Current Projects
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Celebrating Diversity | Building a More Cohesive Society
February 12, 2018: The fourth 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 “Celebrating Diversity: Building a More Cohesive Society.” The program – broadcast on January 26, 2018 - discussed the positive impacts of celebrating diversity to ensure a cohesive society. The first in-studio guest, Ms. Meraj Humayun Khan, Member of KP Assembly and Chairperson of Women Parliamentary Caucus said that there were certain political and social factors caused chaos and disappointment in the society. They can also weaken our social cohesion and we should not let them play out in our society to strengthen our social fabric. Diversity is natural and beautiful. It needs to be accepted, respected and celebrated. There is a dire need to sensitize the masses on tolerance for diversity & respect for differences by promoting some positive practices around us & from across the multicultural diverse societies. The educational institutions and media can make a great contribution in educating youth in the virtues of celebrating diversity. “We need to bring critical thinking skills to our youth to enable them challenge the preconceived notions within society about other cultures and religions, and exhibit tolerance for diversity”, she said while adding that the journey of cohesive society would start only by small individual steps that can inspire the whole society into respect for diversity. The second guest on show, Ms. Ms. Malalai Akhtari, Social Activist said that the children should be taught the virtues of acceptance of diversity right from the early years of education. The educational sector should promote the ideals of peaceful coexistence. Our system of education should cultivate and educate the future leaders in the ideals of peace, harmony and cohesion. It needs to teach them human values. The issue of human rights violation is not only faced by the...
Ulasi Taroon Showcase: Celebrating Diversity | Building a More Cohesive Society
February 12, 2018: The fourth 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 “Celebrating Diversity: Building a More Cohesive Society.” The program – broadcast on January 26, 2018 - discussed the positive impacts of celebrating diversity to ensure a cohesive society. The first in-studio guest, Ms. Meraj Humayun Khan, Member of KP Assembly and Chairperson of Women Parliamentary Caucus said that there were certain political and social factors caused chaos and disappointment in the society. They can also weaken our social cohesion and we should not let them play out in our society to strengthen our social fabric. Diversity is natural and beautiful. It needs to be accepted, respected and celebrated. There is a dire need to sensitize the masses on tolerance for diversity & respect for differences by promoting some positive practices around us & from across the multicultural diverse societies. The educational institutions and media can make a great contribution in educating youth in the virtues of celebrating diversity. “We need to bring critical thinking skills to our youth to enable them challenge the preconceived notions within society about other cultures and religions, and exhibit tolerance for diversity”, she said while adding that the journey of cohesive society would start only by small individual steps that can inspire the whole society into respect for diversity. The second guest on show, Ms. Ms. Malalai Akhtari, Social Activist said that the children should be taught the virtues of acceptance of diversity right from the early years of education. The educational sector should promote the ideals of peaceful coexistence. Our system of education should cultivate and educate the future leaders in the ideals of peace, harmony and cohesion. It needs to teach them human values. The issue of human rights violation is not only faced by the...
Sabawoon Showcase Ranra February 8th, 2018
A Step towards Equal Citizenry (Monthly Stipend for Clergymen) The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP) government’s initiatives for regularizing the religious institutions. As the first step, the government announced to give a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000 to prayer leaders of the larger mosques. Then it was also decided to offer the same package to the clergymen of minorities. Mr. Muhammad Anwar, a religious leader from Peshawar and Mr. Amir Padri, a priest in the Church of Pakistan were the guests of the show. Mr. Anwar said that the government should take all political and religious organizations into confidence in this matter and the political parties should avoid unnecessary criticism. Mr. Padri said that if the basic needs of clergymen and prayer leaders were fulfilled, then they might not adopt unfair means for their livelihood. Establishment of peace and maintenance of interfaith harmony is not the responsibility of the government alone, rather, it is a joint venture which needs collective efforts. A report by Afzal Momand was played during the show and there were four calls received. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-, 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...
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...
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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.