FO R

PEACE
Giving Voice to the Voiceless
2 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
 Giving Voice to the Voiceless

3 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

4 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
5 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
CONTENTS

Our Vision 7

Our Back Ground 8

Where we Work 9

Acknowledgement 10

Executive summary 11

Peace and Security 14

Environment and sustainable development 23

Education and social change 31

Gender Development 34

Rehabilitation 36

Capacity Building and Networking 41

Defending civil liberties and Human rights 47

Publications 51

Building new communication strategies 55

Vision 2008 56

6 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

OUR VISION
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.

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OUR BACKGROUND

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.

8 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

WHERE WE WORK

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ACKNOWLEDGEMNT

T he 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:

Sahibzada M.Aftab Alam

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

10 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

C
ampaigning 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

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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
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

12 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

target local populations. The final part of following report explains
some of main events and plans completed by PFP during the
session.

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PEACE AND SECURITY

World Power
Muzaffarabad: September 21, 2007

T he 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

14 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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
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
15 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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 globalization only by

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
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.

Press for Peace (PFP) arranged a workshop

about peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute

16 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

Muzaffarabad Miss Night Saeed, Executive
Director of ASR said that

T
India and Pakistan would
he representatives of
never grant freedom to
different political
Kashmiris unless the people
parties and civil society
of Kashmir struggle
organizations has demanded
themselves for their
the participation of Kashmiris
legitimized right of self
from all units and religions in
determination. The major and
the ongoing peace process,
foremost need for the people
concentrating utmost
of Kashmir is the restoration
interaction among the people
of peace in all units that
of all dividing regions of
unquestionably would, pave a
Jammu and Kashmir. This
way towards the settlement of
demand was made
the issue. She urged the
unanimously in a Dialogue
people of Kashmir to get rid
organized by ASR Resource
of their differences to achieve
Centre, a Lahore based peace
their noble goal and must
and research institute, with
concentrate on their one point
the collaboration of Press for
agenda-the liberation.
Peace (PFP) in Muzaffarbad.
Ammirudin Mughal, Central
The participants of the session
Coordinator of Press for
thoroughly discussed the
Peace (FPP) maintained that
latest sitituoion in all parts
both India and Pakistan have
Jammu and Kashmir. They
manufactured their favourite
said that all Kashmiris have to
and desired leadership in both
struggle jointly for an
parts of Kashmir that could
amicable and permanent
not be considered as genuine
resolution of Kashmir issue,
representatives of the people.
setting aside their religious,
The aspirations of the people
political, ethnic and regional
of all units of Kashmir,
differences.
including Gilgit, Baltistan and
Jammu must be honoured and

17 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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
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
18 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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 others also spoke on the
Zulfqar Ali, Raja Wasim ,Farid occasion and presented their
ul Hadim,Aurengzeb views about on going peace
Saifullah, Miss Nighat process between India and
Choudhary,women Pakistan.
coordinator of PFP,Miss
Nazmeen ,Sajad Mir and

Peace settlement of Kashmir impossible

without Kashmir `s says Peace Moot

BAGH
T
he 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

19 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

the "elimination of foreign APHC, Altaf Wani , Chairman
forces" from their homeland, JKLF(R), Sardar Rauf
reiterating that "integrity of Kashmiri, Secretary General
the state can not be Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam
compromised". Maulana Abdul Haie and
These views were expressed representatives of other
by speakers of a peace political, religious and
conference titled "Kashmir nationalist parties and groups.
conflict and the peace, But
how?” organized by Press for Former Prime Minister Azad
Peace (PFP) and Action Aid in Kashmir Sardar Abdul
Bagh,Azad Kashmir. Qayyum said that Kashmir
The event attracted a huge issue could only be resolved
audience of social and by dialogue.
political activists, women, 'It is impossible for Kashmiris
lawyers, human rights to liberate their homeland by
activists and students. war because on one from
The conference was addressed Pakistan would ever indulge
by veteran Kashmiri leaders into a war with India for
including Supreme Head of Kashmir,' he maintained.
Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Supporting the four point
Conference Sardar Abdul formula of General Musharraf
Qayyum Khan, , Head of J&K for the resolution of lingering
People’s Party Sardar Khalid issue of Kashmir between
Ibrahim, Chairman JKLF India and Pakistan, Sardar
Sardar Sagheer Khan, former Qayyum said this is a
Amir of Jamaat-e- Islami significant development
Abdul Rashid Turrabi, Senior towards the permanent
Vice President J&K Liberation solution of the dispute.
League Sardar Maroof Akhter, However, he said, world
Chairman All Parties powers would never allow
Nationalists’ Alliance Farooqe Pakistan and India to engage
Niazi, Secretary General into a war over Kashmir. He
UKPNP Sardar Ishtiaque urged the Kashmiris to unite
Ahmad, Information Secretary on one point agenda of the

