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Press for Peace (PFP) envisions a world of lasting peace and happiness
for individuals of all creeds, cultures, races and regions of the world. It
envisages that freedom to live, prosper and perform according to one’s
belief is natural way to ensure basic human rights for all people of the
world. However, it emphasizes on a balanced approach for individuals
and community groups to perform in a way that their beliefs, physical
actions and mental approaches are not harmful for any of the species of
the globe.

Press for Peace (PFP) is an independent, non-partisan and non-

governmental advocacy organization working in state of Jammu
and Kashmir. It was established in 1999 as a platform to provide
advocacy, capacity building and research and networking in
peace, human rights, gender empowerment, sustainable
development and environment related issues. Together with other
civil society organizations around the globe, Press for Peace (PFP)
concentrates on fundamental issues of today and identifies ways
and means to address these issues.

The idea of an independent human development organization

with an active participation of indigenous people to identify and
highlight their basic human rights was the brainchild of a young
Kashmiri philanthropist and social worker, Zafar Iqbal. Initially,
PFP started its working at local level, where lot of emphasis was
on highlighting sufferings and hardships of downtrodden and
exploited communities, however, with the passage to time PFP
strengthened its linkages with other regional and international like
minded think tanks and organizations in order to contribute global
struggle against poverty, environmental degradation, extremism
and racial discrimination.

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Where we work

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Acknowledgement

The management of PFP warmly appreciates role and contribution

of its members and volunteers who contributed in all campaigns,
seminars, workshops and other events. Dedicated and devoted
volunteer team is a great asset of PFP and we value their precious
role. We would also like to extend our special thanks to our
partners and sponsors who helped us our efforts for well being of
mankind.

We highly appreciate the services of:

Aftab Alam
Raja Wasim Khan
Miss Eva Maria Teja
Yousaf Kashmiri
Miss Nighat Choudhry
Rafiq Mughal
Aureng Zeb Saifullah
Farid Hadim
T J Durrani
Jalal ud Din

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Contents

Executive summary

Peace and Security

Environment and sustainable development

Education and social change

Rehabilitation

Capacity Building and Networking

Defending civil liberties and Human rights

Publications

Building new communication strategies

Vision 200

Executive summary

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Campaigning and Advocacy for the rights of deprived and
marginalized communities and groups remained our core areas for
our all interventions in 2007 in the fields of peace, climate change,
and sustainable development and gender development.

During this year, troubled and volatile region of South Asia faced
various global and regional developments for de escalation of
tension between its two major actors- Pakistan and India. The
reduction of Tariffs on some trade items, commencing of Waga
Bus service and other Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) were
nonetheless, modest progress was made on Kashmir dispute
which has been a bone of contention between both neighbours
since partition of India. Owing to the sensitivity of conflict and
growing demand of significance of peace from indigenous voices,
the PFP continued its petite but result oriented sincere efforts for
the promotion of culture of peace and harmony in the region. With
the collaboration of some resourceful partners like Action Aid, PFP
held some significant events and campaigns in order to highlight
the need of peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Climate change is amongst one of the most critical and widely

accepted problems of today’s world. It is a complex phenomenon
which needs both global and local efforts to mitigate its damaging
impacts on peoples and natural resources. International bodies
like UN, UNEP has unanimously agreed upon the fact that the
devastating impact of global warming could only be lessened
through joint and coordinated efforts of communities, nations and
regions. In this backdrop, PFP also tries to lay its input for this
global struggle for the protection of natural resources through
small scale interventions which, ostensibly do not make big
headlines on regional and national media, nevertheless, they play
a vital role to create awareness among indigenous communities
about sustainable livelihood and preservation of natural habitat
and conservation of local cultures.
Over the past few years we have focused our limited resources
and sincere efforts on the potential for enhanced cooperation
between local groups and communities in Neelum valley, Bagh

7
and Muzaffarabad, through high-level seminars, research and
dialogue.

After massive earthquake of October 2005, the biggest challenge

for government and society of Azad Jammu kashir has been
rebuilding of demolished public and private structures keeping in
view the needs and requirements of sustainable development
standards, however, in spite of huge financial resources, the snail
pace of developmental and rebuilding work is evident that the
region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir exceedingly lack in human
resource and lack of political and demonstrative will. Considering
this huge national and social drawback, the PFP also focused this
dimension by putting its resources and endeavors in the capacity
building of working force and raising awareness among general
public about latest developmental discourses and trends.

The contribution of women in domestic, social, economic and

cultural dimensions is unfortunately unrewarding and has been
considered mostly invisible which results ultimately lack of
resources and opportunities for their individual and professional
development. The growing and significant participation of
women in social and economic spheres requires concrete steps on
policy and action level for maximum utilization of their inputs.

