The 126th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The first guest on the show, Mr. Samiullah Mohmand, Governor, Provincial Youth Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), noted that a significant percentage of the country’s overall population is comprised of youth and their cognizance and performance of their responsibilities for the democratic development can bring a massive change in the society.
While they need to be given opportunities for participation in the national socio-political life, however, they should even create opportunities for themselves if they are not given such chances. Merger of FATA into KP is also an opportunity for the tribal youth to play their part in the development of newly merged districts, while also raising awareness about constitutional rights and responsibilities among their communities.
The second guest on the show, Ms. Warda, a student from Iqra National University and Ulasi Taroon Alumna noted that the way youth is familiarized with the use of technology and digital media can be leveraged to promote positive messaging in the society. Positive changes in the society are made durable and sustained by youth and they need more platforms and opportunities for that. Through critical thinking, youth can cultivate their disposition and eventually actions for social cohesion. In this regard, it is important to nurture ideas beneficial not only to their individual success but for the society at large.
The third guest on phone, Mr. Ahsan Hamid Durrani, a public policy analyst, noted that since the inception of the social media era, we have also seen some positive changes in the young; political activism is triggered among our youth and they take interest in politics and public policy. It has also helped them understand that the decisions taken in the parliament also affect the public life directly or indirectly. It is a dire need of the hour to bridge the communication and generation gaps at different levels between youth and political leadership. As part of developing their leadership potential, youth needs to be sensitized on the values of respect, acceptance and equipped with conflict resolution skills.
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 strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.