20 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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
21 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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 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,
22 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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 scholar Prof Sagheer Khan,
of Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Shamshad, President
expressing that the election in Rawalakot Bar Association
Indian Held Kashmir are not and Sardar Abdus Satar Khan
substitute of plebiscite which of Peoples National Party
was promised by Indian (UKPNP) also spoke on the
government and also occasion.
guaranteed by the United office bearers of PFP from
Nations(UN). Muzaffarabad and Mirpur
District Coordinator Press for including Amir ud Din
Peace Yusuf Kashmiri, Raja Mughal , Raja Wasim ,
Habib Ur Rehman, Field Aurangzeb Saifullah, Rafiq
Coordinator Action Aid Mughal and Farid Hadim also
Wahid Shah, renowned participated in the event
.

23 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTIANBELE
DEVELOPMENT

24 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

PFP Celebrated world environment day

June 5, 2007

25 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

P ress for Peace (FPP)
celebrated
Environment Day in
different Cities of Azad
World

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 The day was set by United
environmental problems such Nations General Assembly in
as pollution, soil erosion, 1972 as an International Day
disposal of solid waste in in an effort to stimulate public
urban areas and deforestation awareness among
etc. communities towards safe and
hazard free environment.

26 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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,
27 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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
28 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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 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
29 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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.

30 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007


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
31 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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.
MIRPURAJ&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
‘Caste System is main barrier in merit and
justice’: Says CJ
Civil society urged to join hands for rule of
law
MIRPUR
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
32 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
Gillani(Bagh),Rashid
Nazir(Rawalakot)
Miss Night (Muzaffarabad)
and Miss Shazia (Mirpur).
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.
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
33 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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:

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

34 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

 tolerance and respect for other
global citizens.

Press for Peace (PFP)

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,
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 achievement by PFP.

members, including students Chanjath-an inaccessible
and teachers of adjacent village of Neelum Valley is of
educational institutes also course very backward in the
present in the ceremony. field of education, therefore,
Principal Jalal -ud Din- and the PFP School will bring a
PFP Neelum Hafiz Naseer considerable and significant
were also addressed the change in education sector in
gathering. The talented future.
children of PFP Community He said that the PFP and other
School staged inspiring and NGOs has rendered
attractive tableau’s and other significant services for the
items and got generous rehabilitation of people
appreciation from all guests. affected by massive
Addressing the ceremony earthquake.” Only well
Mian Abdul Wahid, MLA said educated and skilled citizens
that the establishment of can play an active role in
school in for off area of prosperity and progress of our
Neelum is appreciable country”, he maintained.

35 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

 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 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
36 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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.
37 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
GENDER DEVELOPMENT
Consultation on ‘post earthquake
empowerment’
MUZAFFRABAD
T
he 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 highlighted the
problems faced by women,
particularly the women of
rural areas and quake hit
38 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
scenario and women
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.
39 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
REHABILITATION

Defending earthquake victims’ rights

Bagh, AJ& K
at all levels. The PFP played key
The PFP highlighted the role during a civil society
problems and sufferings of campaign to highlight the issues
affecters of Kashmir earthquake faced by affected areas. The

40 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

organization’s local
representatives in Bagh, Yousaf
Kashmir, Tahir Shah, Imran
Gillani and others worked hard
to mobilize people to struggle for
their rights. In Bagh al civil
society organizations made a
joint alliance, Earthquake
Victims Rights Movement
(EVRM) to strengthen joint and
collaborative efforts for the rights
of affected areas. The EVRM
arranged an historical march
from Bagh to Muzaffarabad to
raise the demands of local people
and held a sit-in before AJ&K
Legislative Assembly to put
pressure on the government and
parliamentarians to resolve the
issues and problems of affected
people. A large number of
women also enthusiastically
joined these protest campaigns in
which PFP Women chapter of
Bagh played a significant input to
raise demands of the voiceless
communities. During these
campaigns PFP and other rights
organizations called upon
government to provide land and
shelters to those who lost their
homes and properties in the
earthquake and also ordered by
government to evacuate their
lands due to the warning of
Geological experts.
41 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
One of the major demands raised
by PFP and EVRM was the
demand to include women at
policy level in order to
incorporate their voice and
concerns in policy configuration
and planning in the rehabilitation
process. Action Aid Bagh and
other local bodies contributed
remarkably to achieve the
objectives of this unique
awareness campaign. The
EVRMP and the PFP also
highlighted the miseries of
landless sanitary workers and, the
children and teachers of damaged
schools.
The PFP also staunchly raised
people’s issues at different level,
including sending letters and
emails to concerned authorities
and officials related to
reconstruction.
Evaluating the performance of
EARRA, demanded and
recommended to government to
take over the control of the
organization which was running
the affairs undemocratically,
ignoring the real issues of pubic.
These campaigns also demanded
reforms in the ERRA and the
participation of public
representatives in the policy
formation and planning to
increase the speed of
reconstruction work which has
been affected due to the negligence and inefficiency of
the government
.

