Press For Peace Annual Report 2008

Press For Peace Annual Report 2008 Giving Voice to the Voiceless

Press For Peace

www.pressforpeace.org.uk

Press For Peace Research Section Bank Road Muzaffarabad Jammu and Kashmir E-Mail: [email protected]

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Acronyms AJ& K

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

IDPs

Internally Displaced People

J&K

Jammu and Kashmir

LoC

Line of Control

KWC

Kashmir Women Conference

MCDP

Muzaffarabad City Development Project

NWFP

North West Frontier Province

NGOs

None Governmental Organizations

PFP

Press For Peace

UK

United Kingdom

UN

United Nations

US

United States

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Summary In spite of the many agreements and declarations on international level for the p rotection of women rights, a large number of women still face discriminatory conducts and behaviours across the world. Especially in the developing and underdeveloped regions, women are considered amongst the vulnerable and the most deprived sections of the society. They remain invisible in policy formulation and decision making because of many religious, cultural and social barriers. It is obvious that no society can make progress with out giving equal rights to its women population, with this background , PFP advocates for a world where women can enjoy all opportunities, rights and obligations which have been guaranteed by international agreements affirming their rights. With this global scenario , Kashmir Women conference was organized to give an opportunity to the women of Kashmir to present, assess and analyze their issues. It was a unique event and was warmly welcomed through the participation of more than five hundreds women delegates from all districts of Kashmir and NWFP and Punjab as well. One of the factors of social deprivation, poverty and illiteracy of the South Asian region is long standing issue of Kashmir. Apart from the recent turmoil in Indian Kashmir, the dividing Line of Control has been centre of hostility between Indian and Pakistani forces for many years. This war like situation on the LoC also engulfed hundreds of precious human lives and caused massive damages to basic civic facilities like schools, hospitals and roads. The ceasefire at LoC announced by Indian and Pakistani troops is absolutely a positive step which lessened the miseries of civilian population . Giving the voice to the sentiments of people living on the border areas of Kashmir, PFP evolved a peace campaign to highlight the suffering of victims of previous she lling and firing. This campaign was highly appreciated by the local people, though it annoyed some extremist elements which do not like peace and people’s progress and want to keep a hostile environment in the region to fulfil their

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pro-war agenda . The rep ort also summarizes PFP events about the human rights violations in all parts of Kashmir. Following its previous organizational plans, the PFP continued to highlight the basic issues of people concerns; consequently, it highlighted the sufferings of earthquake survivors, who now became victims of poor governance and state negligence because of mismanagement of inefficient administration and political leadership. Our annual report also encompasses the activities related to the promotion of sustainable development and preservation of environment. It also gives highlights of the training and capacity building acti vities of PFP.

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Contents Education and social change Gender and Development Rehabilitation Environment Sustainable development Conflict resolution Human rights Capacity Building Communications Organizational affairs New team members

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Message from the Founder PFP publishes its annual report at the end of every organizational year. This provides information regarding all the activities we completed during the session. The aim of this report is to keep informed our activists, donors and general public about the overview of our all activities. I feel immense pleasure and proud to present Annual Report 2008 because of two rea sons: Firstly, PFP has completed another year of service, dedication and generosity. Secondly, it has attracted more energetic, competent and visionary team of professionals who are e quipped with international exposure of issues faced by today’s mankind. T his team of professionals is zealous to contribute its inputs for wellbeing of the humanity. Now it’s our responsibility to utilize their expertise, skills and potentials for the betterment of our organization and public as well. It is a decisive moment for us to think, plan and progress about the future. We have many challenges ahead. The first challenge is to sustain our good will among public and our partners in an environment where mismanagement and bad fraudulent practises and actions ha ve damaged t he credibility of charity sector. A section of the media portrays NGOs in negative way, though it is completely a new topic of discussion, debate and research that either such accusations need to be refuted or it has some valid facts and figures for further investigations about the wrong doings of NGOs and think tanks. Another challenge is to keep maintain our on going activities in limited financial sources which have been mostly contributed by the trustees, office bearers of PFP and partner organizat ions. I really appreciate all office bearers, activists and volunteers of the PFP who exemplified that social workers can contribute for the development of society, without getting attractive remunerations and benefits. It is re ally a unique example of activism in our social landscape. Our partners and well wishers also deserve enormous thanks from our team. We also anticipate their unrelenting support in the future.

