March 6, 2018: The seventh radio program as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on the topic of “Role of media in Countering Extremism and Promoting Social Cohesion.”
The program – broadcast on February 16, 2018 – discussed the responsibilities of media towards the public, its role in dispelling the extremist ideologies in the society and promote the ideals of tolerance, equality and respect as a measure of social peace and harmony.
The first in-studio guest, Mr. Tariq Waheed, Bureau Chief, Hum News, Peshawar underlined that media has a responsibility of providing truthful and balanced information to the public as argued by the Social Responsibility Theory (SRT). It plays a vital role in fulfilling the information needs of the public; catering to all those issues that concern them. Media has also played an important role in developing public’s understanding around the issue of terrorism in Pakistan. Electronic media in Pakistan is still not mature enough even at the age of 15. It needs to realize the significance of its role for social peace and cohesion.
The second in-studio guest, Ms. Farzana Ali, Bureau Chief, Aaj News, Peshawar said that glorification of terrorists and their activities in the last one decade had resulted in a narrative supportive of extremism. We must stop glorifying violence to defeat terrorism. The state has to come up with a narrative – embedded in the ideals of peace & cohesion – to counter and dispel extremist messaging and ideologies effectively. It needs to take concrete steps to ensure implementation of PEMRA policies in the best interest of public.
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.