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One of the factors of social deprivation, poverty and illiteracy of the South Asian region is long standing issue of
Kashmir. Apart from the recent turmoil in Indian Kashmir, the dividing Line of Control has been centre of
hostility between Indian and Pakistani forces for many years. This war like situation on the LoC also engulfed
hundreds of precious human lives and caused massive damages to basic civic facilities like schools, hospitals and
roads. The ceasefire at LoC announced by Indian and Pakistani troops is absolutely a positive step which
lessened the miseries of civilian population . Giving the voice to the sentiments of people living on the border
areas of Kashmir, PFP evolved a peace campaign to highlight the suffering of victims of previous she lling and
firing. This campaign was highly appreciated by the local people, though it annoyed some extremist elements
which do not like peace and people’s progress and want to keep a hostile environment in the region to fulfil their
Rehabilitation
Environment
Sustainable development
Conflict resolution
Human rights
Capacity Building
Communications
Organizational affairs
In a short span of time the PFP has able to amass and mobilize the potentials and input of strong team of campaigners and
activists in all of our working units, specially the role of Neeelum and Bagh chapters for the resolution of local issues and concerns
has not only be acknowledged publicly but our local partners and stakeholders have also strongly appreciated their role for their
collaborative and coordinated efforts for social change. The management of the PFP is very much aware about the significa nce of
global political, environmental and economic transformations which are shaping all regions specially developing societies; hence,
we have to enhance the capabilities and skills of our organizers and activists in order to raise their expertise an d broaden their
vision. Today the realm of activism and social work has become one of the demanding disciplines of research and humanitaria n
knowledge, We can not build up our inputs without illuminating the minds of our activists with latest trends in t he filed of social
change.
We have envisaged a strategy to cope with the global demands of the coming years which is embedded with our traditional
values and vision also fulfils requirements of local cultural norms and value system.
We are aware that our entire struggle is to create a society where every citizen can live a decent life - free from different kind of
prejudices and discriminations, in a peaceful and progressive way. This is not an easy task, rather complex practice which needs
coordinated and collaborative efforts of all forces which believe on social justice, equality and humanity , therefore, o ur aim for the
new session is to strengthen our linkages with like minded NGOs, donors and financiers in order to achieve these noble causes for
the survival of humanity.
Human rights
Human rights workers found the grav es of nearly 1,000 unidentified people scattered in cemeteries across an
isolated region of Kashmir. Researchers from the Association of Parents of Disappeared People found the graves
during a yearlong survey in the region around the town of Uri, one of the most violent parts of Kashmir. Uri is
near the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that divides Indian- and Pakistani -controlled Kashmir. The
association represents relatives of people who have disappeared since violence erupted in the insurgency -
A campaign was arranged to highlight the issue to raise awareness regionally and internationally.
To support the civil society of Kashmir on the issue of nameless graves, PFP arranged a rally in the capital city
Muzaffarabad. Hundreds of people held a protest rally in capital of Pa kistan-administered Kashmir to demand a
UN probe into the discovery of about 1,000 nameless graves i n 18 villag es of north Kashmir.
The participants of the rally including students, lawyers, journalists and civil society members gathered in
Central Press Club Muzaffarabad and marched towards the UN Military Observes Group for India and Pakistan
(UNMOGIP) office.
Addressing the participants, Press for Peace (PFP ) representatives and bearers of civil society organizations said
the discovery of nameless graves in Baramulla is “shameful for the so -called largest democracy of the world.”
“Thousands of mothers in Kashmi r are still waiting for their beloved sons but the discovery of these graves
shows that their dears are no,” PFP Coordinator Raja Wasim said.
Representatives of PAK University student Madeha Khurshid and Baber Siddique, who along with hundreds of
their c olleagues were present on the occasion, termed the grave issue as a “black spot on the conscience of
world community.”
On behalf of journalistic community, Aurangzeb Jaral said, “We demand a thorough probe into this obnoxious
and inhuman act.”
PFP helped some of the victims of torture conflicted by security agencies which were taken into custody in false
allegation of involvement in terrorism activities.
Case study
Press for Peace (PFP ) urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan to order immediate release of a Kashmiri student
allegedly picked up by some intelligence agency personnel from the federal capital around three weeks ago.
In a letter, Zafar Iqbal, Executive Director of PFP , urged Yousaf Raza Gillani to bring the lost happiness back to
the families whose kin had gone missing at the hands of different intelligence agencies.