Zafar Iqbal (Founder and Executive Director Press For Peace)

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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 significa nce of global political, environmental and economic transformations which are shaping all regions specially developing societies; hence, we have to enhance the capabilities and skills of our organizers and activists in order to raise their expertise an d broaden their vision. Today the realm of activism and social work has become one of the demanding disciplines of research and humanitaria n knowledge, We can not build up our inputs without illuminating the minds of our activists with latest trends in t he filed of social change. We have envisaged a strategy to cope with the global demands of the coming years which is embedded with our traditional values and vision also fulfils requirements of local cultural norms and value system. We are aware that our entire struggle is to create a society where every citizen can live a decent life - free from different kind of prejudices and discriminations, in a peaceful and progressive way. This is not an easy task, rather complex practice which needs coordinated and collaborative efforts of all forces which believe on social justice, equality and humanity , therefore, o ur aim for the new session is to strengthen our linkages with like minded NGOs, donors and financiers in order to achieve these noble causes for the survival of humanity.

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Activities 2008 Human rights Human rights workers found the grav es of nearly 1,000 unidentified people scattered in cemeteries across an isolated region of Kashmir. Researchers from the Association of Parents of Disappeared People found the graves during a yearlong survey in the region around the town of Uri, one of the most violent parts of Kashmir. Uri is near the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that divides

Indian- and Pakistani -controlled Kashmir. The

association represents relatives of people who have disappeared since violence erupted in the insurgency wracked Himalayan region 18 years ago.

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PFP highlighted the matter on different levels in order to press t he international community to support the civil society of Kashmir, particularly the Association of Parents of Disappeared People (APDP) Kashmir. A campaign was arranged to highlight the issue to raise awareness regionally and internationally. Following activities were organized during the campaign: · · · ·

Press conferences, press statements regarding the incident Emails and letters to different global HR organizations PFP, UK held meetings with parliamentarians and representatives of civil society organizations Arrangements of March to UN Office Muzaffarabad

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PFP Demands UN Probe of nameless graves of Kashmir Muzaffarabad, Jammu and Kashmir : To support the civil society of Kashmir on the issue of nameless graves, PFP arranged a rally in the capital city Muzaffarabad. Hundreds of people held a protest rally in capital of Pa kistan-administered Kashmir to demand a UN probe into the discovery of about 1,000 nameless graves i n 18 villag es of north Kashmir. The participants of the rally including students, lawyers, journalists and civil society members gathered in Central Press Club Muzaffarabad and marched towards the UN Military Observes Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office. Addressing the participants, Press for Peace (PFP ) representatives and bearers of civil society organizations said the discovery of nameless graves in Baramulla is “shameful for the so -called largest democracy of the world.” “Thousands of mothers in Kashmi r are still waiting for their beloved sons but the discovery of these graves shows that their dears are no,” PFP Coordinator Raja Wasim said. Representatives of PAK University student Madeha Khurshid and Baber Siddique, who along with hundreds of their c olleagues were present on the occasion, termed the grave issue as a “black spot on the conscience of world community.” On behalf of journalistic community, Aurangzeb Jaral said, “We demand a thorough probe into this obnoxious and inhuman act.”

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Highlighting some special cases of HRVs Hundreds of citizens were reported missing in four provinces of Pakistan and its controlled Kashmir. The state authorities were accused for kidnapping these citizens; however, they deny the charges. PFP helped some of the victims of torture conflicted by security agencies which were taken into custody in false allegation of involvement in terrorism activities. Case study PM urged to order release of Kashmiri Student Muzaffarabad, March 30: Press for Peace (PFP ) urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan to order immediate release of a Kashmiri student allegedly picked up by some intelligence agency personnel from the federal capital around three weeks ago. In a letter, Zafar Iqbal, Executive Director of PFP , urged Yousaf Raza Gillani to bring the lost happiness back to the families whose kin had gone missing at the hands of different intelligence agencies. In this regard, Iqbal particularly mentioned the case of Sayed Asad Hussain belonging to the southern Poonch district of Pakistan administered Kashmir, whose family members, he said, were in a severe state of trauma ever since he had been taken into custo dy without any known charges. “We are hopeful that your government would initiate prompt steps for recovery of all innocent citizens from the illegal custody of agencies on priority basis,” the PFP executive director said to the prime minister. A stude nt of B.Sc. telecommunication engineering in a private institution, Hussain was picked up by some people, two of them in force’s uniform, on the night of March 11 from his house in Islamabad’s G -7/4 sector for 12 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

“brief questioning.” However, his family was h itherto unaware about his whereabouts, said Iqbal, who also belonging to Poonch. He also demanded recovery of missing Kashmiri girls who, he alleged, were kidnapped during the October 2005 earthquake. “The new government should also take this issue ver y seriously and initiate further action for their urgent recovery,” the letter mentioned.