42 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

PFP honoured humanitarian work of relief
workers and NGOs honoured

BAGH March 17, 2007: services for helping the

sufferers of earthquake.

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
the banner of the PFP and
others national and
international humanitarian
bodies. Sardar Qamar Zaman, Speaking on the occasion,
the Opposition Leader in Sardar Qamer Zaman lauded
AJ&K Legislative Assembly gracious humanitarian work
was chief guest wile of all relief agencies to address
Mrs.Tanveer Latif, an overcome the sufferings of
Chairperson Women Wing earthquake survivors. He said
PFP chaired the event. Yousaf that PFP- despite being a
Kashmiri, Tahir Shah, Raja resource less organization set
Wasim, Rafique Baigh and an appreciable and unique
Fayyaz Abbasi were also example by providing basic
amongst the speakers. facilities of local affectees.
Volunteers of Press for Peace He said the people of Kashmir
(PFP) and other local NGOs would never forget the
and relief agencies were generous support of
awarded certificates and international community
awards for their noble “who came forward to help us
on the most vulnerable time of
our history”. The Opposition

43 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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.

44 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

 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

45 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

CAPACITY BUIDLING and Networking

46 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

 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
PFP arranged different Saifullah and others also
training workshops for its participated in training
members and activists in workshops of ASR Lahore
Muzaffarabad, Neelum and conference and another
Bagh about social workshop in Islamabad held
mobilization, violence against by Shirkat Gah. Silmilar
women, human rights and training sessions were held in
communication skills. This is Neelum where Jalal ud Din
part of PFP plan to prepare a and other members
skilled and trained young participated on behalf of PFP.
team of activists and

47 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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.

48 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

Luton (UK):

PFP officials Zafar Iqbal and Aftab Alam 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.

49 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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

50 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

upon young preventatives of British Universities that they must
support peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute.

International Cultural Event at Campion School and Language

College Northampton, UK:

PFP Founder participated a one day International Cultural Day at

Campion School, Northampton, England during his educational stay in
the UK. Every year all Cheveining scholars, belonging from various parts
of the world, join cultural activities in different local schools in order to
familiarize British young children with society, culture and history of
other countries and regions of the globe. Zafar Iqbal, Chevenging
scholar and student of NTU, joined International Day at Campion School
and informed students about the culture, history and traditional patterns
of Kashmiri Society. He also appreciated the generous donations of
management and students of Campion school who helped various
educational and rehabilitation projects in earthquake areas of Pakistan
and Azad Kashmir through UK based charities like Save the Children. He
also informed the participants of the event about political and
humanitarian aspects of Kashmir conflict.

The officials of British council were also present on this occasion. Apart
from sharing knowledge with teachers and children of school, Zafar iqbal
got first hand information and awareness of UK elementary education
system by visiting different classes and groups of students working on
different assignments and projects.

51 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

INTRA KASHMIR WOMEN CONFRENCE IN
Srinagar (J &K ):
PFP chairperson Joined Intra-
Kashmir Women Conference
Srinager , 20 November, 2007
There were various interventions
made in 2007 to increase public
to public contacts across divided
state of Kashmir in order to raise
its humanitarian dimensions of
the dispute and mitigate miseries
of divided regions. The Centre
for Dialogue and Reconciliation
in collaboration with the
Women’s Studies Centers of the
52 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
universities of Kashmir and
Jammu held an Intra Kashmir
Women Peace Conference to
encourage participation of
womenfolk of all zones of
Kashmir to review and analyze
the impact of conflict on
women’s life and survival. The
joint declaration of the
conference called that Pakistan
and Indian government must
facilitate the contacts of peoples
of all regions in order to promote
the participation of local actors in
the peace process initiated
between both neighbors.
Speaking at the conference Mrs.
Tanveer Latif, pattern of PFP
shared her views about the
conflict.

