Counter-radicalization and democratic narratives via airwaves
Deradicalization and rights– advocacy via airwaves is CRSS flagship programme going on since Nobember 2009.
These counter-radicalization programmes began as humanitarian information to the context of the Swat-Malakand IDPs– crisis (then with the support of the Internews-USA) buttransformed into a strategic communication venture with a view to attack clich├âŒs and stereotypes as they obtain in the northwestern regions, affected by religious radicalism. With these programmes, CRSS has created a communications– niche for itself with the support of Internews-USA, USIP and a couple of other donors.
Over 2,500 radio shows, almost half of them live, are a milestone never achieved before by a private sector advocacy organization. This landmark achievement underlines not only the success of the show but also appetite for focused and structured debates on the socio-political issues that the Pakistani society faces. CRSS is thankful to the USIP, and the Internews.USA for their crucial contribution to extremely useful form of advocacy.
These shows are broadcast from FM 101 Peshawar, MW Peshawar ,FM 93 DI Khan, FM 93 Kohat FM 93 Bannu, and FM 93 Abbottabad. These shows are embedded in law and constitution and are meant to promotea democratic discourse, trigger critical thinking and create social space for a counter-radicalization narrative in the militancy stricken and religious extremism prone areas.
CRSS launches unique TV debate on FATA – Hum Bhi Pakistan (We are also Pakistan)
In May 2014, the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) produced the first ever series of shows on the Past, Present and Future of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to be aired on National Television channels. This is a big leap forward in CRSS– drive for inclusive democracy and fundamental rights. Never before did FATA come under such focused and sustained debate involving leading stakeholders from within FATA as well as those representing Pakistan mainstream political parties. The participants in the shows included as many as 40 parliamentarians, rights– activists, analysts and academia as guest speakers and 60 male and female students from different regions of FATA. The main focus of the related debate, discussions and questions was on whether the people of FATA want to be part of Pakistan ruled by the Constitution of Pakistan, whether they want Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) repealed or amended the role of FATA parliamentarians, the authoritarian Political Agent, development of FATA and empowerment of women among other issues. It is definitely a first in the history of FATA political rights– advocacy that its problems, concerns and future prospects were debated in a series of TV shows.