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Conflict Resolution PFP campaign to support cease fire across LOC. In this campaign PFP demanded that Pakistan and India should maintain truce along the Lin e of Control and find a peaceful political solution to the Kashmir dispute instead of going for a war.

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Different rallies, seminars and public events were held in the border areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to highlight the sufferings of the people living along on the . The major event of this campaign was a seminar arranged in Athmuqam, district headq uarters of Neelum. Neelum valley, which straddles the LoC, has borne the brunt of cross border shelling whi ch would block its main road and cause civilian casualties almost daily. A declaration adopted at the seminar called upon Islamabad and New Delhi to address their water disputes through talks and not let the situation reach a point of no return. India was however asked to abandon its plans to build Kishan Ganga dam in Jammu and Kashmir “as it could adversely affect the ongoing peace process between the South Asian neighbours.” The declaration condemned the human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and a sked the champions of world peace to take stock of it. It urged the government of Pakistan to use the “power of dialogue” to address the problems it was facing in its tribal areas. “The federal government should halt military operation in the tribal are a because it has backfired and is giving rise to the terrorist attacks within the country,” the declaration said, citing Saturday’s deadliest terrorist attack in the federal capital as one such glaring example. Earlier, the speakers prominent among who we re chairman implementation commission Sardar Gul -e-Khandan, Mir Gohar Rehman (Bar Association), Amiruddin Mughal (PFP), Malick Yasin Awan (MC), Inayat Ali Qasmi (JIAJK), Mir Nazir Danish (PPAJK), Prof Sultan Mahmood, Jaweria Arooj and Iram Jilani, pointed out that the people living along the LoC had heaved a sigh of relief after the 2003 ceasefire by Indian and Pakistani troops. Later, a walk was also held in the town. Participants who included young girls were carrying placards inscribed with pro-peace and anti-war slogans.

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Kashmir Conflict and Peace PFP Supports for peaceful resolution of Kashmir Dispute A delegation of the PFP called upon with the visiting chairman of its fraction of All Parties Hurriat Conference (APHC)-a conglomerate of Sepertist organizations of Jammu and Kashmir, Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat and informed him about the efforts of the org anization for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute. The APHC leader was briefed that the PFP believes on resolution of all standing issues in limbo with peaceful means, therefore, it supports the composite dialogue intitied by the India and Pakistan . In this occasion the APHC leader said that all stake holders of Kashmir dispute will have to adopt ‘a give and take policy for the resolution of the issue’. Contrary to the firm and established of the Kashmiri separatist leaders, the APHC chairperson o pined that because of the great changes international and regional changes the implementation of the UN resolutions is not feasible and implemental, therefore, Pakistan, India and Kashmiri leadership will have to show flexibility on their traditional stances over Kashmir dispute. He also supported the inclusion of Kashmiris in on going negotiations between India and Pakistan and said that the dialogue without out the involvement of Kashmir could not be successful.

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PFP highlights sufferings of IDPs Muzaffarabad Jammu and Kashmir PFP also concentrated to highlight the suffering of IDPs living in some border areas of Kashmir. The PFF fact finding tea m issued a report in Kudal Shahi , a remote town of Neelum District after visiting relief camp, which was established in Jamger village in u pper parts of Neelum valley.

