The nineteenth radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on May 18, 2018, on the topic of “Equal Citizenry and Social Cohesion”.
The first guest on show, Ms. Khurshid Bano, a social activist noted that though the notion of equal citizenry is clearly enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, yet there is a long way to go to achieve the milestone of egalitarian society. For example when a woman gets married, the legal document gives her an equal right of divorce but mostly the women are either unaware of it or that clause is deleted. She emphasized that rule of law and equality needs to begin from home. Educational institutions, civil society and most importantly the state have to play their role in promoting equality and equity; regardless of color, caste or creed.
The second guest on show, Mr. Waqar Ahmad Awan was of the opinion that there is a dire need to create awareness among the masses on ideals of equality, respect, acceptance and inclusion. These values are not only anchored in our social contract but also in the religious teachings. Education holds the key to most of the issues posing our society.
Mrs. Shagufta from CRSS said that Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the mother document when it comes to the principles of equal citizenry and other fundamental human rights available to the humans.
“Every individual is responsible to abide by his/ her social contract. She/ he should not only know about her/ his rights and duties but also about the rights of others. If it is so, then most of our problems will cease to exist”, said Shahid Khan, a young Journalist from Peshawar 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 fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.