The 108th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed how constitutional awareness and promoting constitutionalism contribute to social cohesion. The rights and duties of all citizens are explicitly enshrined in the constitution and therefore, it is incumbent on us to have knowledge about these rights and duties as responsible citizens. The constitutional rights knowledge is also critical to strengthen the accountability mechanisms in the society.
Dr. Amir Raza, a faculty member from Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, noted that constitution aims to convert the role of citizens into a responsible citizenship and harness their potential for peace and development. With the constitutional rights education, the informed citizenry can hold the government and institutions accountable, besides being able to elect their representatives based on transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and other qualification criterions. The constitution shows direction to both the citizens and the state and the ways both are accountable to each other.
In a society where individuals may have extremely opposing viewpoints, constitution serves as a common ground – among the most polarized views – to strengthen unity, cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The second guest on phone, Mr. Ali Gohar, Advocate, Peshawar High Court, noted that while the citizens enjoy certain fundamental rights constitutionally available to them, nevertheless, these freedoms should not mean violation of others’ rights. We must respect others’ rights to expect our rights to be respected.
The third guest on show, Mr. Mustafa, an alumnus of Ulasi Taroon and a student of Islamia College University, Peshawar, informed that CRSS Ulasi Taroon youth workshop gave him the much-needed knowledge about the constitutional rights. Such opportunities can help the young play roles expected from them and critical to social cohesion.
Citizens can turn the social diversity into a strength and an asset for peace and progress, by respecting and cooperating with each other.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.