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In its report, Press for Peace (PFP) called upon government and humanitarian bodies to take immediate measures to help displaced people of a border village of Neelum valley of Pakistan administrated Kashmir, who left their homes due to intimidation of Indian army. The PFP warned that if permanent shelters were not provided to these IDPs, approaching winter could lose many precious lives of the victims, particularly infants. More than tw o hundreds families of Chaknar village along the LoC -the boarder dividing Pakistani Kashmir from Indian part, had to leave their native homes when Indian army kidnapped three local residents who were way to their homes after shopping from local mini mark et last year. All villagers of Chaknar, scared from coercion of Indian army, after spending almost one year in Athmaqam area, has now shifted to Jamger village in upper Neelum valley. The PFP report said the victims are living in a temporary relief camp which lacks water, electricity, sanitation and other basic facilities. It has been established in a forest situated altitude of circa 8000 feet. Displaced people said that their tents would be damaged in the upcoming snowfall, which, according to some them, mostly has been measured as 15 to 20 feet each season. The residents complained that nothing has been done by government, except making false commitments and announcements for their permanent rehabilitation. The report warned that if shelters were not provided instantaneously, majority of lives of children are at risk. It said that residents have only option to utilize woods from adjacent forests for their livelihood which would be damaging for the local forests, the PFP team warned.

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Democracy PFP team also arranged meetings and consultations with heads of political parties of Pakistan to express i ts support for the restoration of democracy. The PFP extended its deep empathy and support w ith the political parties to get rid of dictatorship in the country. During the meeting s PFP Team urged on political leadership to evolve concrete measures for the resolution of people’s sufferings. ‘Political parties can play an important role in the bu ilding of international problems like terrorisms, climate change.’ PFP asked political parties to include new approaches to reshape the traditional political culture which desperately lacks the representation of real leadership of the masses.

Good governance A delegation of the PFP met with Imran Khan, Pakistan Tahreek E Insaf appreciated its role for the services of earthquake survivors.

-the Movement of Justice , and

The delegation extended full support for the slogan of social change in the soc iety for the betterment of people’s lives.

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(Lahore: PFP Executive Director meeting with Imran Khan, Chairman PTI)

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The Head of PTI was informed that the PFP believes on good governance, democracy and social change and it supports all liberal political forces which are struggling to break political status in which common people have been badly ignored. Consultations in Rural Areas PFP also concentrated training of so cial activists of rural and remote areas of the region. Talking in these sessions Zafar Iqbal, Ammiruddin Mughal, Raja Wasim and other bearers of the PFP urged local NGOS s to come farward for the preservation of natural and environmental resources. The PFP chief said that it is a good omen that women of remote areas are joining social sector which shows their awareness. He also talked about the Sharda and said that th e PFP would entities “save the S harda Civilization” in order to protect the historical assets of sharda. He said that progress of infrasture in the regional could improve the livelihood and living conditions of local populations. He also appreciated the services of the PFP activists who have been victimized by different corners for supporting peace and cease fire along the Line of Control (LOC).

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Sustainable Development PFP advocates the rights of citizens In spite of the provision of generous support and funds from international community and humanitarian bodies for the rebuilding of devastated cities of AJ&K damaged by earthquake 2005, after passing about three years of Oct 2005 Earthquake, no significant improvement was made by relevant governments to rebuild the affected areas. PFP focused to lobby for tim ely starting of rebuilding plan. In this regard Action A id and t he PFP conducted a series of constructive events in the capital city where people ware provided an opportunity to influence policy makers to fulfil people wishes and demands about the reconstruction .

PFP campaigns for reconstruction Muzaffarabad, Jammu and Kashmir The most important event of such consultative events was arranged in Muzaffarabad on April 21, 2009. Representatives of the government and opposition as well as members of the civil society from the earthquake affected capital of Pakistan administered Kashmir capital resolved to jointly endeavour for early initiation, execution and completion of mega deve lopment projects in their town. The consensus was arrived at a dialogue jointly organised by Action Aid Pakistan and Press for Peace (PFP) at a hotel which was attended by two ministers, one adviser, political leaders, traders, lawyers, journalists and ot her 23 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