FREEDOM OF PRESS

DEFENDING CIVIL LIBERTIES and HUMAN

RIGHTS
PFP condemned Crack down against Media in AJ& K and Pakistan

Military dictator General Pervaiz

A fter the imposition of

emergency in Pakistan in
November 2007 the
political forces and the media
have to face harsh treatment
from military regime when
Mushhraff government started
brutal operations against media,
political workers and human
rights activists. The freedom of
press in the country was damaged
shoddily in the country due to the

53 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

government brutal polices and
tactics to curb the free press who
bluntly criticized governments
moves against media.
According to Reporters without
Borders Report
‘ Six journalists were killed in
Pakistan, where suicide attacks
and heavy fighting between the
army and Islamist militants
partly accounted for 2007’s
higher toll. Muhammad Arif, of
TV station Ary OneWorld, was
among 133 people killed in the
suicide attack on opposition
leader Benazir Bhutto’s
motorcade in Karachi in
October. Another such attack
aimed at a government minister
in April killed 28 people,
including young freelance
photographer Mehboob Khan.
Noor Hakim, of the Urdu daily
Pakistan and vice-president of
the Tribal Union of Journalists
(TUJ), was killed in June in the
northwestern Bajaur Agency
tribal area. Javed Khan, a
cameraman with DM Digital TV,
54 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
was killed while covering an
attack in July on Islamabad’s
Red Mosque by security forces’.
The PFP categorically
condemned such measures in
different parts of the country,
especially in Karachi and
Islamabad where on 27
September, 2007 various
journalists were attacked by
police and state agencies. In the
year, Government of Pakistan
also banned the transmission of
an independent news channel-
GEO TV.
In another incident, Government
of Azad Kashmir barred a UK
based TV channel to operate in
the terror ties of Azad Kashmir.
Government authorities cracked
downed the offices of APNA TV
in Mirpur and questioned and
harassed its team. The PFP
remained at frontline to exert
pressure on government to ensure
press freedom in the country and
lift ban on media and emergency
in the country.
55 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
Hands in hands with regional bodies
T he PFP showed its
solidarity with people of
Pakistan after
Imposition of emergency in
Pakistan and several letters,
the
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.
• 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
56 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
• 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 about human rights violations
issued different media in all parts of Jammu and
statements, letters and emails Kashmir, specifically HR
to concerned authorities and violations committed in
officials to show our concern Indian Held Kashmir and
and demand of justice for Pakistan controlled Gilgit and
victims. Balstistan areas. Similar
Letters 34 letters and emails were also
Media Releases: 19 sent to diplomats, politicians
Various letters and emails and think tanks about
were also sent to International peaceful resolution of
Human rights organisations Kashmir conflict.

57 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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

58 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007


“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
59 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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 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
60 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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
Kashmir conflict: Movement, Struggle and Resistance
By Raja Wasim, Director PFP
ASR resource Centre is one of
the prestigious platforms among
the PFP partners which not only
greatly contributed in the
capacity building of our activists,
but it has also facilitated in
networking with other like
minded groups nationally and
61 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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)
regionally. It also brings about
different publications based on
objective analysis and first hand
information about social and
political issues.

PFP’s senior Activist Raja Wasim
was assigned a special task to dig
out latest developments on
Kashmir conflict and its new
developments. As a result a
publication titled ‘Kashmir
Conflict: Movement, Struggle
and resistance,’ was published in
2007. Though, much has been
published on Kashmir in both
India and Pakistan, but, majority
of the matter projects the official
view points of Islamabad or New
62 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
Delhi on the dispute which
always lacks indigenous voice
and concerns of the principal
player of the dispute. In this
background, Mr Wasim’s
publication was seen as a fair,
updated and thought provoking
contribution which covers
impartial analysis of political,
social and economic dimensions
of the conflict. Further, it also
encompasses the issues and
problems faced by people of
affected areas of Azad Kashmir
which was hit by massive
earthquake in 2005. The
publication received very
positive feedback from
independent researchers,
Institutes and stakeholders who
wish to promote and strengthen
peaceful settlement of Kashmir
and want to lessen the worries of
people of all parts of disputed
state. The publication presented
many concrete steps and action
which, if taken seriously by
parties of the conflict, they might
translate the issue towards a
peaceful resolution, according to
the wishes of people of Kashmir.
BUIDLING NEW TECHONLGIES

63 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

PFP OFFICIAL BLOG

A
n official blog of PFP support from across the
was launched to world, particularly from
disseminate overseas Kashmir who
organizational activities and appreciated efforts of PFP in
effective communication with the field of peace promotion,
other like minded NGOs and gender development and
networks. PFP management protection of environment
received a large numbers of through gross root
enquires, appreciation and interventions. The blog can be
accessed at:

http://pressforpeace.blogspot.com

PFP VISION 2008

64 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

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 Vellum 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.

65 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007

66 | Press for Peace Annual Report 2007
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