The PFP with the collaboration of other civil society bodies

arranged different seminars, workshops, walks and campaigns to
target local populations. The final part of following report explains
some of main events and plans completed by PFP during the
session.

Peace and Security

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World Powers Should Stop Military Expenditures

Muzaffarabad: September 21, 2007

The permanent peace can only be establish in world if the rights

and security of the smaller nations are respected, world major
powers give up their double standards and United Nations is
allowed to perform her functions freely. All kinds of weapons of
mass destruction (WMD) including biological, chemical, nuclear
and long rang missiles completely eliminate from this world. This
was said by the participants of a Peace Walk held by Press For
Peace (PFP) on World Peace day. The PFP celebrated rallies, walks
and demonstrations in different areas to share solidarity with
global community, particularly the populations of war torn
regions.
In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir;
the walk stared from Gari Pan Squire to Domail Station where
River Nelum and Jhelum meet each other. Some 100 participants

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including students, peace activists, political workers and people
belonging to different walks of life participated in the walk and
chanted anti- war slogans.
Addressing to the walk Ameer ud Deen Mughal,
Coordinator of PFP said that threats to human lives are increasing
by passing day because more and more WMD are developed and
acquired by different countries. “This is very alarming situation
for all of us that every day hundreds of innocent people are killed
by occupied forces in Kashmir, Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur and
other conflicted zones of the world but there is no institution or
force who could stop this human tragedy”, said the Coordinator.
Others speakers demanded that the UN must play its decisive
role to defeat the curse of terrorism and injustice in the world.
Meanwhile, Press for Peace (PFP) Bagh unit arranged a walk
which was participated by a large number of people, including
students, social workers and representatives of local political
groups.Yousaf Kashmiri, district coordinator of PFP, Imran
Gillani and others spoke on the occasion and called upon the
international community to resolve the conflicts of Iraq,
Afghanistan, Kashmir, Palestine and Darfur by peaceful
interventions.
The participants were caring colourful banners inscribed with
many slogans urging the need of permanent peace, tolerance and
culture of mutual understanding and respect among the nations.

On the eve of world peace day, Zafar Iqbal, Founder PFP has
urged India and Pakistan to accelerate the peace process to resolve
the lingering conflict of Kashmir. He was addressing a meeting of
the PFP members and volunteers in Nottingham. The meeting was
also addressed by Aftab Alam, Raja Faizan and others.
The Founder of the PFP said the humanity can face the challenges
of increasing risks of terrorism, extremism and globalization only
by collective and coordinated efforts, above all interests and
differences of any kind.
“Today, in many countries and regions a large number of people
still facing the scourge of turmoil and wars, injustice ,poverty and
illiteracy , however, commandment of love, mutual respect and
the dialogue are the foundations to the maintenance of world
peace”, he maintained.

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Press for Peace (PFP) arranged a workshop about peaceful
solution of Kashmir dispute
Muzaffarabad:

The representatives of different political parties and civil society

organizations has demanded the participation of Kashmiris from
all units and religions in the ongoing peace process, concentrating
utmost interaction among the people of all dividing regions of
Jammu and Kashmir. This demand was made unanimously in a
Dialogue organized by ASR Resource Centre, a Lahore based
peace and research institute, with the collaboration of Press for
Peace (PFP) in Muzaffarbad.
The participants of the session thoroughly discussed the latest
sitituoion in all parts Jammu and Kashmir. They said that all
Kashmiris have to struggle jointly for an amicable and permanent
resolution of Kashmir issue, setting aside their religious, political,
ethnic and regional differences.

Miss Night Saeed, Executive Director of ASR said that India and
Pakistan would never grant freedom to Kashmiris unless the
people of Kashmir struggle themselves for their legitimized right
of self determination. The major and foremost need for the people
of Kashmir is the restoration of peace in all units that
unquestionably would, pave a way towards the settlement of the
issue. She urged the people of Kashmir to get rid of their
differences to achieve their noble goal and must concentrate on
their one point agenda-the liberation.
Ammirudin Mughal, Central Coordinator of Press for Peace
(FPP) maintained that both India and Pakistan have manufactured
their favourite and desired leadership in both parts of Kashmir
that could not be considered as genuine representatives of the
people. The aspirations of the people of all units of Kashmir,
including Gilgit, Baltistan and Jammu must be honoured and they
must be involved equally during the process of settlement of the
dispute.
Shoukat Maqbool Butt, Chairman, National Liberation Front
(NLF) held that any solution against the wishes of Kashmiris could
not be imposed on them by external powers who are interested to
resolve the dispute according to their economic and geographical