civil society members. Earlier, director general State Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (SERRA ) Dr Syed Asif Hussain and chairman Development Authority Muzaffarabad (DAM) Zahid Amin updated the participants on the latest situation r egarding the implementation of Muzaffarabad’s much hyped master plan. They also answered questions from the participants on issues relevant to them. Dr Hussain highlighted the salient features of $361 million Muzaffarabad City Development Project (MCDP), $300 million of which is Chinese preferential buyers’ credit (soft loan) whereas the rest is pooled by the government of Pakistan. However, he admitted that the commercial contract between the Earthquake Reconstruction and R ehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and the Chinese construction companies was yet to be signed due to a dispute over the profit percentage. But he was hopeful that the issue would be amicably resolved and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani would shortly visit Muzaffarabad to perform t he groundbreaking of some projects under the umbrella of MCDP. The detailed designing of these projects had been done by the Chinese and would be launched shortly after the signing of commercial contract, he said. Earlier, Amin had alleged that some vest ed interests were opposed to the implementation of the master plan and wanted to “pacify” the people of the ravaged town by merely spending Rs 2 billion on a few projects. However, Dr Hussain clarified that as the agreement with the Chinese companies app eared to have hit the snags, the Erra offered Rs 2 billion from internal resources for early execution of some identified projects on the priority list. He dispelled the impression that the quantum of MCDP had been reduced. Amin praised deputy chairman Erra Lt-Gen Nadeem Ahmed and his team for their “all out support, concern and efforts” for early reconstruction of Muzaffarabad but cautioned that after the takeover of civilian government in Islamabad some elements were bent upon winding up the MCDP. 24 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

He urged the ministers sitting in the audience to persuade the Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan to seek immediate intervention of Deputy Chairman Planning Commission of Pakistan, Chinese ambassador and other senior federal government functionaries t o thwart such designs. “Muzaffarabad has suffered beyond description in the Oct 2005 disaster and if the international community has pledged some projects to its people, there should not be any delay in their execution,” he said. He was bitter about “w aste of time” in getting the profit percentage of Chinese companies slashed. “How much it will save us? Hardly one or two billions. In a country where several billion rupees have been squandered and looted, this ‘saving’ sounds ridiculous. We must go ahea d with the profit percentage which both sides have agreed upon at the moment in view of the sufferings of the people,” a visibly emotional DAM chief said. Participants were equally aghast at what they described preferential induction of outsiders in job s created in various projects after the earthquake. “These jobs should have been given to the affected people on priority basis. But what has been done seems to be a sheer violation of human rights,” remarked Abdu l Majid Khan MLA, adviser to AJ&K premier. Mahmood Baig, National Students Federation, however raised a thought provoking point, saying that those local officials and contractors must not go scot -free who were responsible for sub -standard construction of official buildings which instantly ki lled thousands of people, particularly children.

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Social Change A training event was arranged in Bagh to involve activists in policy making. The management of PFP answered questions and queries of the local team and activists. The one day session was addressed by Zafar Iqbal, Raja Wasim, Yousaf Kashmiri, Tahir Shah and others. Addressing the session the PFP head Zafar Iqbal said that the PFP i s a great social movement which struggles against the contemporary political and economic system in which all resources have been manipulated by the elite class of the society.

PFP Team Group Photo

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He said that inviduals play a keep role in the develop ment of the nations; therefore, the PFP activists should equip them with the latest knowledge, wisdom and understanding of global and regional transformations. Because of the increasing changes of communication, culture and technology, we can not live wit hout the interaction with other civilizations, he added. Apprenticing the role and activities of activists of Bagh chapter, he said that the PFP is not a traditional NGO where workers render their services only for attractive remuneration and luxurious b enefits; rather we are working and promoting the spirit of volunteerism to bring a positive and constructive change in our homeland.

Gender Empowerment

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Kashmir Women Conference calls for special package for women Muzaffarabad: March 8, 2008: The Kashmir Women Conference (KWC) was held on the eve of the International Women’s Day, under the aegis of Press for Peace (PFP) and Aurat Foundation. The KWC was chaired by Mrs Tanveer Latif, Chairperson Press for Peace (PFP) Women’s Wing, while Advisor AJK Government Shama Malik represented Prime Minster Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan who was invited as Chief Guest on this occasion but could not join due to his official engagements. The conference was addressed by Shagufta Mustafa, Chairperson Aurat Foundation, P rofessor Taqdees Gillani, Chairperson HOPE, Najma Shakoor, Chairperson Women Welfare Organization, Sakina Bukhari, Prof Hafiza Rehman, Begum Kifyat Naqvi, Irum Jillani, Madhia Khurshid and several other representatives of civil society organisations. The PFP’s central office bearers including Amir -ud-Din Mughal, Raja Wasim, Nighat Choudhry, Aurengzeb and Sumera Beigh also addressed on the occasion. The joint declaration of the conference was read out by Raja Wasim, Senior Coordinator Press for Peace. The declaration demanded that United Nations and other international human rights organizations should play their role to investigate the cases of missing Kashmiris in Indian held Kashmir and alleged abduction of young girls in the quake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir.

