The 78th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 26, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Civil Society in Peacebuilding”, to not only underscore the criticality of inclusive peacebuilding processes but also how the peacebuilders can act as proactive agents for and catalysts of change where they can play a remarkable role in bringing peace and prosperity in the society through their progressive activities.
The first guest on show, Mr. Bilal Sethi, Chairman Pakistan Development Foundation, a local peacebuilding organization, was of the view that peace is manifested in empowered citizens who enjoy certain freedoms allowed by the law and have a conducive environment for socio-political and economic inclusion and mobility. Peacebuilders are such selfless catalysts of change who struggle and strive to support these ideals vital to social peace and harmony. The government’s support; through allocation of resources for social development is the fundamental necessity for the overarching goal.
Public-awareness regarding the importance and values of peace and their roles and responsibilities for a peaceful society is one of the most important components in this process where civil society as well as individuals especially the learned can play a key role.
He said that every individual needs to be sensitized on the importance of peace for society. He opined that peacebuilders can make use of the Appreciative Inquiry approach; highlighting the positive aspects of the society even in the environments loaded with negativities to promote social cohesion. A peacebuilder must believe in, exhibit and promote the virtues of tolerance, respect and equality, and ready to contribute to the social development.
The second guest on show, Mr. Misbah Ullah, a social activist, said that social peace is not just the responsibility of national institutions but an equal onus is on the people for practicing responsible and proactive citizenship, and volunteerism, and civil society institutions to have a mandate vital to cohesion and peace. Youth have a huge peacebuilding potential which can be utilized through a selfless vision with shared goals of communal development and connected future at the core.
The third guest on show, Ms. Bushra Mehsood, a youth activist opined that peacebuilding is a long-term process which needs patience as well as public awareness. Youth is the backbone and an asset of any society and they can make significant contribution to the social cohesion by being aware of and honestly performing their role, and committed to the bigger cause of a connected and prosperous future.
A peacebuilder always believes in inclusion and takes the people of the society on board in the peacebuilding process. She explained that hurdles are inevitable and are a part of the change-making process but they only ignite more motivation for change.
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.