Fellow, the editor. Casualties from Violence in Pakistan: There were 521 casualties from violence (250 dead and 271 wounded) in the country during this quarter. Like the previous quarter, Balochistan had the highest number of fatalities followed by Traibal Areas, KP, Sindh, and Punjab...
CRSS Condemns Haroon Bilour’s Murder
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) condemns in strongest possible words the horrendous terrorist attack on Awami National Party’s (ANP) leader Haroon Bilour and his party workers in Peshawar on July 10, 2018. At the same time, we would also extend our heart-felt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyrs of this heinous attack and pray for the quick recovery of those injured. Haroon Bashir Bilour and at least 20 others were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up during a corner meeting in Peshawar’s Yakatoot area last night. At least 30 others were injured. The ANP leader was contesting polls from PK-78 constituency of Peshawar and the said meeting was arranged as a part of his election campaign. It is pertinent to note here that Bilour’s father, Bashir Ahmed Bilour, also had lost his life in a 2012 suicide bomb explosion in the city’s Qissa Khawani bazar. The Bilour family has suffered the worst terrorist violence and rendered sacrifices for Pakistan. However, CRSS strongly believes that these terrible happenings will not deter the resolve of the nation, that elections will proceed as planned, and that we will prevail over extremism in all its forms.
CRSS Condemns Haroon Bilour's Murder
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) condemns in strongest possible words the horrendous terrorist attack on Awami National Party’s (ANP) leader Haroon Bilour and his party workers in Peshawar on July 10, 2018. At the same time, we would also extend our heart-felt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyrs of this heinous attack and pray for the quick recovery of those injured. Haroon Bashir Bilour and at least 20 others were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up during a corner meeting in Peshawar’s Yakatoot area last night. At least 30 others were injured. The ANP leader was contesting polls from PK-78 constituency of Peshawar and the said meeting was arranged as a part of his election campaign. It is pertinent to note here that Bilour’s father, Bashir Ahmed Bilour, also had lost his life in a 2012 suicide bomb explosion in the city’s Qissa Khawani bazar. The Bilour family has suffered the worst terrorist violence and rendered sacrifices for Pakistan. However, CRSS strongly believes that these terrible happenings will not deter the resolve of the nation, that elections will proceed as planned, and that we will prevail over extremism in all its forms.
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Social Cohesion and Role of Women
July 09, 2018: The seventeenth radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 04, 2018, on the topic of “Social Cohesion and Role of Women”. Ulasi Taroon consciously promotes the ideals of equality, acceptance and inclusion with regard to female population besides underscoring the importance of their role in the cohesive society. The purpose of discussion was to explore different ways and possibilities to engage and involve women from different walks of life in the peacebuilding process and reinforce the ideals of social cohesion especially equality and equity regardless of gender. The first guest in studio, Ms. Sadaf Khattak, M.Phil. fellow from University of Peshawar noted that given the vulnerability of women during conflicts and wars, their involvement in and contribution for peacebuilding processes is very critical, thus it must be one for the core considerations for social cohesion. She emphasized that our society needs to fathom the need for the inclusion of women perspectives in dialogue, policy making and peacebuilding processes. Equal onus is on the state to provide an environment and opportunities conducive to inclusion. The guest on phone, Ms. Shahida Gul, a civil Engineer and lecturer from University of Bannu, noted that the role of a woman is very important in all areas of life whether she’s a working woman or a housewife. Women are playing a very dynamic role in all fields of life in the society. They have a central role in nation-building and are the pioneers of nation; given the importance of the varieties of role the women assume in the family including wife, leader, administrator, manager of family income and last but not the least important the mother. Given the diversity of their roles in the society, we must take them on board in the decision making processes and utilize their maximum potential for social cohesion. The other guest...
We support continued engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, says Afghan leader of Opposition, Hekmatyar
On June 23, 2018, the Beyond Boundaries Pakistan delegation met with Afghan Leader of Opposition, Wolesi Jirga, former PM, and Head of Hizb-e-Islami, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, at his residence in Kabul. Hekmatyar told the Pakistani delegation that his party recognizes Pakistan had suffered a lot because of the war in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan was the only neighbor that suffered the most among Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, adding "others have got benefits from the war in Afghanistan". The leader of opposition told the delegation that his party supports the engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In his view, the gap between Pakistan and Afghanistan will only harm both countries and the continuation of war will badly affect people in both countries. Speaking on the issue of peace process with the Taliban, he told the delegation that he had urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to settle on an arrangement where peace zones are declared in specific areas of the war-torn country. This will enable the exiled leadership of the militia to return to Afghanistan and the peace process to continue. He argued that peace zones could enable the Taliban to return to the country and there would be no need for them to maintain offices either in Qatar or any other country. He stated that he has urged President Ghani to propose effective peace plans to the Taliban, adding that Ghani had offered the Taliban to open office anywhere in Afghanistan, and that the militia would be recognised by the government as a legitimate political movement while their prisoners would be freed and names of top Taliban leaders removed from UN sanctions lists. Taliban have yet to respond to Ghani’s offer; they insist on direct talks with the United States – considered a major party to the conflict. The detailed report of the meeting is as under: The Pakistan group members of PAJC held a meeting with Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, former PM, leader of opposition in Afghanistan Parliament...
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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.