Current Projects
Sharif on Mumbai: New Storm over Old Stuff
What is new in Nawaz Sharif’s latest pronouncement on Mumbai attacks? Practically nothing. The only uniqueness attached to it is the proverbial “coming from horse’s mouth”; a three-time elected PM, all of a sudden waking up to revive the memories of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, indirectly hinting that his country allowed the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to cross border and stage those spectacular attacks. This way, he opened the floodgates (in Indian media) to another barrage of slur on the country he ruled thrice. Whatever spin Sharif himself or his cohorts put on his “out-of-context” statement, we need to look at it from two perspectives: one is about the abundance of documentation on Mumbai attacks, most of which implicates Pakistani militant groups (LeT, JeM, etc). Even former IG Tariq Khosa wrote about it in daily Dawn (August 2015): “Pakistan has to deal with the Mumbai mayhem, planned and launched from its soil. This requires facing the truth and admitting mistakes. The entire state security apparatus must ensure that the perpetrators and masterminds of the ghastly terror attacks are brought to justice. The case has lingered on for far too long. Dilatory tactics by the defendants, frequent change of trial judges, and assassination of the case prosecutor as well as retracting from original testimony by some key witnesses have been serious setbacks for the prosecutors.” Then came another similar statement from General Mahmud Ali Durrani, who briefly served as the national security advisor, “I hate to admit that the 26/11 Mumbai attack carried out by a terror group based in Pakistan on November 26, 2008 is a classic trans-border terrorist event.” He made these remarks at the 19th Asian Security Conference held at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses in March 2017. Durrani was swift to also clarify, “I know (this) for definite. I have very good information that the government of Pakistan or the ISI (Pakistan’s spy agency) was not involved in 26/11 (terror...
CRSS Initiative Brings Over 360 Pak-Afghan Youth Together
Launched on April 25, 2017, Afghan Studies Center (ASC), a Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS)’s self-funded initiative, brought together over 360 young Pakistanis and Afghans in its 20 Pak-Afghan youth dialogues and training workshops over the course of the past year. The workshops were focused on a range of issues of mutual concern, bilateral peace and cooperation, along with skill development for the youth of both countries. On the forum of the Center’s youth dialogues, recurring points raised by participants included the need for bilateral cooperation in the economic sector, particularly trade, as well as education; which they believed was a contributing factor in eradicating extremism and allowing development on both sides. The role of the media – both electronic and print – as well as the social media, also surfaced consistently at these debates. The outcome of these debates on media highlighted the mindfulness of the youth in understanding that negativities on the mainstream media were created as part of malevolent propaganda by certain factions and should be scrutinized for ending misperceptions. Participation in these activities by both Pakistani and Afghan youth has been a great source of encouragement and exhibits the desire of youth on both sides to normalize and improve Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations. In their various testimonials, video messages, and speeches (available on the website), young men and women from both countries continually reminded each other of their commonalities. These commonalities primarily included language, culture, religion, ethnicities, and ancestors for some, and, based on this, being inseparable neighbours. The participants also urged the governments of both countries to overcome the growing trust deficit by engaging in direct talks. The latest youth dialogue held on April 25 focused on the theme of the resumption of Pak-Afghan state level dialogue and future bilateral prospects following Pakistan’s PM...
Afghanistan’s Black Monday and ISIS
Our heads hang in shame and hearts bleed as survivors and families mourn the brutal deaths of at least 29 in the twin suicide bombings in Kabul on April 30. On April 22, an IS-K suicide bomber attacked a voter-registration center in Dashte Barchi, an area of Kabul where many Shi’a Afghans live. This followed another IS-K suicide attack on crowds gathered in Kabul to celebrate the Persian New Year in late March leaving a trail of death, with at least 31 innocent Afghans. These two attacks were, according to ISIS, were carried out by two bombers named “Kaaka al-Kurdi” Khalil al-Qurashi, suggesting they were both of Kurdish origin. They also turned out to be the deadliest for media, making it at least 36 journalists/media workers since 2016. These statistics beg the question as to whether one can decipher the ever growing footprint of Daesh /ISIS in Afghanistan’s already precarious circumstances? Apparently its almost impossible as there is little method in the madness that the ISIS is piling on Afghans. Afghan intelligence and security officials believe that Daesh is present in nine provinces from Nangarhar and Kunar in the east to Jawzjan, Faryab, and Badakhshan in the north and Ghor in the central west. Since June 2014, when ISIL proclaimed itself to be the Islamic State, according to a running count kept by CNN, this amorphous group has “conducted or inspired” over 70 attacks in 20 countries, including Afghanistan (excluding Syria and Iraq though). Escalation by ISIS , and the launch of Al-Khandaq operation by Taliban coincides with at least 215 missions on various targets inside Afghanistan by the US Central Command Combined Air Operations since January this year (a UN report recorded 950 air strikes in 2017, while the US Air Force’s figures for 2017 were 4,361 strikes during 1,248 missions). These missions since January this year, have largely targeted, though not restricted to, Islamic State of Khorassan (IS-K). One of its commanders in northern Afghanistan,...
