The 46th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 07, 2018, on the theme of “Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities”. The show was dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The first guest on show, Mr. Zawar, a representative of an organization for the special people, noted that the disabled people are also an important part of this society and they can equally contribute in social cohesion. The social inclusion demands an equal importance, value and respect for them besides equal opportunities for participation in the socio-political and economic processes. The real disability lies not within the disabled persons but within the attitudes and conduct of the rest of the society. The society should recognize the role and importance of disabled people and give equal rights and space to them in the society.
The second guest on show, Mr. Wadan said that he was thankful to CRSS for offering such an opportunity and medium to communicate. He said that people do not pay much attention to and lack empathy towards the persons with disabilities. If the society does not display positive attitudes towards the special people, then their problems will be multiplied manifold. We should not make the disabled people do something odd or inappropriate. It can be very discouraging for them to be involved in unsuitable jobs where the normal people are involved in ordinary jobs. We should never ascribe ridiculous names for physical disability.
The third guest on show, Mr. Javed was of the opinion that the state must underpin and ensure inclusive facilities in the schools, institutions and all other public places to resolve the problems concerning the disabled population.
The guest on phone, Ms. Afshan Afridi, an activist for the rights of the disabled persons, shared that the disabled population ought to be economically empowered as a measure of stopping different types of violence and harassment against them especially the women.
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.