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interests. He said that if the citizens of Gilgit do not willing to live
with the rest of the Kashmiris, they could not be merged into
Kashmir forcefully, and however, any mechanism must be evolved
to determine the wishes of the people of all regions of Jammu and
Kashmir.
Farooq Niazi, human rights activist alleged that all those citizens
of Azad Kashmir who don’t agree with the ideology of accession
to Pakistan have not been granted the rights to participate in the
election or join the public service which is a condemnable violation
of basic human rights.
Khwaja Saif ud Din, District president of JKLF and Kamran Beig
,central representative of NSF, a pro independent Kashmir student
organization, claimed that the independent Kashmir is the only ‘
permanent ,peaceful and honourable solution of the dispute’. The
supporters of independent Kashmir are facing inexpressible
torture in Azad Kashmir due to ‘the repressive attitude of the
establishment’, they alleged.
Sahibzada Mehmood Advocate of Pakistan Peoples Party
expressed that we would never compromise on the ideology of
Kashmiriat, however, we have to respect the wishes of majority of
population in the consideration of proposal regarding the future of
the sate.
Malik Zulfqar, representative of youth wing of ruling Muslim
Conference expressed disagreement over the views of some
speakers regarding the role of Pakistan and India in Kashmir
debate. He claimed that Pakistan and India could not be
considered equally during the judgement of their stances over
Kashmir.
Senior Analyst and journalist Zulfqar Ali, Raja Wasim ,Farid ul
Hadim,Aurengzeb Saifullah, Miss Nighat Choudhary,women
coordinator of PFP,Miss Nazmeen ,Sajad Mir and others also
spoke on the occasion and presented their views about on going
peace process between India and Pakistan.

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Peaceful settlement of Kashmir impossible without Kashmiris,
says Peace Moot

BAGH:

The Kashmiri leadership has expressed that Kashmir dispute must

be resolved according to the wishes of the people of Jammu &
Kashmir in order to secure permanent peace in the region. Any
solution to the dispute without active participation of the
Kashmiris would be unnatural and unacceptable. The heads and
representatives of different political parties unanimously
supported Kashmiris’ right to self determination and demanded
the "elimination of foreign forces" from their homeland, reiterating
that "integrity of the state can not be compromised".
These views were expressed by speakers of a peace conference
titled "Kashmir conflict and the peace, But how?” organized by
Press for Peace (PFP) and Action Aid in Bagh,Azad Kashmir.
The event attracted a huge audience of social and political
activists, women, lawyers, human rights activists and students.
The conference was addressed by veteran Kashmiri leaders

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including Supreme Head of Jammu & Kashmir Muslim
Conference Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, , Head of J&K People’s
Party Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, Chairman JKLF Sardar Sagheer
Khan, former Amir of Jamaat-e- Islami Abdul Rashid Turrabi,
Senior Vice President J&K Liberation League Sardar Maroof
Akhter, Chairman All Parties Nationalists’ Alliance Farooqe Niazi,
Secretary General UKPNP Sardar Ishtiaque Ahmad, Information
Secretary APHC, Altaf Wani , Chairman JKLF(R), Sardar Rauf
Kashmiri, Secretary General Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Maulana Abdul
Haie and representatives of other political, religious and
nationalist parties and groups.
Former Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Sardar Abdul Qayyum said
that Kashmir issue could only be resolved by dialogue.
'It is impossible for Kashmiris to liberate their homeland by war
because on one from Pakistan would ever indulge into a war with
India for Kashmir,' he maintained. Supporting the four point
formula of General Musharraf for the resolution of lingering issue
of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, Sardar Qayyum said this
is a significant development towards the permanent solution of the
dispute. However, he said, world powers would never allow
Pakistan and India to engage into a war over Kashmir. He urged
the Kashmiris to unite on one point agenda of the solution of
Kashmir problem.

Member Legislative Assembly and President JKPP Sardar Khalid

Ibrahim said the people who had no role in the liberation
movement of Kashmir are trying to impose their solution on
Kashmiris that would not be acceptable the people of the state.
Stressing upon the consensus among the political leadership on
Kashmir issue, he said all leadership must respect others’ point of
view.
Former head of Jamaat e Islami Abdur Rashid Turrabi held that
the sacrifices of Kashmiris have highlighted the issue on
international level, however, India wants the solution of issue by
maintaining the status quo and unfortunately some Kashmiri
leaders are supporting Indian designs. Referring the recent
uprising in Indian held Kashmir, he stressed to safeguard current
movement “from internal and external conspiracies against our
legitimate freedom struggle".
JKLF Chief Sardar Saghir Khan believed that the militancy has an

