Break the silence,Say no more to Honor killing

By Shakeel Ahmed

The murder of a member of a family or social group by other members, due to the belief of the committers that the victim has got dishonor upon the family or community is called honor killing or honour killing, it is also called a customary killing. Honour killings are focused generally against the women and girls. The apparent dishonor is normally the result of one of the following conducts, or the distrust of such behaviors: dressing in a style intolerable to the family or community, wanting to dismiss or prevent an decided marriage or desiring to marry by own choice, engaging in heterosexual sexual acts outside marriage, or Engaging in homosexual acts. Women and girls are murdered at a much higher ratio than men.

Recently, there has been a wave of honor killings in rest of the country and this has led the government to decide what types of laws should be put in place to stop this terrible act of physical crime. So what is the description of honor killing and what leads families to commit this kind of shocking crime so that they can safeguard their family honor? What are the mistaken belief regarding honor killing and what would be the solutions to stop this crime from further spreading? Is this practice dominant only in Pakistan or is it dominant in other parts of the world as well? These are the questions that society needs to find the answer.

In my opinion, the Honour killing is defined as a death that is given to a woman of the family forget married against the Community wishes, engaging in heterosexual sexual acts outside marriage, marrying within the same clan or outside caste. Honour killing is different from the dowry deaths that are also a common practice in Pakistan rural and urban areas, in the case of dowry deaths, the committers of that action claim that they have not been given enough measurable rewards for accommodating the woman into the family. In that case there is a lot of anger and even physical and mental punishment given from the in-laws and more times than one, it has been seen that the wife compelled to suicide rather than being murdered by the in-laws, though it has to be said that she has been psychologically killed, if not bodily. We have had a tradition of honor killing. This habit was first watched in its most horrible form during the Partition of British India in two parts in between the years 1947 and 1950 when many women were compellingly killed so that family honor could be well-preserved.  Now, there are several reasons why people or family members decide to kill the daughter in the name of conserving their family honor.The clearest reason for this practice to continue in Pakistan, although at a much quicker and practically daily basis and also because people from the remote areas reject to change their attitude to marriage. According to them, if any spawn dares to violate her parents on the issue of marital and decides to marry a man of her wishes but from another Gotra or outside her class, it would bring disgrace to the family honor and hence they decide to give the decisive punishment. Now as has become the norm, the son-in-law is killed as well. Sociologists believe that the reason why honor killings continue to take place is because of the continued inflexibility of the caste system. Hence the fear of losing their caste position through which they gain many profits makes them commit this terrible crime. The other reason why honor killings are taking place is because the mindset of people has not changed and they just cannot accept that marriages can take place in the same clan. The root of the cause for the rising in the number of honor killings is because the official authority has not been able to get access the remote areas of our country and as a result. Thus, this act of violence continues though it should have been removed by now.

There are numerous misunderstandings concerning the practice of honor killing. The first misunderstanding about honor killing is that this is a practice that is partial to the remote areas. The reality is that it is spread over such a large geographical area that we cannot separate honor killings to rural areas only, though one has to acknowledge that majority of the killings take place in the village’s areas. But it has also been seen freshly that even the metropolitan cities like popular Pakistani social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch was killed by her brother in an act of honor killing in Multan in the province of Punjab and other major Cities of Pakistan are also not safe from this crime because lots of horror events of honor killing have been reported from major cities including this horror one.

So it can be seen clearly that honor killing is not isolated to rural areas but also to urban areas and as already pointed out, it has a very wide geographical spread. The second misconception regarding honor killing is that it has religious roots. Even if a woman commits adultery, there have to be four male witnesses along with good behavior and reputation to validate the charge. Furthermore, only the State can carry out judicial punishments, but never an individual vigilante. So, we can clearly see that there is no religious backing or religious roots for this heinous crime.

What can we do to prevent such a thing from happening? Firstly, the mentality of the people has to change. And when we say that the mentality has to change, we mean to say that parents should accept their children’s wishes regarding marriage as it is they who have to lead a life with their life partners and if they are not satisfied with their life partner then they will lead a horrible married life which might even end in suicide. Secondly, we need to have stricter laws to tackle these kinds of killings as this is a crime which cannot be pardoned because humans do not have the right to write down death sentences of innocent fellow humans.

