The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) has launched a new counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon that uses core constitutional values to foster social cohesion. The core themes that the program aims to promote and reinforce are rule of law, equal opportunities for all citizens of all faiths, tolerance for diversity and respect for fundamental human rights.

The maiden radio program as part of this initiative was aired from Radio Pakistan networks across Peshawar, Kohat, D.I. Khan and Abbottabad on January 05, 2018.

“The cohesion (taroon) lies in abiding by your social contract and the values in your social contract. It is strengthened by compliance with the core constitutional values like adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance. Understanding and abiding by these values can not only foster social cohesion (Ulasi Taroon) but also result in social peace and harmony in the society. These democratic values are fundamentally essential pre-requisites and primary conditions for any society’s socio-political and economic progress, democratic development and peaceful co-existence”, Mr. Shams Momand, Project Manager, CRSS shared the motivation behind the initiative while adding that program was based on the idea to connect diverse segments of the society by shared values and vision for cohesion. CRSS believes that the change requires concerted efforts where the whole society plays its part for peace and social cohesion.

Mr. Safiullah Gul, one of the in-studio guests in the introductory program said, “The key to social cohesion lies in exhibiting tolerance for diversity and acceptance of different opinions”. He further added that Ulasi Taroon was a timely initiative to cultivate the citizens; especially the young population in the core constitutional values given that the youth constituted almost 58% of the total population of Pakistan.

The guests were of the opinion that the media and academia could play a vital role in peacebuilding and social cohesion in the region. However the communication gaps between these two need to be bridged.

A radio report was also aired during the program to share the views of general public about peace building, social cohesion and their importance.