In this regard, Iqbal particularly mentioned the case of Sayed Asad Hussain belonging to the southern Poonch
district of Pakistan administered Kashmir, whose family members, he said, were in a severe state of trauma ever
since he had been taken into custo dy without any known charges.
“We are hopeful that your government would initiate prompt steps for recovery of all innocent citizens from the
illegal custody of agencies on priority basis,” the PFP executive director said to the prime minister.
A stude nt of B.Sc. telecommunication engineering in a private institution, Hussain was picked up by some
people, two of them in force’s uniform, on the night of March 11 from his house in Islamabad’s G -7/4 sector for
In this campaign PFP demanded that Pakistan and India should maintain truce along the Lin e of Control and find
a peaceful political solution to the Kashmir dispute instead of going for a war.
The APHC leader was briefed that the PFP believes on resolution of all standing issues in limbo with peaceful
means, therefore, it supports the composite dialogue intitied by the India and Pakistan .
In this occasion the APHC leader said that all stake holders of Kashmir dispute will have to adopt ‘a give and
take policy for the resolution of the issue’.
Contrary to the firm and established of the Kashmiri separatist leaders, the APHC chairperson o pined that
because of the great changes international and regional changes the implementation of the UN resolutions is not
feasible and implemental, therefore, Pakistan, India and Kashmiri leadership will have to show flexibility on their
traditional stances over Kashmir dispute.
He also supported the inclusion of Kashmiris in on going negotiations between India and Pakistan and said that
the dialogue without out the involvement of Kashmir could not be successful.
PFP also concentrated to highlight the suffering of IDPs living in some border areas of Kashmir.
The PFF fact finding tea m issued a report in Kudal Shahi , a remote town of Neelum District after visiting relief
camp, which was established in Jamger village in u pper parts of Neelum valley.
The PFP report said the victims are living in a temporary relief camp which lacks water, electricity, sanitation and
other basic facilities. It has been established in a forest situated altitude of circa 8000 feet. Displaced people
said that their tents would be damaged in the upcoming snowfall, which, according to some them, mostly has
been measured as 15 to 20 feet each season.
The residents complained that nothing has been done by government, except making false commitments and
announcements for their permanent rehabilitation.
The report warned that if shelters were not provided instantaneously, majority of lives of children are at risk. It
said that residents have only option to utilize woods from adjacent forests for their livelihood which would be
damaging for the local forests, the PFP team warned.
During the meeting s PFP Team urged on political leadership to evolve concrete measures for the resolution of
people’s sufferings.
‘Political parties can play an important role in the bu ilding of international problems like terrorisms, climate
change.’
PFP asked political parties to include new approaches to reshape the traditional political culture which
desperately lacks the representation of real leadership of the masses.
Good governance
A delegation of the PFP met with Imran Khan, Pakistan Tahreek E Insaf -the Movement of Justice , and
appreciated its role for the services of earthquake survivors.
The delegation extended full support for the slogan of social change in the soc iety for the betterment of people’s
lives.
PFP also concentrated training of so cial activists of rural and remote areas of the region. Talking in these
sessions Zafar Iqbal, Ammiruddin Mughal, Raja Wasim and other bearers of the PFP urged local NGOS s to come
farward for the preservation of natural and environmental resources.
The PFP chief said that it is a good omen that women of remote areas are joining social sector which shows
their awareness.
He also talked about the Sharda and said that th e PFP would entities “save the S harda Civilization” in order to
protect the historical assets of sharda.
He said that progress of infrasture in the regional could improve the livelihood and living conditions of local
populations.
He also appreciated the services of the PFP activists who have been victimized by different corners for
supporting peace and cease fire along the Line of Control (LOC).
In spite of the provision of generous support and funds from international community and humanitarian bodies
for the rebuilding of devastated cities of AJ&K damaged by earthquake 2005, after passing about three years of
Oct 2005 Earthquake, no significant improvement was made by relevant governments to rebuild the affected
areas.
PFP focused to lobby for tim ely starting of rebuilding plan. In this regard Action A id and t he PFP conducted a
series of constructive events in the capital city where people ware provided an opportunity to influence policy
makers to fulfil people wishes and demands about the reconstruction .
The most important event of such consultative events was arranged in Muzaffarabad on April 21, 2009.