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About Author:

Shakeel Ahmed is Research Intern at Institute for Strategic Studies Research and Analysis in Branch of Global and Regional Assessment Unit. Author recently completed his Master’s Degree from National Defense University Islamabad in Strategic and Nuclear Studies. He obtained his BA from Karakorum International University.

China’s constructive approach for regional development

By Shakeel Ahmed

China’s rapid advancement has put the effort on the relations; it deals with its neighbors. Particular national interests and the large social and political diversity in the region make the advancement of regional community a complex and soft mission.

China has the largest number of neighbor’s 14 sharing its 22,000 km land borders namely: North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. China has had, or still has, border issues with some of its neighbor’s. The biggest outstanding border issue is with India. This paper reviews the origins of China’s border disputes with its neighbours, the current state of development, and discusses what can be done to overcome the challenges China is facing in the region.

There are 14 sovereign nations that sharing border with China. China’s 22,000 km land borders are connected with these nations namely: North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. But China is still facing border issues with several of its neighbors. India is big neighbor and challenging foe for china but after 1962 Sino-Indian war, both regional players have entered in economic competition which is considered china’s new Grand Strategy to counter its foes with economically by joining hands with its neighbors. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of China’s economic initiative for regional development.

Progressive deliberation should similarly be given to hostile national interests in the development of these associated relations. Chinese economics and international influence creates new challenges and opportunities for the development of neighboring countries, its relations and regional policies. The increasing involvement of extra-regional powers, for example, the United States, Japan and India, serves to additionally disorder China’s association with its neighbors.

China and it neighbors have a mutual enthusiasm for keeping up a peaceful and supportive relationship. If this enthusiasms and peaceful connections will disturb. All sides will automatically suffer. This is the suggestion behind the Chinese authority’s require a group of shared interests and common intention with its neighbors through various new activities. This new grand strategy is supported by China’s developing confidence in its capacity to shape the regional environment. It mirrors another method of strategic thinking on the best way to position China among its neighbors and how to realize the new significance of China’s neighboring settings.

China has created activities to upgrade regional connections, however the political, social and economic assorted qualities among China’s neighbors is enormous. Relations are further confused by conflicts of interest between the neighbors themselves, and as well as by mediation from major players, which take part in unmistakable and mysterious race in the region.

As China’s influence rise, its neighbor’s uncertainty have developed. Some of them worry that China’s harbors desire for regional power. Maritime and territorial clashes, over the leading economic zones in the East China Sea (ECS) and South China Sea (SCS) specifically, have caused in rising tension between China, Japan and some ASEAN states. There has been comprehensive fear that hostilities may prompt to a military conflict in that area. The announcement and execution of the United States (Pivot to Asia) Strategy, which fuels US–China rivalry in particular region, has opened up these troubles.

China’s rise has triggered complex responses among its neighboring states. Sometimes, it has exacerbated existing problem. When China was weaker, quarrels were more likely to be shelved. China frequently did not have the ability to address them, and neighboring nations viewed their relationships with China as a lower priority.

As a rising player, China will essentially develop its interests and put on its influence. This could lead to contention and skirmish, especially with the US. Accordingly, an emerging sense of nervousness has increased among the neighboring states that fear that China would look for regional domination at their outflow. Disputes among countries, including territorial problem, should never be settled by choice on war.

Chinese culture advocates peace and coordination, recognizes resolving disagreements, seeks settlement and adopting the principle of the most famous Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu by believing on tactical principle of subduing enemy without using force. The time for China to show this (culture of Harmony) may be arriving.

The idea of this coordination has shaped Chinese culture and politics for quite a long time. In September 2011, the Chinese State Council Information Office (CSCI) combined these values into China’s foreign policy by releasing a white paper entitled ‘China’s Peaceful Development’. This report outlines the fundamental values that ought to describe China’s strategic growth to international level, with an attention on the idea of a harmonious culture.

