The 120th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The first guest on show, Dr. Jamil Ahmed Chitrali from Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar, noted that democracy is the most popular and inclusive form of government in the contemporary global state system. It is a time-tested system and proven to be conducive to progress, development and social cohesion; with numerous evidences in the contemporary scholarship.
In this system, constitution works as a social contract between citizens and state to be mutually answerable to each other. While the citizens are entitled to certain fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, there are some duties as well that need to perform as a matter of responsible, law abiding citizenship. The outcome of the successful implementation of this contract is social peace, harmony and development.
The role of youth is very important is promoting democracy; its values key to peace and acceptance as they are the future leaders. The future of Pakistan lies in due compliance with the democratic values.
The second guest on show, Ms. Zala Saif, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student of journalism and mass communication at University of Peshawar, noted that democracies put citizens in such a social setting where they have to cooperate with and respect each other to achieve the share socio-political and economic goals. The resultant environment is more likely to be cohesive and peaceful. The system of democracy promotes acceptance, rule of law and equality; equal rights and opportunities for development.
The third guest on show, Ms. Noureen Nasreen, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar opined that the fundamental pre-requisite for democracy to flourish is equality; where everyone is treated as an equally important citizen and given one’s due rights. Pakistan, as a matter of strengthening its democracy, should also ensure provision of equal citizenry rights to the members of newly merged districts.
The institutions of the state should observe their constitutional limits and ensure cooperation and synergies for the smooth running of the system. The citizens should have right to information as fundamental entitlement. The growth of democracy lies in continuation, said Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, in the radio report.
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.