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important role in current Kashmir movement; because, after
leaving the armed struggle India feels no pressure from Kashmiris,
he believed. He categorically rejected the options presented by
General Musharraf and said Kashmiris must be given right to
accede with India / Pakistan or get independence. He firmly said
that Kashmir conflict must be resolved on the principle of justice,
rather than 'dictation by Sardar Attique or anyone else.'
Demanding the evacuation of foreign forces from state of Jammu
and Kashmir, head of his faction of JKLF Sardar Rauf Kashmiri
expressed that 'only independent Kashmir could guarantee the
permanent peace in the region and save an nuclear war between
India and Pakistan".
Sharing the experiences of her recent visit to Indian held Kashmir
with the participants of the peace conference, human rights activist
Najma Shakoor articulated that India has turned Valley of
Kashmir into an army cantonment; therefore, the people of Jammu
and Kashmir want to get rid of this brutal treatment.
UKPNP Secretary General Sardar Ishtiaque Ahmad believed that
"militancy is prerequisite for the freedom of Kashmir.
“However, this war could not be fought with the weapons of India
or Pakistan, therefore, Kashmiris must have to save their identity”,
he maintained.
Farooq Niazi, head of All Parties Nationalist Alliance (APNA), a
conglomerate of pro- independence nationalist parties criticized
the role of India and Pakistan in Kashmir and said that both
countries are trying to impose their own agenda on the people of
Kashmir, but, any solution contrary to aspirations of people of
Kashmir would not be accepted.
Maulana Abdul Hai (JUI), Altaf Wani(APHC) and other speakers
vowed to continue the struggle for the reunification of divided
sate of Jammu and Kashmir, expressing that the election in Indian
Held Kashmir are not substitute of plebiscite which was promised
by Indian government and also guaranteed by the United
Nations(UN).
District Coordinator Press for Peace Yusuf Kashmiri, Raja Habib
Ur Rehman, Field Coordinator Action Aid Wahid Shah, renowned
scholar Prof Sagheer Khan, Sardar Shamshad, President
Rawalakot Bar Association and Sardar Abdus Satar Khan of
Peoples National Party (UKPNP) also spoke on the occasion.
office bearers of PFP from Muzaffarabad and Mirpur including

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Amir ud Din Mughal , Raja Wasim , Aurangzeb Saifullah, Rafiq
Mughal and Farid Hadim also participated in the event.

Environment and sustainable development

PFP Celebrated world environment day

June 5, 2007

Press for Peace (FPP) celebrated World Environment Day in

different Cities of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The seminars, walks,
rallies and other programs were organised in collaboration with
other NGOs to highlight the importance of natural resources and
pollution free society. The day was observed in Muzaffarabad,
Mirpur, Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum and other major cities and
towns with renewed pledge and zeal to protect natural resources.
The participants urged government and civil society to accelerate
and coordinate efforts to address the environmental problems
such as pollution, soil erosion, disposal of solid waste in urban
areas and deforestation etc.

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The day was set by United Nations General Assembly in 1972 as
an International Day in an effort to stimulate public awareness
among communities towards safe and hazard free environment.

Neelum

The central event was held in Neeelum valley under the aegis of
Islamic Relief and Press for Peace (PFP) in collaboration with
different local NGOs and community based organizations. A walk
was organised in Chahlahna, few yards away from the Line of
Control (the line dividing Pakistani and Indian Kashmir) to high
light the importance of safer environment in both parts of the
divided state. Acting President Azad Jammu & Kashmir Shah
Ghulam Qadir led the walk while Mr. Zulqernain Baloch
Coordinator Islamic Relief and Environment coordinator Mumtaz
Mughal were also present on the occasion.
The participants of the walk displayed colourful banners, posters
and placards showing different thought provoking and inspiring
slogans about natural resources. Neelum valley is famous for its
scenic beauty and abundant natural resources.
Acting president Shah Ghulam Qadir addressed a large gathering
and said that the unsafe and unhygienic environment is the
biggest problem confronted by the present world. The rapid
industrialization in developed countries has drastically damaged
the global environment. He appreciated the services of NGOs in
quake-hit areas. He announced to provide solar energy heaters to
all mosques of the valley to promote alternative sources of energy
as a part of government efforts to protect the .green forests.
Zaulaernain Baloch, Mumtaz Mughal of Islamic Relief, Amiruddin
Mughal, coordinator Press for Peace, Tariq Chughtai, President
Neelum Press club, Hanif Awan, Khawaja Shafiqu, Ishtiaq Bukhari
and other representatives of local NGOs and CBOs also addressed
the gathering.