China and its neighbors have recently called for building community of shared interests and common dignity between china and its neighbor’s. In light of the managing values of harmony, seriousness, common benefits and comprehensiveness. But this mutual understanding will totally rely on will and insight of both China and its neighbors.

China and ASEAN countries have tried great endeavors made to build up the China–ASEAN relationship. The China–ASEAN Free Trade Area and vital corporation is only one case of an effort by both sides to construct a supportive structure in light of positive approach and realistic interests. But in the case of South China Sea tensions, particularly in light of the Philippines’ one-sided gesture through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, hamper development. But the presence of US military near to Chinese maritime zone pours oil on the fire.

ASEAN and China have reconfirmed their enthusiasm to peaceful resolution based on constructive diplomacy and the Philippines’ recently elected new president, Rodrigo Duterte, supports this tactic. Both China and ASEAN recognize that collaboration, instead of hostility, this will prompt to the best end result in dealing with the dispute. Such settlement could be originated on talk and cooperation, absorbing on easing regional strains and finding the most ideal approach to assign resources.

China recently declared economic mission for regional economic stability and prosperity through the OBOR. For completion of these desirable goals Chinese president visited all most all SARRC nations for the development of One Belt One Road. China-Pak have already taken the lead by   the starting work on China Pakistan economic corridor. This mega project has definitely increased the economic significance for regional development; China can accomplish their Economic desire through this transit route for energy and resources. CPEC is not about to linking China with Pakistan it will connect China with Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea through Central Asia and West Asia and linking China with Southeast Asia, South Asia and Indian Ocean. There is two Silk Road which connects China with more than half of the world; one is designed to go from China’s coastline to Europe through the South China Sea and Indian Ocean by maritime route. And the other route from China’s coastline through the South China’s Sea to the South Pacific.

The procedure of regional collaboration develops a sensation of common sprit and shared interests. The most authoritative changes for East Asia and South Asia is that the establishment of regional collaboration is currently established on multidimensional structure extending from mutual to regional level mechanisms.

China has so far assumed a dynamic part in advancing this sort of regional participation, demonstrating that what a rising China needs is to build and strengthen the neighbors.

About The Author

Shakeel Ahmed is Research Intern at Institute for Strategic Studies Research and Analysis in Global and Regional Assessment Unit. Author recently completed Master’s Degree from National Defense University Islamabad in Strategic and Nuclear Studies. He obtained his Bachelor from Karakorum International University Gilgit Baltisatan. Email: shakeelacs4@gmail.com

Role of media in narrative building of our society: a global perspective

By Shakeel Ahmed

The term media is derived from Medium, which means carrier or mode. Media denotes an item specifically designed to reach a large audience or viewers. The term was first used with the advent of newspapers and magazines. However, with the passage of time, the term broadened by the inventions of radio, TV, cinemas and Internet. In the world of today, media has become almost as necessary as food and clothing. It is true that media is playing an outstanding role in strengthening the society. Its duty is to inform, educate and entertain the people. It helps us to know current situation around the world. The media has a strong social and cultural impact upon society. Because of its inherent ability to reach large number of public, it is widely used to convey message to build public opinion and awareness. The global recognition of media is a rather negative one but this essay will predominantly be revolving around the role of media in promotion of peace.

One of major duties of media today is to inform the people about the latest happening around them and the world. They cover all aspects of our interest like weather, politics, war, health, finance, science, fashion, music, etc. The need for more and more news has evolved into creation of dedicated TV & radio channels and magazines. People can listen, watch and read latest news whenever and wherever they want. Media is the overseer of the political system. If it plays its role honestly, it will be a great force in building the nation. It plays a great role in bringing common man close to their leaders. The media focuses in bringing details of all major political situations, decisions and scenarios. Hence people can better understand their rights and make better decisions. Because of the power of media is so extensive and huge, it can be used to educate people with very little cost. Imagine a classroom in every city with thousands of students being taught by just one teacher. This may include warning against a storm or epidemic, delay in arrival or departure of flights and trains, etc. In some cases, it is legally binding to publish notices in newspaper like tenders, change of property ownership, etc. Almost all business concerns use the power of media to sell their products. They advertise in media for the enhancement of business purposes. Huge amounts of money are invested in media for marketing of a product. The more attractive the advertisement, the more people will follow it.

