The 117th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject topic.
The first guest on show, Prof. Dr. Abdur Rauf, Chairman, Department of the Political Science, University of Peshawar noted that the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for social cohesion in Pakistan is manifest in his speech of August 11, 1947. That speech made it clear that Pakistan equally belongs to all its’ citizens regardless their diverse backgrounds, without any discrimination based on color, cast or creed. He believed that the citizen’s rights could be best protected through a system of inclusive democracy and rule of law. Pakistan movement and later the creation of Pakistan is the perfect example of how the shared goals and collective action lead to incredible achievements.
We must promote Quaid’s vision to cultivate the spirit of tolerance, acceptance, and democratic behaviors in the young. Also, prepare our youth to promote the values of social cohesion and sow the seeds of sustainable peace as future leaders.
The second guest on show, Mr. Ameer Hamza, a student of Islamia College University, Peshawar, noted that Quaid-e-Azam believed in socio-economic and political freedoms as fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan. There is a huge onus on young people to not only practice but also promote the core principles that the founder of Pakistan deemed critical for peace and progress. All these core values are explicitly enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan; especially vide articles 8-28.
The third guest on phone, Mr. Ali Gohar, Advocate, noted that Quaid-e-Azam envisaged a tolerant, cohesive, and progressive Pakistan where the minorities feel safe and equal citizenry status for everyone.
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.