Resumption of Comprehensive State Level Dialogue Raises Hope for Participants Of CRSS’ 11th Pak-Afghan Youth Forum
While the expressions ‘brothers’ and ‘conjoined twins’ used for Pakistan and Afghanistan by former President Hamid Karzai can be applied to the people of both countries, the state-to-state relationship between the two has always remained a challenge. This is particularly because whenever any positive development between the two has been pursued in the past, it has unfortunately been followed by an immediately occurring negative event that re-erects the wall of trust deficit on both sides. Senior Journalist and Analyst Hasan Khan believes the elephant in the room in this regard is the US which has the key to peace in Afghanistan if it sincerely worked towards it with all stakeholders taken aboard. However, he also acknowledged that peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led well-defined policy framework which Pakistan has time and again expressed its complete support for. Hasan Khan, who was invited as a key speaker at the 11th Pak-Afghan Youth Dialogue at the Center for Research & Security Studies (CRSS) alongside honorable Ambassador Ayaz Wazir, was speaking to young Afghans and Pakistanis enrolled in various universities of Pakistan on the theme, ‘Resumption of Pak-Afghan State Level Dialogue & Future Bilateral Prospects’ on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Ambassador Ayaz Wazir, who was also invited as the Chief Guest and was moderating the session, proposed that the right direction to set in the bilateral relations of Pakistan and Afghanistan is to start with free-flowing trade between the two; as the modern mantra for development is to delink trade from politics. Trade would make space for cooperation in other arenas, and eventually impact politics positively as well, he asserted. There have been periods when both countries enjoyed reasonably pleasant relations; though admittedly never excellent, the Ambassador stated, the Pak-Indo 1965 War is one such example when, despite fractured relations between Pakistan and...
Sabawoon Inspiring Stories
Introduction: Sabawoon (dawn) is a flagship radio intervention of the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). It is aired from Peshawar for the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region. The shows are broadcast from private radio channels FM 101 Peshawar, AM 1260 Peshawar, FM 93 Dera Ismail Khan. Sabawoon has been designed to inculcate respect for human rights (especially female rights), underscore the need for good governance, create greater awareness for democratic and governance reforms, and to create avenues for the public to participate in policymaking either through formal institutions or informal consultations. The programs are meant to promote a democratic discourse, trigger critical thinking, and create social space for a counter-radicalization narrative in the militancy-stricken and religious extremism prone areas. Through this endeavor, the CRSS is also creating mechanisms for the inclusion of multiple social groups in the decision-making processes, such as youth and students, female members of society, and local government representatives. The radio programs have helped encourage civil society and local communities to formulate and express their positions on issues that affect them. All segments of Sabawoon radio programs emphasize that rule of law is an indispensable element for peaceful coexistence. Sabawoon has aired over 3,000 shows under its banner. The following are some of the inspiring stories collected from the field, in-studio, and via caller feedback. They showcase how these individuals have contributed to building a peaceful and democratic society. These are stories of resilience and perseverance. These are stories of heartbreak and heart-mend. These are stories of ordinary Pakistanis, in extenuating circumstances, doing extraordinary things. Please see the full PDF here.
Sabawoon Inspiring Stories
Introduction: Sabawoon (dawn) is a flagship radio intervention of the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). It is aired from Peshawar for the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region. The shows are broadcast from private radio channels FM 101 Peshawar, AM 1260 Peshawar, FM 93 Dera Ismail Khan. Sabawoon has been designed to inculcate respect for human rights (especially female rights), underscore the need for good governance, create greater awareness for democratic and governance reforms, and to create avenues for the public to participate in policymaking either through formal institutions or informal consultations. The programs are meant to promote a democratic discourse, trigger critical thinking, and create social space for a counter-radicalization narrative in the militancy-stricken and religious extremism prone areas. Through this endeavor, the CRSS is also creating mechanisms for the inclusion of multiple social groups in the decision-making processes, such as youth and students, female members of society, and local government representatives. The radio programs have helped encourage civil society and local communities to formulate and express their positions on issues that affect them. All segments of Sabawoon radio programs emphasize that rule of law is an indispensable element for peaceful coexistence. Sabawoon has aired over 3,000 shows under its banner. The following are some of the inspiring stories collected from the field, in-studio, and via caller feedback. They showcase how these individuals have contributed to building a peaceful and democratic society. These are stories of resilience and perseverance. These are stories of heartbreak and heart-mend. These are stories of ordinary Pakistanis, in extenuating circumstances, doing extraordinary things. Please see the full PDF here.
