Current Projects
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey February 7th, 2018
Festivals – A Sign of Peace The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the celebration of different types of festivals including national, traditional and religious festivals as a sign of peace. People from different faiths, sects and ethnicities are living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). They have their own cultures and traditions. Mr. Shahab Uddin and Ms. Muskan Bangash, representatives of Provincial Youth Assembly, were the guests in the show. Mr. Shahab Uddin said that the National Youth Carnival and other festivals were aimed to show the world that there is peace in KP and FATA. Almost 16,000 students from all over the country took part in the carnival which was a big achievement for the KP government. Ms. Muskan Bangash said that involving young people in positive activities will have a positive impact on their mind as it will keep them focused and occupied. A report by Ceena Naeem was played and there were five calls received during the show. AboutSabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programm, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of...
Sabawoon Showcase Da Semay Jaaj February 6th, 2018
The latest episode of Da Semay Jaaj (Regional Review) focused on the various issues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administrated Tribal Areas. Several issues of the public interest, like the educational emergency announced in the province, were discussed. But there are frequent reports about the problems related to education across the province. Recently, a primary school in Charsadda where students are getting education in poor conditions in a rented residential home where cattle are also reared, was reported. Pashtuns from different regions held a peaceful sit-in in Islamabad to demand justice for Naqeeb Ulla’s murder. This protest was a result of a long list of atrocities committed against Pashtuns in the last two decades. Land mines installed during militancy are still taking lives in Kurram Agency, where a mine killed eight people from the same family. There was a lot of positive feedback received during the show, 20 calls were received. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public...
Book Launch: The Role of Madrasas
The launch of the book, The Role of Madrasas: Assessing Parental Choice, Financial Pipelines and Recent Developments in Religious Education in Pakistan & Afghanistan, was held at Islamabad Serena Hotel on 30th January, 2018. Interior Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, and National Security Advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Nasser Khan Janjua, spoke at the launch event alongside the authors and editors of the book. Ambassador of Denmark, Rolf Holmboe, was also present at the event. The book at hand is the result of a more than two-year-long joint enterprise across borders, regions, and continents, aimed at identifying the development and status of the religious seminaries, also known as madrasas, in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The result of the study in terms of this book reflects the collaboration between the Royal Danish Defence College (RDDC) and the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), both from Pakistan, and the Centre for Conflict and Peace Studies (CAPS) from Afghanistan. Below are the links to the news coverage of the event: Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/1386370 Radio Pakistan: https://www.radio.gov.pk/30-01-2018/ahsan-calls-for-collective-efforts-to-address-root-causes-of-radicalization Aaj TV: https://aaj.tv/2018/01/ahsan-calls-for-collective-efforts-to-address-root-causes-of-radicalization/ The Nation: https://nation.com.pk/30-Jan-2018/ahsan-calls-for-collective-efforts-to-address-root-causes-of-radicalization? Pakistan Today: https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/01/30/ahsan-iqbal-calls-for-collective-efforts-to-address-root-causes-of-radicalisation/ Express Tribune: https://tribune.com.pk/story/1622252/1-ahsan-iqbal-calls-resolving-larger-political-issues/ Daily Times: https://dailytimes.com.pk/192527/public-schools-syllabus-integrated-seminaries-curriculum-nsa/ BBC Urdu: http://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-42873464
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Merger of FATA with KP – Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities
February 07, 2018: The third radio program as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on the topic of “Merger of Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities.” The program – broadcast on January 19, 2018 - discussed various constitutional rights and responsibilities that the FATA-KP merger will mean for the tribesmen. The first in-studio guest, Alhaj Shah Jee Gul, MNA said that the sanctity of constitution and compliance with its core values were critical for access to justice and fundamental human rights. The merger of FATA with KP will foster the political and democratic participation of the tribesmen and help them fathom the criticality of adherence to rule of law. The extension of Pakistani constitution to FATA is a fundamentally essential prerequisite for social peace and cohesion in the region. The second in-studio guest, Mr. Nasir Khan Musazai, PML-N leader said that the merger of FATA with KP was vital for peace and prosperity not only in FATA but the whole region. Mainstreaming FATA is critical for the provision of opportunities for education and socio-political and economic participation to its female residents. The entitlement of and access to the basic rights and opportunities to the people of FATA - as equal citizens - will definitely reduce the conflicts and disputes in the region. He further added that a more responsible and proactive role of provincial government and civil society would be needed to reconnect the FATA residents with the political system. “Denial of fundamental human rights to FATA tribesmen made them more vulnerable to militancy, extremism and flouting the rule of law”, said the former governor KP, Engineer Shaukatullah on a live call. The callers from different tribal areas were of the opinion that FCR was a challenge for the writ of the state as two parallel...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: The Terrible Cost of Extremism
