The tenth radio program as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 09, 2018, on the topic of “Role of Constitutional Literacy in Countering Extremism”.
Since Ulasi Taroon intervention aims to promote core constitutional values of good governance, inclusive democracy, equal citizenry, tolerance for diversity and rule of law, the discussion focused on the virtues of abiding by these values and the importance of constitutional literacy as a vital ingredient for social cohesion.
The guest on show, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, General Secretary, Awami National Party (ANP) and Ex-Information Minister said that due to certain decisions made during the dictatorial eras in Pakistan, the constitutional literacy of even the parliamentarians had deteriorated. He emphasized that the respect for constitution and its core values – critical to social cohesion – should start trickling down to the people from the political leadership. So the rulers need to first believe in rule of law before expecting it from the public. Media can play a very significant role in Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) and it will be strengthened once the respect for core constitutional values of peace and harmony is promoted through different forms of media. The initiatives like Ulasi Taroon by CRSS can make a vital contribution in building constitutional literacy and dispelling extremist ideologies in the society.
The guest on phone, Advocate Sangeen Khan said that the constitution is a social contract; a fundamental structure that defines the roles and responsibilities of both state and citizens. We need changes in curricula to rid the country of extremism and terrorism. Our educational curricula must be revised to incorporate democratic values that promote sanctity of constitution, adherence to rule of law, equality and tolerance for a cohesive society.
“Education is the key to constitutional literacy of the citizens in all parts of the country”, said Mr. Mehmood Jan Babar, Bureau Chief, Geo News, 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 and FATA 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.