Muzaffarabad

Press for Peace held a colourful walk in Muzaffarabad. The walk

was led by its central office bearers Raja Wasim Khan, Farid ul
Hadim, Asif Mir, Aurengzeb and Tanvir Tanoli. The
representatives of the different political, social and professional

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groups also participated in the event. The walk started from PFP’s
headquarters and concluded in front of the Press club. The
speakers highlighted the importance of clean and safe
environment. They observed that during the massive earthquake
in 2005, the natural recourses of the state have badly damaged.
The Central Deputy Coordinator PFP Raja Wasim Khan, Asif Raza
Mir, Wahid iqbal Butt, Shoukat Javed Mir and Raja Saqib Mujeed
were among the speakers.
They demanded that the government should provide subsidised
LPG cylinders in all quake affected areas of Azad Kashmir. It was
noted with grave concern that majority of the people in these
poverty ridden areas depend heavily upon firewood as a major
source of fuel. They cater their daily needs by mercilessly
chopping trees in the nearby forests, thus causing irrevocable
damage to the environment. Raja Wasim declared that PFP will
launch a national campaign to create awareness among the public
in all quake hit areas. He emphasised that local communities will
be involved in order to achieve better results. The campaign will
be launched with the cooperation of other NGOs, government
departments and world conservatory bodies.

Bagh
In Bagh, another quake-hit city of Kashmir, Press for Peace(PFP)
organised a walk. A large number of school children and
representatives of local NGOs and community groups participated
and welcomed the move. Yousaf Kashmiri, District coordinator
PFP, Tahir Shah, Imran Gilani and other senior members led the
walk.

Rawalakot

To highlight the impacts of human activities on natural

environment a seminar was organised in Rawalakot in
collaboration with other NGOs. Sardar Abid Siddique, Rashid
Nazir and other speakers urged government to initiate
revolutionary measures to prevent damage to the forests. They
observed that since reconstruction phase in Muzaffarabad and
Poonch Division is at full swing the increasing trend of cutting
green trees to needs is alarming. The government and civil society
should feel the responsibility towards environmental protection.

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Mirpur,AJ&K

Press for Peace(PFP) held an event to mark the WED in Mirpur.

The gathering was attended by a large number of community
workers including social, political and media persons. Mr. Rafiq
Mughal, PFP Divisional coordinator worked diligently to make the
event successful.

This report was compiled from the dispatches received from

members of the PFP: Hafiz Nasir (Neelum), Imran
Gillani(Bagh),Rashid Nazir(Rawalakot)
Miss Night (Muzaffarabad) and Miss Shazia (Mirpur)

‘Caste System is main barrier in merit and justice’: Says CJ

Civil society urged to join hands for rule of law

Mirpur AJ&K:

PFP Mirpur chapter with the coordination of ASR Centre Lahore

and Omeed Welfare Trust organized a seminar in a local hotel. The
title of the seminar was “The role of Non -Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) in Azad Kashmir”. A large number of
public including lawyers, journalists, social and political activists
attended the event. Mr. Justice Riaz Akhtar Choudhary was the
chief Guest while Dr. Amjad Ansari, Abdul Aziz Choudhry, Dr.
Riaz Ahmed, Chairman Madadgar Foundation, Azim Khan,
President Supreme Court Bar Association, Hammayou Zaman
Mirza, Chairman Human rights Commission also spoke on the
occasion Akram Mughal, President Mughal Foundation Farooq,
President Farooq Trust, Choudhary Saeed, former President
Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, Arshid Mughal, President Abdul
Wahid Welfare Trust and others representatives of local NGOs
and Charities joined the event.
PFP Central office bearers Raja Wasim, Rafiq Mughal and Sherbaz
Munir also addressed the seminar.

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Justice Riaz Akhter Choudhary appreciated the role of national
and international NGOs and relief agencies in earthquake affected
areas of Azad Kashmir and said that international community has
performed a remarkable and unforgettable role for citizen of
Kashmir.
Criticizing the social evils in Azad Kashmir, he said that “without
eliminating the curse of the caste system and braderizm merit and
justice could not be implemented in the society.
Appreciating the role and services of local NGOs he urged the civil
society to accelerate its efforts against caste system so that we can
reach the statues of developed and civilized nations.
Expressing the services of Omeed Welfare Trust (OWT) Rafiqe
Mughal said it has contributed generously in the health sector to
provide basic health facilities to needy communities.
Raja Wasim Khan said that the PFP has introduced a new trend in
social sector by encouraging voiceless sections to struggle their
basic rights. He offered his full organizational support and
assistance to local NGOs in order to launch joint efforts for a
positive change in the lives of people.
The others speakers stressed upon the NGOs and civil society to
join hands in order to provision of basic rights on the basis of
equality and justice.
The speakers also appreciated the contribution of Raja Najabat and
Dr Amjid Ansari for their generous support local NGOs in Mirpur.

