Yar M. Taraky Opening Speach
Torornto CBC Centre December 16, 2006
What is PRAP Canada?
What is policy?
Pashtun Policy and Research Centre - Canada is an independent
think-tank that conducts research on social, political, cultural, and economic
issues relevant to the 50 million Pashtuns around the world. PRAP Canada,
through a series of events and publications will project the true aspirations
of the Pashtun people. This will be beneficial for the integration of
the Pashtun people in the "Global Community" as well as for a better
understanding of Pashtun people around the world.
PRAP Canada will provide positive input towards Canadian foreign policy
regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan. This input will constitute a series of recommendations,
area studies, educational materials, historical and economic data, as well as
Pashtuns’ strengths and weaknesses. PRAP Canada will make every effort
to conduct these studies free of emotions and political bias. PRAP Canada will
invest its time in creating a new source of reliable information for researchers,
policy makers, students and politicians.
What is policy?
We hear every day the word policy. Governments, political parties, corporate
businesses and institutions use the word policy.
Policy is prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs. It is
a definite course or method of action selected, in light of given
conditions, as the best option from amongst alternatives
and is used to guide and determine present and future decisions.
PRAP Canada believes that policy is the sum of accepted notes, words or guidelines
that draws the path of actions.
Policy is interconnected with economy, culture and religion. Policies are the
result of continued research and precedents.
There have been a number of studies and researches conducted on the economic,
social and tribal structure of Pashtuns or Afghans.
The Pashtun nation has been the subject of studies by many other nations including
invading countries and neighbours. In some cases, information about the
Pashtun nation by others has bee one sided and biased.
That motivated a group of dedicated Pashtuns from both sides of the Durand line
to gather together and promise each other to raise their voices and offer
an alternative vision: a new description and introduction to the Pashtun
nation.
What is the need for PRAP Canada?
What is the need for Pashtuns to talk about themselves?
The Pashtun Policy and Research Centre is committed to conducting a fair
and realisticstudy of Afghani culture, economy, demography and social changes.
PRAP will conduct studies, and policy research that will represent a different
vision about a nation that is at the heart of global conflict and that has been portrayed
as the most radical and most tribal nation in the world.
We hold the firm belief that Pashtuns, over the span of the past 50
years have been the victims of colonialism, the Cold War and the War on Terror.
We believe that there is considerable exclusion of Pashtuns in Afghanistan and
Pakistan from participation in major economic, social and political processes.
Pashtuns as indigenous people of Afghanistan are holding few rights and given
only ceremonial titles. The level of participation of Pashtuns in the government
affairs of Afghanistan and Pakistan, their educational level per capita, and
their economic strength compare to other ethnic groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan
is the prove of the above statement.
The purpose of the Pashtun Policy and Research Centre - Canada is to introduce
Pashtuns to the world community from a different perspective- in their own words
and not with their weapons.
PRAP Canada will bring new first hand information and recommendations to the
international community, particularly to the Canadian Government, Canadian think
tank institutions, and interested individuals on how to be more inclusive towards
the Pashtun nation, thereby facilitating its integration into the
world economy and social affairs.
PRAP Canada is represented by educated scholars and professionals in social,
research, engineering, art and financial sectors.
In today's forum, PRAP Executive member, Mr. Jamal Khan will present the body
of the problem the current situation and the Pashtun nation's relationship with
extremism, the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Ibrahim Nasar, a founding member of the PRAP Canada and Voice
of America commentator has prepared the core recommendation summary of
PRAP Canada that was further developed by the centre members. The recommendation
summary has been studied and new addition has been added to it. These recommendationswill
be presented after the main problem study. The event will be followed by questions
and discussions.
This event is an attempt to provide more educational materials to the Canadian
public, academia, students, politicians and policy makers.
PRAP Canada executive members Jahan Zeb and Shoukat Yousufzai will be coordinating
the forum and will make contacts with you on a one to one basis.
Last but not least I would like to acknowledge the presence of members of parliament,
community members and volunteers of the forum.
I would also like to appreciate Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) for accommodating
our event.
Finally, on behalf of PRAP, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Joanna
Santa Barbara, professor at McMaster University Peace studies department to
agree on facilitating the event. Joanna has been connected with
Afghanistan in many dimensions including peace lectures, development and educational,
projects. Joanna has traveled to Afghanistan.
In today’s event Joanna will facilitate the questions and answers section
of the forum.
The other product of this forum will be the feedback from the community members,
unspoken intellectuals and other Canadian stakeholders. These findings will
help PRAP Canada in its studies and research. I am inviting you to participate
in intellectual talks and share your ideas and questions.
I hope this forum will complement your findings about he troubled nation
of Afghanistan and will bring you more information on Pashtuns living in Afghanistan,
Pakistan, India, Canada, the Middle East and elsewhere.
Yar M. Taraky
Convener of the Forum
CBC Centre,TorontoDecember 16, 2006