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The Kashmir Women Conference (KWC) called upon the United Nations (UN) and other international human rights organisations to play their role for the recovery of disappeared Kashmiris who had been vanished without trace since the beginning of the arme d struggle in Indian occupied Kashmir and after the devastating earthquake in Pakistani part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir in 2005. The declaration expressed dissatisfaction and resentment over the deplorable living conditions of women on both sides of the state of Jammu & Kashmir and called upon the concerned government departments to constitute revolutionary steps for the empowerment and welfare of the women, including: the establishment of a women university, allocation of special quota for women in p ublic services, provision of medical facilities in rural areas, provision of grants and loans for skilled women and allocation of 33 per cent special seats in AJK assembly for women to ensure women participation in policy formulation and implementation. It demanded “inclusion of Kashmiri women in All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) for the peaceful and just settlement of Kashmir conflict according to the wishes of women who are the major victims of the conflict.” More than 500 women delegates including NGO and civil society activists, political workers, parliamentarians, university students from Neelum, Bagh, Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad districts participated the event and expressed their solidarity with women of marginalized nations on International W omen’s Day. Addressing the conference, Advisor AJK Government Shama Malik said that the government would increase seats reserved for women in Azad Kashmir Assembly and more educational and vocational institutes would be established in each union council to provide better educational facilities to the girls. Tanvir Latif, Chairperson Women Wing PFP said that Islam gave rights to women many centuries ago, however, it was the need of the day to implement the Islamic rules with letter and spirit so that women could obtain an honourable position in the society.

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Renowned Scholar Prof Taqdees Gillani held that the consultation and participation of women in policy and decision making was amongst women’s basic rights and “we will continue our struggle to achieve our basic equal rights.” She said that in both sides of Kashmir women have been given nominal representation in governments and administrative set up which was a negation of the women’s rights. Raja Wasim Khan and Amir Udin Mughal, the PFP office bearers pled ged to continue their collective efforts with the collaboration of other NGOs and civil society entities for the uplifting of women. On this occasion Press for Peace distributed the Humanity Awards among the activists and volunteers to recognize their s elfless and glaring services for the victims of earthquake in the field of Education. Those who earned the decorations included Miss Sumera, Miss Nighat, Miss Shagufta, Miss Nashat Mughal, Miss Farzana, Miss Zahida Zaheer Jagwal, Miss Irum Jillani, Miss N oreen, Miss Komal, and Jalaludin Mughal.The gathering also offered Fateha for the departed soul of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

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Peace World powers urged to support rights movements for global peace Geneva,Switzerland, June 1, 2008 A two member’s delegation of Press for Peace (PFP) visited Geneva in order to highlight the significance of peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute. Executive D irector Zafar Iqbal and Afraz Naseer Khan, researcher during this visited called on with the repre sentatives of human rights organizations.

(PFP Delegation in Geneva)

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The PFP delegation informed different non governmental organizations (NGOs) and peace organisations about latest situation of human rights in South Asia, particularly about gross viola tions of human rights in divided state of Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan and other parts of the sub -continent. The PFP delegation highlighted the sufferings of Kashmir earthquake victims as well and called upon international monitoring of rebuilding work. Press for Peace (PFP) delegation called upon world powers to support democratic and public rights movements in underdeveloped parts of the world, particularly legitimized freedom struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in order to create an atmosphere of peace and prosperity in the volatile South Asian region. Referring support of some of the influential world powers to military dictatorship in Pakistan, the PFP head urged upon Western governments to support peoples’ rights movements and democratic elements, rather than sponsoring unelected governments and dictators. “Despite backing dictators in developing nations, the aspirations and decisions of people must be world champions of democracy”, he maintained.

honoured by

Referring composite dialogue between India and Pakistan for settlement of issues including permanent resolution of Kashmir dispute, Zafar Iqbal said the real objective of peace could only be achiev ed through participation of people of Kashmir in the dialogue process. “India and Pakistan must respect the will of the people of Kashmir in order to achieve peace and tranquility in the region”, he urged. The PFP head appreciated the role of international relief agencies for the welfare and rehabilitation of earthquake victims in northern Pakistan and demanded “international community must monitor the ongoing 34 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

reconstruction process to check alleged corruption and inefficiency of governments of Pakistan and Kashmir.”