Education and social change

‘Education is the key for success and emancipation’ Mian Wahid

Local MLA Visit addressed in PFP Community School
Chanjath Neelum

Neelum, April 20, 2007:

The PFP is working on a Pilot Project in remote Neelum Valley to

20
impart basic education for the most vulnerable and needy children
so that the socio -economic conditions of the area is transformed
by local actors. The objective of establishment of schools in a far
flung zone, which have been badly affected during the Indo-Pak
conflict along the Line of Control before recent peace process
between two nuclear powers, is to illuminate the minds of young
children with basic concepts of peace, tolerance and respect for
other global citizens.

Press for Peace (PFP) Community School Chanjath (Neelum) at the

end of its second academic session arranged colourful vent of
Annual Parents Day. Mian Abdul Wahid, Member of Legislative
Assembly of Azad Kashmir was chief guest while Amir -Ud Din
Mughal Central Coordinator PFP chaired the ceremony

A large number of community members, including students and

teachers of adjacent educational institutes also present in the
ceremony. Principal Jalal -ud Din- and PFP Neelum Hafiz Naseer
were also addressed the gathering. The talented children of PFP
Community School staged inspiring and attractive tableau’s and
other items and got generous appreciation from all guests.

Addressing the ceremony Mian Abdul Wahid, MLA said that the
establishment of school in for off area of Neelum is appreciable
achievement by PFP. Chanjath-an inaccessible village of Neelum
Valley is of course very backward in the field of education,
therefore, the PFP School will bring a considerable and significant
change in education sector in future.
He said that the PFP and other NGOs has rendered significant
services for the rehabilitation of people affected by massive
earthquake.” Only well educated and skilled citizens can play an
active role in prosperity and progress of our country”, he
maintained.

Amir- Ud- Din Mughal said that PFP believes in equality and
justice and; struggles for the provision of basic rights and equal
opportunities for people living in deprived areas. Elaborating the
motives of PFP’s intervention in education sector, he said that after
8th October earthquake when the educational infrastructure in
Kashmir was badly collapsed and children were running behind

21
relief trucks- instead of going back to schools, the PFP
Management decided to provide them education in tents as we
believed that education is the real rehabilitation.

Jalal –ud-Din Mughal extended heartiest thanks to PFP and

Caritas, The Czech Republic who selected the remote village for
Pilot Project after the massive earthquake. He said the PFP
Community School Project is a unique symbol of international
cooperation and sharing in field of education. On behalf of local
community he thanked all contributors of school project, including
Mr. Miroslove, Mr.Jiri Dolzel from Czech Republic ,Mr. Luke
Howel and Miss Colli Fista from UK, Miss Sally Mc Antosh from
Australia and Mrs Ada from China for their valuable support to
school. At the end of the programme the Principal announced the
annual results of the school which were about 92% while the Chief
Guest awarded medals among the position holders.

Rehabilitation

Consultation on ‘post earthquake scenario and women

empowerment’
Muzaffarabad:

The PFP, with the collaboration of other civil society organizations,

has been highlighting women issues at all levels by seminars,
walk, workshops and other related events in Azad Kashmir since
its establishment in 1999. PFP arranged a consultation in order to
highlight women issues in PFP head office. The participants

22
highlighted the problems faced by women, particularly the
women of rural areas and quake hit areas of Kashmir. Miss Nighat
Choudhary, Women Coordinator PFP hosted the event while, Miss
Shughafta Iliyas, Miss Noreen and others spoke on the event. The
consultation observed that government should take urgent
measures to mitigate the problems of women. They also called
upon government to rebuild the female educational institutes as
their students were facing huge hardships due to lack of shelter,
furniture and other necessary equipments.

PFP honoured humanitarian work of relief workers and NGOs

honoured

Bagh: March 17, 2007:

PFP Bagh held a marvellous event to honour splendid

humanitarian work of local volunteers and activists, who worked
for victims of earthquake during the consecutive two years, under

23
the banner of the PFP and others national and international
humanitarian bodies. Sardar Qamar Zaman, the Opposition
Leader in AJ&K Legislative Assembly was chief guest wile
Mrs.Tanveer Latif, Chairperson Women Wing PFP chaired the
event. Yousaf Kashmiri, Tahir Shah, Raja Wasim, Rafique Baigh
and Fayyaz Abbasi were also amongst the speakers.
Volunteers of Press for Peace (PFP) and other local NGOs and
relief agencies were awarded certificates and awards for their
noble services for helping the sufferers of earthquake.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Qamer Zaman lauded gracious

humanitarian work of all relief agencies to address an overcome
the sufferings of earthquake survivors. He said that PFP- despite
being a resource less organization set an appreciable and unique
example by providing basic facilities of local affectees.
He said the people of Kashmir would never forget the generous
support of international community “who came forward to help
us on the most vulnerable time of our history”. The Opposition
Leader vowed to continue his moral, political and practical
support for survivors till final rehabilitation.

