The 58th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 01, 2019, on the theme of “Religious Freedom, A Constitutional Right”.
The purpose of the show was to underline one the core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan; Article 20: Freedom to profess religion and to manage religious institutions where (a) every citizen shall have the right to profess, practise and propagate his religion; and (b) every religious denomination and every sect thereof shall have the right to establish, maintain and manage its religious institutions.
The first guest in studio, Mr. Moazzam Butt, a lawyer by profession, noted that religious freedom is the fundamental human right ensured by the Constitution of Pakistan and available to all the citizens of the country. The flouters must be subject to law in case of violation of this basic constitutional right. There is a dire need for an inclusive dialogue to not only identify the barriers to uphold the religious freedom but also to emphasize the importance of an egalitarian society for peace and cohesion. The society is responsible to respect the others citizens’ right to practice their religion, as much as the state. The notion of responsible citizenship is embedded in the constitution and demands peaceful coexistence of the communities of different faiths. As responsible citizens, we should be very cautious about the societal fault lines that make us vulnerable to the drivers of disintegration. Deviation from constitution and giving up on fundamental human rights can destroy the social fabric of the society. Only by compliance with the core constitutional values of equality, acceptance and rule of law, can social cohesion be strengthened.
The second guest in studio, Mr. Haroon Sarbdiyal, a representative of Hindu Community, said that the effective implementation of Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan will strengthen our social cohesion. Interfaith harmony requires knowledge and awareness about the other religions.
A retired school teacher, Mr. Joseph said in the radio report that the state should ensure the implementation of the Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan, in true letter and spirit.
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.