The use of media has always been to spread information and provide justice by giving people direct knowledge and giving them freedom to think and a right to decide according to the information provided. The torch bearers of this task of spreading information and making people aware have a big responsibility and it is also exploited by them too, freedom of media means that it should not be under the control of any governmental body and it should be free from biasness and inclinations which benefit a specific state body. The concept of being free means to be free from all and be private so the element of being critically inclined towards some entities should be eliminated. The involvement of government with media and media sources has to be direct to keep a check on their role but their role is not to be altered by government it is just there to check whether the true cause of media is being achieved or not.

What makes media the 4^th pillar of state because through media a government can alter the mind set, the thought process and understanding of the people of the state? In the case of United States their movies and the entire entertainment sector once depicted the cold bloodedness of Russians, stories of their betrayal and their hatred for US was the peak concern for their media and entertainment industry but now what we see it has shifted to depicting the same for Pakistan. From calling her a terrorist state to proving to be one it is doing it all and people will believe it. This is the magic of media.

In scenario of Pakistan the case is of narrative and also there is immaturity among the media bodies/ channels negativity among us is so prominent that in times of crises we always end up blaming and accusing our own men. Our core motive should not be blaming us but correcting each other with positive criticism, its importance in Pakistan is immense as Pakistan as a nation is weak in its core strength that is to say its people are segregated and small disputes and differences in Pakistan have gotten raised to the extent of being radical and extremist. Pakistan in this sense needs a lot of conflict management measures and conflict transformation measures. The displayed violence on television has taken the sensitivity from the viewers, majority basically does not care now for what is going on, it is felt if it is a matter of daily concern and people are normal about it. This issue should be addressed by Pakistani authorities and officials to provide people with content which could give them hope too, not only bad news all the time to make them brag negatively about Pakistan and call it a miss managed nation not knowing the positive ends.

What we have to work on is the national narrative of positivity and prosperity; this increases the core strength of the community giving it the posture where it could develop a positive image of government and also asset of country which is Pakistan. Media has always been an eminent pillar in the promotion of stability and also instability in the nation. From the time media in Pakistan was not having a right of voice and till now, it has evolved in to a structure which is working with credibility of knowledge and also advanced mediums of communication. Projects like Alif-Elaan, anti-anticancer campaigns, polio campaigns and also paid contents from the government to show people how the progress have been achieved during their regime. Have started to make a positive impact on peoples thinking. The conflict transformation strategies adopted by the media and also the government were needed and so they have been achieved, hypothetically speaking the element of conflict can never be eliminated completely but it can be reduced and so it is. As explained above the eminence of media in evoking peace and prosperity in a country/region/global terms is great. But there are still some loopholes we have to fill for example political inclinations, biasness towards government and profit oriented approach etc. we have to work on. Pakistan is not a successful state but is a state fighting crisis and also developing at the same time. It is the duty of media to acknowledge people of striving state of Pakistan about the positive aspects also so that core stability can be achieved.

In a nutshell the media in global world has matured from the time of crisis till now but still in Pakistan the stage of growth for the field continues. Therefore judging the media at a very realistic level or in comparison is a very harsh thing to do. Media needs to change some of the courses on which it walks no doubt in it but still at times of certain crisis it have been able to get to the line of fire before it late. Simultaneously in Pakistan the growing industry of media still needs to mature enough so to have the equal status as the rest of world.

About The Author

Shakeel Ahmed is Research Intern at Institute for Strategic Studies Research and Analysis in Global and Regional Assessment Unit. Author recently completed Master’s Degree from National Defense University Islamabad in Strategic and Nuclear Studies. He obtained his Bachelor from Karakorum International University Gilgit-Baltisatan.

Email: shakeelacs4@gmail.com