Pattern Chief PFP Mrs.Tanveer Latif said that due to sacrifices of

its enthusiastic and devoted activists, the PFP has become a
symbol of selfless philanthropy, generosity and humanity in our
social landscape.

Tahir Shah and Yousaf Kashmiri also appreciated the services of

local volunteers and members of relief agencies who worked
bravely, in spite of irreversible humane and material loss in their
own families.

Raja Wasim appreciated the devotion and dedication of Yousaf

Kashmiri and his team members who are always ready to help
others.

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CAPACITY BUIDLING and Networking

PFP arranged different training workshops for its members and

activists in Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Bagh about social
mobilization, violence against women, human rights and
communication skills. This is part of PFP plan to prepare a skilled
and trained young team of activists and campaigners for social
change at gross root level. PFP also nominated some of its
members to join different collaborative meetings and training
sessions held by partner NGOs on development journalism, youth
development and forest protection. PFP members, Raja Wasim
Khan, Nighat Choudhary, Aurengzeb Saifullah and others also
participated in training workshops of ASR Lahore conference and
another workshop in Islamabad held by Shirkat Gah. Silmilar
training sessions were held in Neelum where Jalal ud Din and
other members participated on behalf of PFP.

Birmingham(UK):

PFP chief Zafar Iqbal joined Two Day Mini Change Conference in
Birmingham. The motive of the conference was to create
awareness among charity workers and activists about new
techniques to tackle poverty, climate change and other challenges
faced by humanity.

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Luton (UK):
PFP officials Zafar Iqbal and Aftab Alsm met MEP Robert Sturdy
and briefed him about latest political situation in Jammu and
Kashmir and possible measures for resolution of conflict. They
also presented him Report of PFP efforts for relief and
rehabilitation of victims of 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

NUS, Blackpool, UK:

PFP chief Executive Zafar Iqbal who is currently Studying in

Nottingham Trent University also joined Two DAYS NUS, in
Blackpool. Apart from participation in Conference sessions, He
informed different delegates about Kashmir issues and called
upon young preventatives of British Universities that they must
support peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute.

Intra Kashmir Women Conference in Srinagar(J &K ):

Mrs. Tnveer Latif, Chairperson PFP participated in Intra- Kashmir

Women Peace Conference in Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir (India). The
conference was organized by Centre of Peace and Reconciliation with the
collaboration of Universities of Srinagar and Jammu. The conference
discussed the latest human rights situation across the Jammu and Kashmir
and formulated some important recommendations to improve the people
to people contacts in Kashmir.

Defending civil liberties and Human rights

Hands in hands with regional bodies:

The PFP showed its solidarity with people of Pakistan after the
Imposition of emergency in Pakistan and several letters, emails and
memoranda’s were sent to various international Human Rights
organizations, parliamentarians and other pro- people movements across
the world to exert pressures on military government of Pakistan to lift
sanctions against media and other political forces.

26
 • FPF Head sent letters to head of states, Human rights groups.
European Parliaments about Peaceful resolution of Kashmir
Conflict, Sufferings of Earthquake survivors in Azad Kashmir
Report of EU on Kashmir Military Operation in Baluchistan,
Recovery of missing people in Azad Kashmir IHK, Pakistan, the
restoration of democracy in Pakistan and other related regional
issues
• The death of Activists of National Students Federation during
marching, towards Gilgit Baltistan from Neelum Valley
• Strike of Trade Union activists in AJK, HR issues , End of
Monarchy in Nepal, Peaceful solution of armed struggle in Sri
Lanka and violation of Human rights in some parts of India.
The condemnation of Balochistan, Wana military operations

PFP Team at headquarters monitored different incidents of

human rights violations happened in all parts of Azad Jammu and
Kashmir

The summary is as follows:

Incidents of Police Torture: 12
Violence against women: 23
Attack on journalists: 2
Banning of media: 1

The PFP headquarters also issued different media statements,

letters and emails to concerned authorities and officials to show
our concern and demand of justice for victims.
Letters 34
Media Releases: 19

Various letters and emails were also sent to International Human

rights organisations about human rights violations in all parts of
Jammu and Kashmir, specifically HR violations committed in
Indian Held Kashmir and Pakistan controlled Gilgit and Balstistan
areas. Similar letters and emails were also sent to diplomats,
politicians and think tanks about peaceful resolution of Kashmir
conflict.