Representatives of the government and opposition as well as members of the civil society from the earthquake
affected capital of Pakistan administered Kashmir capital resolved to jointly endeavour for early initiation,
execution and completion of mega deve lopment projects in their town.
The consensus was arrived at a dialogue jointly organised by Action Aid Pakistan and Press for Peace (PFP) at a
hotel which was attended by two ministers, one adviser, political leaders, traders, lawyers, journalists and ot her
Mahmood Baig, National Students Federation, however raised a thought provoking point, saying that those
local officials and contractors must not go scot -free who were responsible for sub -standard construction of
official buildings which instantly ki lled thousands of people, particularly children.
Apprenticing the role and activities of activists of Bagh chapter, he said that the PFP is not a traditional NGO
where workers render their services only for attractive remuneration and luxurious b enefits; rather we are
working and promoting the spirit of volunteerism to bring a positive and constructive change in our homeland.
Gender Empowerment
The Kashmir Women Conference (KWC) was held on the eve of the International Women’s Day, under the aegis
of Press for Peace (PFP) and Aurat Foundation. The KWC was chaired by Mrs Tanveer Latif, Chairperson Press
for Peace (PFP) Women’s Wing, while Advisor AJK Government Shama Malik represented Prime Minster Sardar
Attique Ahmad Khan who was invited as Chief Guest on this occasion but could not join due to his official
engagements. The conference was addressed by Shagufta Mustafa, Chairperson Aurat Foundation, P rofessor
Taqdees Gillani, Chairperson HOPE, Najma Shakoor, Chairperson Women Welfare Organization, Sakina Bukhari,
Prof Hafiza Rehman, Begum Kifyat Naqvi, Irum Jillani, Madhia Khurshid and several other representatives of civil
society organisations.
The PFP’s central office bearers including Amir -ud-Din Mughal, Raja Wasim, Nighat Choudhry, Aurengzeb and
Sumera Beigh also addressed on the occasion.
The joint declaration of the conference was read out by Raja Wasim, Senior Coordinator Press for Peace.
The declaration demanded that United Nations and other international human rights organizations should play
their role to investigate the cases of missing Kashmiris in Indian held Kashmir and alleged abduction of young
girls in the quake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir.
On this occasion Press for Peace distributed the Humanity Awards among the activists and volunteers to
recognize their s elfless and glaring services for the victims of earthquake in the field of Education. Those who
earned the decorations included Miss Sumera, Miss Nighat, Miss Shagufta, Miss Nashat Mughal, Miss Farzana,
Miss Zahida Zaheer Jagwal, Miss Irum Jillani, Miss N oreen, Miss Komal, and Jalaludin Mughal.The gathering also
offered Fateha for the departed soul of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
A two member’s delegation of Press for Peace (PFP) visited Geneva in order to highlight the significance of
peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute. Executive D irector Zafar Iqbal and Afraz Naseer Khan, researcher
during this visited called on with the repre sentatives of human rights organizations.
Press for Peace (PFP) delegation called upon world powers to support democratic and public rights movements
in underdeveloped parts of the world, particularly legitimized freedom struggle of the people of Jammu and
Kashmir in order to create an atmosphere of peace and prosperity in the volatile South Asian region.
Referring support of some of the influential world powers to military dictatorship in Pakistan, the PFP head
urged upon Western governments to support peoples’ rights movements and democratic elements, rather than
sponsoring unelected governments and dictators.
“Despite backing dictators in developing nations, the aspirations and decisions of people must be honoured by
world champions of democracy”, he maintained.
Referring composite dialogue between India and Pakistan for settlement of issues including permanent
resolution of Kashmir dispute, Zafar Iqbal said the real objective of peace could only be achiev ed through
participation of people of Kashmir in the dialogue process.
“India and Pakistan must respect the will of the people of Kashmir in order to achieve peace and tranquility in
the region”, he urged.
The PFP head appreciated the role of international relief agencies for the welfare and rehabilitation of
earthquake victims in northern Pakistan and demanded “international community must monitor the ongoing
The PFP offered its generous support to the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to create awar eness
about the protection of forests and natural resources.