Democratic Values Key to Peace: Speakers
Social and political awareness and education are critical for both voters and election candidates. Public can play a crucial role to mobilize enough pressure on the legislature for effective representation and policy making. The youth participation in the democratic processes is vital to inclusive democracy in the country. There is a dire need to improve the educational system of the country and incorporate ideals of cohesion and peace in the syllabi. Good governance requires involvement of public in the decision that concern them. Rule of law refers to a society where judiciary, legislature and executive only commit to adjudication, legislation and execution respectively. Rule of law is rule of rights. The lack of understanding of culture and religious context leads to the discrimination and violations of human rights. The starting point for peaceful coexistence is acceptance. The levers of power should be in the hands of enlightened people to ensure equality in the society. We should avoid hatred as hate is the easiest tool to perpetuate violence. There were the notions expressed by the speakers – including Ms. Amna Sardar, Member of KP Assembly; Syed Khalid Hamdani, District Police Officer (DPO), Haripur; and Prof. Dr. Abid Farid, Vice Chancellor, University of Haripur - during the fifth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at University of Haripur from April 18-19, 2018. Ms. Amna Sardar said, “For effective communication, it is important for students to speak up and clearly express their thoughts as future leaders”. She explained to the participating students that the social and political awareness and education are not only a critical trait for voters but also for the candidates asking votes. The consideration to cast vote should be national and societal interest instead of personal interest or family association. The individual qualification of the candidate - in regard to...
DPO Bannu Calls for Independent Prosecution to Uphold Rule of Law
Not king is law but law is king. Everyone is subject to law. Human rights education can prevent human rights abuses. Mutual respect, understanding and equal opportunities are critical for inclusive democracy and good governance. Accountability and rule of law require strict compliance with the core constitutional ideals of peace and cohesion. There were the notions expressed by the speakers – including Prof. Dr. Engr. Syed Abid Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Bannu; and Mr. Sadiq Baloch, District Police Officer (DPO), Bannu - during the fourth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at University of Science and Technology, Bannu from April 11-12, 2018. “Not king is law but law is king”, Mr. Sadiq Baloch, District Police Officer (DPO), Bannu introduced the concept and history of rule of law to the participating youth leaders in the workshop. He said that rule of law means all people and institutions are subject and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced. Discussing the fundamental principles of rule of law, he said that rule of law demands equal application of law on everyone and considers everyone equal before law. Propagating knowledge and information about laws enshrined in the constitution - which are available to the citizens - is critical to ensure rule of law in the society, besides accessible justice. The accountability over the use of power, independence of judiciary, presumption of innocence – until conviction – and ensuring rights of the accused and victims are some of the fundamental principles critical to uphold rule of law in the society. Where there is rule of law, everyone resorts to the limits of their respective roles including government and enforcing agencies. It improves public order and security, protects fundamental rights, promotes positive changes in socio-economic development, ensures political stability and to...
Pakistan Must Lobby the UN for Kashmir Plebiscite: Gillani
The Sunday April 1st killings in Shopian district and in other south Kashmir areas expose Indian army’s design; that it is using demographic and psycho-graphic profiling to decimate the youth of Kashmir, Dr Syed Nazir Gilani, Secretary General of the London-based Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR) told Daily Times from London. The manner of killing and the news – that chemical weapons have been used to burn down the buildings – has shaken every human soul in Kashmir, and elsewhere around the globe to the core. Gilani also disputes the characterisation “militants and terrorists” used by Indian officials and many Kashmiris for those Kashmiris killed in encounters. They are state subjects and hence very much within their right to challenge “forces of occupation,” he asserted. Dr. Gilani is a major proponent of the jurisprudence of the Kashmir dispute and insists that Pakistan go back to the UN Resolutions and the mutually agreed demand for a plebiscite to determine the future status of the state. Gilani think that there is an urgent need to revisit the delayed time table for Plebiscite, which he reminds, the United Kingdom had officially proposed to be arranged between April and October 1948 (that in view of weather conditions of Kashmir). United Kingdom had demanded that UN Commission and Plebiscite Administrator should start work within a month, that is, May 1948. Pakistan needs to go back to the demand for plebiscite to reinforce its moral and political support for Kashmir. This article originally appeared in Daily Times , April 08, 2018. Original link.
Sabawoon Inspiring Stories
Written By: Imtiaz Gul Edited By: Zeeshan Salahuddin Sabawoon (dawn) is a flagship radio intervention of the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). It is aired from Peshawar for the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region. The shows are broadcast from private radio channels FM 101 Peshawar, AM 1260 Peshawar, FM 93 Dera Ismail Khan. Download
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TESTIMONIALS
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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.