Azad

PFP celebrated World Peace Day Celebrations Muzaffarabad: Press for Peace (PFP) observed World Peace Day with zeal and fervour to express solidarity with innocent peoples living in war and conflict zones in the world. The PFP arranged Se minars, rallies, walks and other events to highlight the need of existence of peace, particularly the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute. A large number of activists, including students and political workers marched from Central Press Club to UN office and handed over a memorandum to representatives of United Nations Military observers. In this occasion participants raised slogans in favour of peace and against the war and terrorism. The memorandum urged the UN to play its role to avert wars and conflic ts in various parts of world. It also demeaned to halt killing of civilians in military operations under US - led ‘War on Terror’ in northern parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Earlier, addressing to participants of Peace Rally in Central Press Club various speakers pledged for the prevalence of peace and harmony in the world for the security and betterment of its inhabitants. The speakers also demanded to stop military operations in Balochistan while recent killing of five girls in the name of honour in the province was also condemned. Renowned social worker and pattern of PFP Mrs. Tanveer Latif, Shoukat Javed Mir, Sahibzada Mehmood Advocate, Raja Wasim, Khawaja Sammad, Isthiaq Bukhari and leaders of local youth organizations addressed to the rally.

Bagh,Jammu and Kashmir World peace day was also celebrated in remote district of Bagh. Local chapter of PFP with collaboration of Action Aid arranged a seminar to mark the day. Addressing the event speakers highlighted the need of peace and tolerance in t he region. Wahid Shah, Sardar Ishtiaq, Raja Atique, Raja Ashraf, Yousaf Kashmiri, Raja Habib, Sardar Shoaib, and others addressed on the occasion.

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Environment

The PFP offered its generous support to the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to create awar about the protection of forests and natural resources.

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eness

PFP Environmental awareness walk 39 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

The PFP delegation held a meeting with Chief Conservation AJK Government Chaoudhary Aslam and supported and involved all campaigns launched by the AJ& K Government about the protection of environment and the forests. The PFP units also celebrated world environment day celebration with befitted manger.

(Muzaffarabad :PFP Executive Director meeting with Chaudhary M.Aslam Chief Conservator Forest Azad Kashmir)

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Networking with Partners

Action Aid, Press for Peace (PFP) pledge to continue rights struggle Bagh Jammu and Kashmir The Action Aid, an international humanitarian organization working in earthquake -hit areas of Northern Pakistan and divided state of Jammu & Kashmir, pledged to continue its struggle for the protection of rights of the earthquake victims till their final rehabilitation.

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This was stated by Adam Polter, Director Emergencies & Reconstructio reception hosted by Press for Peace (PFP ).

n Project (ERP) of the Action Aid in a

Referring the efforts made by his organization to highlight and address the sufferings of the earthquake victims of NWFP and Jammu & Kashmir, Director ERP said that his organ ization had played a major role in this regard in collaboration with other partner organisations. He said that problems faced in the reconstruction of educational institutes in District Bagh could only be resolved with effective monitoring by local communi ty. 42 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

Press for Peace Co -ordinator Yousaf Kashmiri said that PFP had extended its full cooperation and assistance to all international NGOs and donor agencies in their humanitarian efforts to help people of the affected areas in all parts of Jammu & Kashmir. On this occasion, Wahid Shah, District In -charge Action Aid, was awarded a commendation certificate by the distinguished guest for his splendid services in humanitarian work. Yousaf Kashmiri, district co -ordinator PFP, Wahid Shah, district In -charge Acti on Aid, Raja Zakir, Raja Ashraf, Shoukat Taimoor, Tahir Shah, Zahid Gillani, Imran Gillani and others also spoke on the occasion.

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Capacity Build Building

Training workshops and consultations were held in Bagh, peace, women rights, rights of indigenous people.

Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Mirpur on Environment,

Outcome: more than fifty activists including women’s were trained in these events.

