The 143rd 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 Mr. Wali Khan Afridi, an advocate by profession, noted that in the newly merged districts, one of the most significant developments in the post-merger scenario is the extension of and being governed under the constitution of Pakistan which has made the people of tribal areas as much constitutionally empowered as the people of the other parts of the country. Extension of judicial system and equal entitlement to constitutional rights augur well for the citizens’ active participation in the democratic processes.
Social cohesion in the areas affected by conflict require efficient and accountable governance, and reforms; especially in the justice sectors. Things are getting better in the newly merged districts which is ultimately benefitting the tribal communities. The true spirit of democracy lies in the local government system which is the basic requirement of democratic governance. It is also a constitutional requirement that ensures communal empowerment, delegation of powers to and nurture leadership at the grass root level to address a range of issues that concern the communities the most. Local government system is an important intervention that can address the problems of tribal districts and empower the citizens.
The second guest on show, Ms. Mahnoor, Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student of Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, noted that participation in the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops was a transformative experience which familiarized her with different concepts critical to social cohesion, such as respect for fundamental human rights, acceptance of diversity, conflict resolution, rule of law etc. These are the opportunities our youth especially the tribal youth needs to hone their leadership potential as they expose them to the democratic values, critical ideas and people from different backgrounds.
No nation can develop without the participation of women in the democratic processes and the local government system in the newly merged districts is hoped to further women empowerment goals in the region.
The third guest on phone, Mr. Zubair Ali, a local government councilor from newly merged districts, said that the local government system is a nursery and a conduit for the participation of commoners in the political processes, cultivate their leadership potential to better represent the public and prepare future political leadership.
The fourth guest on phone, Mr. Sham Momand, Senior Journalist and Project Manager at CRSS, noted that political awareness among the people of newly merged districts is direly needed not only for their participation in the democratic processes but also to make the most of new constitutional entitlements. These development objectives can be served through local government system. Not only it will resolve the longstanding issues of communal concern but also develop leadership skills among people.
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.