The second radio program as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on the topic of “The Terrible Cost of Extremism.” The program – broadcast on January 12, 2018 - discussed various forms and manifestations of extremism and its terrible cost to Pakistan. The first in-studio guest Dr. Shabbir, Professor, Area Studies Center, University of Peshawar said that several religious and political factors were responsible for extremist mindset in some parts of Pakistan. Religious & cultural extremism, and intolerant behaviors are weakening social cohesion & harmony. Both media and religious leaders from all faiths can make a positive contribution in promoting inclusion, tolerance & equality of all the citizens. “We should understand that family can be the first breeding ground for extremist attitude. So the communities should consider this factor as well and play their role in preventing youth radicalization”, said the Executive Director of CRSS, Mr. Imtiaz Gul on a live call. The second in-studio guest Ms. Shagufta Khaliq, CRSS Programme Consultant and an Educationist said that the Center was consciously working to strengthen social cohesion and harmony through a discourse anchored in core constitutional values such as tolerance for diversity, respect for fundamental human rights and different opinions, equal citizenry, adherence to rule of law, primacy of constitution and inclusive governance. There is a huge onus on educational institutions to curb and prevent youth radicalization by cultivating and sensitizing them (students) in the core constitutional values. They should also bring critical thinking skills to youth and enable them challenge some of the preconceived notions within society about other cultures and religions. This is hoped to create a narrative that is more peaceful. A radio report was also aired where the representatives of academia, religious...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra February 1st, 2018
Legislation for Females, Challenges and Way Forward The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the importance of legislation for females and what challenges stand in its way. The government introduced some pro-women laws, for example, harassment at workplace law. However, the domestic violence bill is still pending, which is a predicament on the part of government and lawmakers. Ms. Ambreen Gulzar, lawyer and social activist was the studio guest in the show. She said that the family courts act of 1964 needs amendments in order to provide speedy justice to female victims. During 2017 alone, 7000 cases were registered in the family court, out of which only 3000 were resolved. She further added that if the laws were made on the basis of Islam and the constitution of Pakistan, then women would not suffer as much. If the right of inheritance and right of maintenance were provided to women then there will be less incidents of violence against women in our society. A report by Ceena Naeem was played during the show and three calls were received. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary objective of the show has been to...
Afghan, Pakistani Officials Hold Talks After Deadly Kabul Attacks
Senior Afghan officials on Wednesday held talks with Pakistani civil and military leaders after a series of deadly attacks in Kabul that killed nearly 125 people and injured more than 250, Afghan diplomats said. Afghan authorities blamed the Haqqani network for the deadliest attack in Kabul on Jan. 27, which killed 103 people. On Jan. 20, Taliban militants stormed the capital’s Hotel Intercontinental and killed 22 people, including 14 foreigners. Afghan officials say the Taliban and the Haqqani network operate from Pakistan, which denies the charge. Afghan officials had earlier said Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and intelligence chief Masoom Stanekzai would share evidence with Pakistani officials about the Kabul attacks. Afghan Deputy Ambassador Zardasht Shams said his country’s delegation had a detailed meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, its intelligence chief and other senior military and intelligence officials also attended. “The basic objective of the meeting was to discuss the recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, which were publicly claimed by the Taliban,” Shams told Arab News. “The Afghan side shared the necessary information about the attacks, and demanded that immediate measures be taken,” he added. “Pakistan’s prime minister condemned the attacks, and promised that his country will take necessary action on the basis of the intelligence.” Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed Faisal tweeted that the Afghan government had requested that a high-level delegation visit Pakistan to discuss bilateral cooperation. Earlier, Javed Faisal, spokesman for Afghan Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, said his country’s intelligence chief and interior minister went to Pakistan on Wednesday to “ask the military leadership to hand over Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the recent attacks in Kabul.” He tweeted: “We will also hand over docs and proofs to Pakistan’s military...