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(Neelum:Ammirudin Mughal Director PFP Board of Trustees with Mr.Patrick J.Parson Program Coordinator Merlin)

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ORGANIZTIONAL AFFARIS Reception in Muzaffarabad: A reception was arranged in the capital city, Muzaffarabad for the founder of the organization on his arrival after completion of his education from the UK. Addressing the event different speakers appreciated the services of the PFP and said that this small NGO proved that local resources could be chennalized effectively for the well being of the humanity. The reception was addressed by Raja Wasim, Sard Asif Mir and others.

ar Zulfiqar, Aslam Mir, Tahir Farooqi, Khawaja Khursheed,

Zafar Iqal urged all local partners and journalists to work collectively for the development and uplifting of the rural areas and deprived sections of the society. Giving the examples of developed countries he said that even the United Nations, which also enjoys the official endorsement and support of world community, can not implement its plans and actions without the support and help of regional and local humanitarian and development organizations, therefore, NGOs have to change their approach in the implementation of project. He hoped that with the collaboration and coordinated networking, the pace of development and social change could be turned more effective and result o riented.

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Miss Eva Maria Awarded ‘Activist of the Year Award’ by PFP Muzaffarabad, 20 Sept, 2008: Press for Peace(PFP ) awarded "Activist of the Year Award" on " World Peace Day -2008" to Eva Maria Teja Mayer, a devoted peace advocate, down -to-earth believer in human values and human rights activist from Austria.

Eva Maria Teja Mayer is an active member of Press for Peace (PFP) since 2006. As a social worker and peace activist, she has bestowed her love to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the people of quake -hit areas in Pakistan Administrated Kashmir and demonstrated her unflinching 47 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace

adoration for the noble cause of working for the welfare of ailing humanity. She visited the quake -hit areas in 2006 to find intimate overview of the situation and upon return wrote a book "A New Morning for Munir: A tale from Kashmir", which is a story about youth responsibilit y, friendship, brotherhood and faith in Allah. She has visited IHK twice and has highlighted Kashmiris’s right of self determination and human rights violations committed by Indian troops in various German and English publications. She has been actively en gaged in delivering lectures about history, culture, art and freedom struggle of Kashmir in various institutes, particularly schools and colleges in Austria. She is a prolific writer, researcher and free -lance journalist. She was born in 1962 in Vienna. S he has extensively studied ancient history and antiquity, archaeology, Oriental and Western cultures and different religions of the world. She has been in constant contact with eastern societies and ever been determined to go through the intricacies of Suf ism and Spiritualism. She has a lot of literary, social and educational work in her credit. She is qualified in alternative healing techniques, energy work and psychology ( Reiki etc.). She has worked on various assignments in Austria and Germany. As a sp ecial initiative, she undertook an in depth study of the Indian culture and society as well as Indian Healing Methods. She has been in Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia and Romania to participate in various activities. She was awarded Mira Lobe Scholarship i n 2005 for Children and youth literature.

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New team members Ejaz Ur Rehman

Ejaz Ur -Rehman was appointed as Dirctor PFP UK. Ejaz Ur -Rehman is an ardent and enthusiastic conservationist. He did his MSc in Habitat Creation and Management from Staffordshire University, UK. He has also MSc (Botany) in his credit, which he earned from University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. He has been affiliated with the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan. E. Rehman has extensive experience of working in the field of social mobilization and rural development. He has also been associated with the Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP) in Pakistan. With PRSP, he successfully completed the task of disseminating philosophy, concept and skills of par ticipatory development approach of his organization at grassroots levels. During his stay with the PRSP, he facilitated the rural communities of remote areas in

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mobilization of indigenous resources (human, financial, physical and natural) for development i nterventions. He has an extensive knowledge of different perspectives of nature conservation and land management. He is particularly well -versed in ecological surveys, identification skills and habitat mapping (GIS and DGPS technologies). He has been invol ved in a research work carried out at the mountains of Picos De Eurpa in Spain. E. Rehman is also an astute researcher and is ambitious to nature conservation and preservation of biological resources. His articles on ethno -botany, environmental issues, for est habitat situation and impact of armed conflict on environment have been published in different international journals and periodicals.

Conferences and trainings

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Luv Puri –The Fulbritht scholar Renowned journalist and researcher Luv Puri, who is also working as Director with the PFP, was selected for the US Fulbright scholarship to complete his research degree from New York University. Sarfraz Ali-Thomson Foundation PFP media director Sarfraz Ali attended a short training course on International journalism organized by the The Thomason Foundation, UK.

Building new communication strategies PFP Web Portal: A web portal of PFP was created in order to disseminate its information across the glob. Now PFP is accessible via net at: www.pressforpeace.org.uk

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“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” (A.J.Muste)

52 Annual Report 2008 | Press for Peace