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PUBLICATIONS

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Eva Maria Teja , Coordinator PFP Europe wrote Book on
Kashmir Earthquake

“Ein neuer Morgen für Munir. Eine Erzählung aus Kaschmir” (“A
new Morning for Munir. A story from Kashmir”) has been written
by Eva Maria Teja Mayer, Austrian Writer and director PFP
Europe.
The hero of the fiction book is Munir, an 11-year old school-boy in
a mountain village near Bagh in Azad Jammu Kashmir. Despite
having been injured himself, Munir supports his family and
friends in the struggle of survival after the devastating earthquake
which hit the area of AJK and N.W.F.P. in October 2005.
All characters are fictional, but having spent some weeks after the
disaster on the ground in the effected region, the author – also
working as freelance journalist for several papers - tried to give an
authentic impression of the nature, atmosphere, people and
culture of this part of Kashmir.
Dr. Maximilian Paulin who is Sub-editor, youth-section (Tyrolia-
Verlag) hopes that, apart from being pleasant youth literature, this
book will help to create more awareness among Western students
for the needs of children of the same age group who, living in a
different environment and culture, are facing difficult challenges
like that natural disaster.
Since the book is meant for German speaking students (age group
11/12 onwards), the text also provides some introduction to Islam
and local traditions, thus hopefully contributing to interfaith
harmony and bridging a possible gap between Western and
Eastern mindsets.
Hero of fiction book is Munir, An 11year old school boy- in a
mountain village near Bagh in Azad Jammu and
Kashmir(Controlled by Pakistan). Despite having been injured
himself, Munir supports his family and friends in the struggle of
survival after the devastating earthquake which hit of AJK and
NWFP in October 2005.As Mujahideen( engaged in an armed
freedom struggle in Indian part of Kashmir) with first aid and
relief goods manage to reach Munir’s village, he is allowed to
company them to see his injured sister Fatima, his brother Ashraf

29
and best friend Khalid who is struggling for his life in Bagh, their
path leading across dangerous land sliding and instable slopes.
In Bagh, the next reachable town, Munir understands the extends
of the damage: not only the residential houses, also hospitals,
mosques and schools have been destroyed by the earthquake.
Munir sees how desperate victims of the disaster become
plunderers, he witnesses fight for water, food items, tents and the
blankets; he has encounters with reckless businessmen and black
marketers, he learns about corruption and extortion, but also about
selfless efforts and dedication of countless volunteers who side by
side with army, Mujahedeen and members of religious
organizations as well as NGOs help the needy people to overcome
their problem and their trauma. When his little brother ashraf on
his way to a hospital gets lost in Islamabad, Munir travels with his
Mujahid- friend Hamid to the capital. They locate the boy just in
time, be fore he could be kidnapped by criminals, engaged in
human trafficking. Learning that his sisters as well as friend
Khalid have been successfully operated upon, Munir sees a ray of
hope.
Back in Bagh, the Amir of Mujahedeen decides to cooperate in the
field of relief work an international NGO- They developed a joint
plan to distribute winter-proof buildings and establishes some
schools – Munir can return with good news to his village.
Meanwhile, Eva Maria Teja in November 2007 gave a lecture about
historical and cultural aspects of Jammu and Kashmir in an
Austrian school in Tyrol-mountain-region in west of the country,
and also read some chapters of her book "A new Morning for
Munir"

(Compiling above writing some excerpts have been taken from Dr.
Maximilian Paulin’s introductory article about the book)

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BUIDLING NEW TECHONLGIES

PFP BLOG

An official blog of PFP was launched to disseminate organizational

activities and effective communication with other like minded
NGOs and networks. PFP management received a large numbers
of enquires, appreciation and support from across the world,
particularly from overseas Kashmir who appreciated efforts of PFP
in the field of peace promotion, gender development and
protection of environment through gross root interventions. The
blog can be accessed at:
http://pressforpeace.blogspot
.com/

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PFP Vision 2008

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 significance
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 and
broaden their vision. Today the realm of activism and social work
has become one of the demanding disciplines of research and
humanitarian knowledge, We can not build up our inputs without
illuminating the minds of our activists with latest trends in the
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 believe that some of our abroad studying
members would come with innovative ideas and emancipated
minds to change PFP into a more dynamic and skilled platform of
reformers.

32
Our Partners and sponsors:
Action Aid,
Islamic Relief
ASR Women Resource Centre, Lahore

Press For Peace(PFP)

Annual Report 2007

Images: Amir uddin Mughal

Title: Hamid Ali Sufi

Press For Peace (PFP)

Bank Road, Muzaffarabad
Jammu and Kashmir
Ph: 0092 5881045457
Fax: 0092 881045437
Cell: 0092 301 5710575
Email: pressforpeace@gmail.com

Press For Peace (PFP) is a non partisan, non profitable charitable

organization working and registered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
under Registration # 820 Under Pakistan Societies Act, 1860/21
Applicable to Azad Government of the State of Jammu and
Kashmir.

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