The 26th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 13, 2018, on the topic of “Freedom of Expression and Social Cohesion”.
The guest in studio, Mr. Bakht Zaman, a lecturer from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Peshawar, noted that the difference of opinion is as natural as diversity when it comes to cross cultural dialogue, however, it should be respected and not taken personally or converted into a conflict or an opposition. He said that powers and rights come with great responsibilities. Same is the case with freedom of expression that comes with the huge social responsibility and requires one to be keenly considerate of the political, cultural or religious sensitivities living in the society. The civil society and media should promote respect and tolerance for diversity and acceptance of differences while at the same time underscoring that the freedom of expression has its redlines.
The second guest on show, Mr. Ali Asghar, a senior journalist, said that all forms of media especially the social media offer a great opportunity to the public for strategic engagement with the policy makers on the issues – to be considered for inclusive legislation – that concern them the most. The freedom of expression is directly proportional to good governance and rule of law, therefore, the state must ensure the provision of freedom of expression for all its citizens.
The guest on phone, Mr. Iftikhar Firdous, Bureau Chief, Express Tribune, emphasized that we are presently enjoying a lot of freedom of expression manifest in the availability of social media platforms, but we must realize that it comes with a great social responsibility to understand the diversity and accept differences in the society.
“Freedom of expression has a huge importance in our society as it’s extremely crucial to provide an environment conducive to developing political awareness as well as fostering the active participation of citizens in the political processes”, says Mr. Yasir Khan, a student of the University of Peshawar during 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.