Afghan War Turns Bloodier
The latest wave of terror attacks in Kabul that has claimed dozens of civilian lives marks the bloodiest phase of the so far 16-year war with the insurgents getting more audacious. The escalation in fighting raises questions about the new US-Afghan strategy. Not that the Afghan capital has not witnessed such high-profile terrorist attacks before, but the ferocity and the frequency of assaults is alarming. Three attacks in a week in high-security zones indicate the increasing capacity and the organisation of the insurgents despite massive escalation in the US air strikes. While the Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for two of the first two attacks, the militant Islamic State (IS) group reportedly carried out the third one. The insurgents have taken the war into the nation’s capital. The rising toll of civilian casualties is disturbing. It signals a shift in insurgent strategy — from gaining territorial control to focusing more on the capital to test the mettle of the Afghan security forces. It seems that the Afghan Taliban and IS are competing when it comes to carnage in the besieged capital and other towns and cities in Afghanistan. The chaos resulting from the violence serves the objective of these militant groups — to undermine the confidence of the Kabul administration. It seems that the Afghan Taliban and IS are in a race to massacre the most people. Indeed, the Afghan National Army has improved its performance greatly over time, but it is still not capable of dealing with such organised terrorist attacks on its own. The frequent breach of security by the insurgents has further exposed the incapacity of the Afghan security agencies. While the Taliban control vast swathes of territory, the increasing presence of IS in Afghanistan is extremely worrisome. The terrorist group that is fighting both Kabul and the Taliban has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in the capital over the last few months. The terrorist group has made some inroads in...
Sabawoon Showcase Jwandai Jazbey January 31st, 2018
Democracy and Leadership The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the importance of democracy and leadership. In Pakistan, there are limited opportunities for the youth to get involved in political activities. This is one of the reasons why democracy has not flourished and the low level of awareness in the youth about the core constitutional values and democracy. Qaiser Zaman, Member of Provincial Youth Assembly, social activist and teacher was the guest of the show. He said that if the educated and trained youth is given the opportunity to participate in general elections as candidates, they can improve the fate of the country. He added that without the participation and contribution of women, Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable development and prosperity. He said that the curriculum being taught at government educational institutions should be reshaped completely to make it reflect the new needs and requirements. There were five calls received during the show. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental...
CRSS Annual Security Report 2017
The past year continued the trend of declining violence over the last three years, with many outlaws arrested or convicted. Although the drop in violence-related fatalities was countrywide, the change fluctuates regionally, owing to several factors, including geo-political scenario alterations in the militant strategy. Internationally and domestically, terrorism has witnessed a decline. Daish lost territory in Iraq and Syria, while Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) lost its sanctuaries in the tribal regions of Pakistan. However, territorial loss does not translate to complete elimination, as they continued sporadic attacks throughout the year. Domestically, religious parties in favor of the militants either openly supported the Taliban or provided support in elections for the candidates who were considered to be affiliated with some banned outfits. Blasphemy accusations witnessed a sharp rise in the country involving social activists, media persons, and political party leaders like Imran Khan. A sit-in at Faizabad by a newly formed religious party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) was also in opposition to altering blasphemy laws. The shrinking operational space for militant groups has forced them to change their tactics, thus complicating and testing the security response. Militants also changed their focus to try and inflict damage that would legitimize their presence. Violence along neighboring borders increased significantly. The cross border attacks by the Afghan based militants revealed that a majority of them were Pakistani militants who had crossed borders during the Zarb-e-Azb operation. Additionally, of special consideration is the target killing and battering of media persons in various incidents across the country. To assess and evaluate new challenges and threats being faced by the country, this report makes use of the national print and electronic media sources. Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) scrutinizes the data within 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.