The 28th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 27, 2018, on the topic of “Role of Youth for Equality and Social Cohesion”.
The radio show kicked with the recorded remarks of Mr. Noor Jamal, Superintendent of Police (SP) Operations, Chitral, expressed during the 8th round of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops held at University of Chirtal. He said that rule of law means equality – i.e. every individual in the society is important – and indiscriminate application of law; equally applicable and accessible on and to everyone regardless of their background. Rule of law is conducive to peace, socio-political and economic progress, democratic development, employment opportunities, foreign investment, equality and across the board accountability. The linkages between the public and police are extremely crucial to counter-extremism and foster rule of law. The youth must be educated on their rights and responsibilities enshrined in the constitution to uphold rule of law, besides, the media should also create awareness among the masses on the criticality of adherence to rule of law.
The in-studio guest, Mr. Waheed Ullah, a youth activist said that the tenets of equal citizenry are clearly enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan especially articles 8-28. As citizens especially the young population, we must all be aware of these constitutional protections critical to our peaceful coexistence. All these core constitutional values clearly state that every individual is an equal citizen irrespective of gender, color, cast, creed, socio-economic or political background. The youth can play a great role in positively engaging with the communities – through volunteerism – on values critical to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The second guest on show, Ms. Mashaal Zia, a professional career consultant, noted that the youth is very capable and energetic, but their talent needs to be harnessed before it decays. They need opportunities to channelize their abilities in the national socio-political life. Our youth is equipped with and has the levers of some extremely powerful tools like social media which can be used for a positive social actions and to promote the core values of respect and tolerance for cohesion in the society.
“We have to create awareness among all members of the society on how to coexist and make concerted efforts towards a peaceful and connected future. They should all be equipped with the necessary skills to articulate themselves so that they may progress in life and find solutions to the problems and challenges; personal and common”, said Mr. Abbas, a student of University of Chitral during 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 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.