(Muzaffarabad :PFP Executive Director meeting with Chaudhary M.Aslam Chief Conservator Forest Azad Kashmir)
Action Aid, Press for Peace (PFP) pledge to continue rights struggle
Bagh Jammu and Kashmir
The Action Aid, an international humanitarian organization working in earthquake -hit areas of Northern Pakistan
and divided state of Jammu & Kashmir, pledged to continue its struggle for the protection of rights of the
earthquake victims till their final rehabilitation.
Referring the efforts made by his organization to highlight and address the sufferings of the earthquake victims
of NWFP and Jammu & Kashmir, Director ERP said that his organ ization had played a major role in this regard in
collaboration with other partner organisations.
He said that problems faced in the reconstruction of educational institutes in District Bagh could only be resolved
with effective monitoring by local communi ty.
On this occasion, Wahid Shah, District In -charge Action Aid, was awarded a commendation certificate by the
distinguished guest for his splendid services in humanitarian work.
Yousaf Kashmiri, district co -ordinator PFP, Wahid Shah, district In -charge Acti on Aid, Raja Zakir, Raja Ashraf,
Shoukat Taimoor, Tahir Shah, Zahid Gillani, Imran Gillani and others also spoke on the occasion.
Training workshops and consultations were held in Bagh, Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Mirpur on Environment,
peace, women rights, rights of indigenous people.
Outcome: more than fifty activists including women’s were trained in these events.
A reception was arranged in the capital city, Muzaffarabad for the founder of the organization on his arrival after
completion of his education from the UK.
Addressing the event different speakers appreciated the services of the PFP and said that this small NGO proved
that local resources could be chennalized effectively for the well being of the humanity.
The reception was addressed by Raja Wasim, Sard ar Zulfiqar, Aslam Mir, Tahir Farooqi, Khawaja Khursheed,
Asif Mir and others.
Zafar Iqal urged all local partners and journalists to work collectively for the development and uplifting of the
rural areas and deprived sections of the society. Giving the examples of developed countries he said that even
the United Nations, which also enjoys the official endorsement and support of world community, can not
implement its plans and actions without the support and help of regional and local humanitarian and
development organizations, therefore, NGOs have to change their approach in the implementation of project.
He hoped that with the collaboration and coordinated networking, the pace of development and social change
could be turned more effective and result o riented.
Press for Peace(PFP ) awarded "Activist of the Year Award" on " World Peace Day -2008" to Eva Maria Teja
Mayer, a devoted peace advocate, down -to-earth believer in human values and human rights activist from
Austria.
Eva Maria Teja Mayer is an active member of Press for Peace (PFP) since 2006.
As a social worker and peace activist, she has bestowed her love to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,
especially the people of quake -hit areas in Pakistan Administrated Kashmir and demonstrated her unflinching
She is a prolific writer, researcher and free -lance journalist. She was born in 1962 in Vienna. S he has extensively
studied ancient history and antiquity, archaeology, Oriental and Western cultures and different religions of the
world. She has been in constant contact with eastern societies and ever been determined to go through the
intricacies of Suf ism and Spiritualism. She has a lot of literary, social and educational work in her credit. She is
qualified in alternative healing techniques, energy work and psychology ( Reiki etc.).
She has worked on various assignments in Austria and Germany. As a sp ecial initiative, she undertook an in -
depth study of the Indian culture and society as well as Indian Healing Methods. She has been in Czech
Republic, Croatia, Serbia and Romania to participate in various activities. She was awarded Mira Lobe
Scholarship i n 2005 for Children and youth literature.
Ejaz Ur -Rehman was appointed as Dirctor PFP UK. Ejaz Ur -Rehman is an ardent and enthusiastic
conservationist. He did his MSc in Habitat Creation and Management from Staffordshire University, UK. He has
also MSc (Botany) in his credit, which he earned from University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. He has
been affiliated with the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan. E. Rehman has extensive
experience of working in the field of social mobilization and rural development. He has also been associated with
the Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP) in Pakistan. With PRSP, he successfully completed the task of
disseminating philosophy, concept and skills of par ticipatory development approach of his organization at
grassroots levels. During his stay with the PRSP, he facilitated the rural communities of remote areas in
Renowned journalist and researcher Luv Puri, who is also working as Director with the PFP, was selected for the
US Fulbright scholarship to complete his research degree from New York University.
PFP media director Sarfraz Ali attended a short training course on International journalism organized by the The
Thomason Foundation, UK.
A web portal of PFP was created in order to disseminate its information across the glob.
www.pressforpeace.org.uk