The 128th 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 show was milestone and dedicated to the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and backdropped it to discuss Article 19 of the constitution of Pakistan.
Under the Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan, every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of the Press, subject to any ‘reasonable restriction’, imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or in relation to contempt of court or incitement to offence.
The first guest on show, Mr. Lehaz Ali, a senior journalist from Peshawar, noted that journalist community also laid down their lives going above and beyond the call of duty and their sacrifices should be recognized. Responsible journalism demands dissemination of news and information in an impartial manner with any bias. While freedom of expression is a right constitutionally available to everyone, it should be exercised in certain limits; without hurting the sentiments of others and with due cognizance of the issues of national interest. One’s freedom of expression ends where someone else’s right starts.
Cultivating tolerance perspectives and dialogue as an inherent societal mechanism for conflict resolution is an essentiality for a peaceful society.
The second guest on show, Mr. Rizwan Ahmad, a student and Ulasi Taroon Alumnus, noted that participation in Ulasi Taroon workshops helped him understand not only the constitutional rights but also the duties key to responsible citizenship. The educational institutions have this unique opportunity to promote harmony as they have access to youth from such a wide cross section of society whose potential can be developed as future leaders and peacebuilders.
The third guest on phone, Mr. Faiz Ullah Jan, Chairman, Department of Mass communication and Journalism, University of Peshawar noted that the degree programmes offered to aspiring journalists should be considerate of responsible journalism and community focused, demand oriented, participatory and conflict sensitive programming needs. It is extremely critical to sensitize these future leader, at this stage of their education, on how freedom of expression is subject to certain limitations.
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.