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Kashmiri kids make a prision on snow

All Rights Reserved

Annual Report – 2019
Published by: Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR)
Basement, Rubani Center, Allah Wali Market,
Street 33, Sector F-8/1, Islamabad-Pakistan
Tel: +92 51 8313723-4
Website: www.kiir.org.pk
Email: info@kiir.org.pk
The Kashmir Institute of International Relations is a non-profit, non-partisan;
non-governmental organization established in 1993. With the motto of “Peace
through Dialogue”, KIIR is working for a peaceful South Asia, with special
emphasis on Kashmir to reduce human sufferings by resolving the conflict.
Extracts from this book can be reproduced with prior written approval of the
publisher.

Copyright: © Kashmir Institute of International Relations

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KIIR AN
INTRODUCTION
The Kashmir Institute of International
Relations is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-
governmental organization established in
1993 in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir. With
the motto of ‘Peace through Dialogue’,
KIIR is working for a peaceful South Asia.
KIIR believes peace can only be achieved
by the resolution of the Kashmir dispute
through substantive dialogue between
India, Pakistan and Kashmiris. To achieve
this goal, KIIR has engaged policymakers
and policy implementers: Members of
Parliament, Political Activists, Lawyers,
Journalists, Academics and Social Activists.
KIIR is working to enhance the capacity of
Kashmiri civil society actors in the areas of
reconciliation, negotiation skills and conflict
resolution. The objective of these initiatives
is to facilitate dialogue that is conducive to
reconciliation and peace in the region.
OBJECTIVES
KIIR has been working on various levels, which
include organizing conflict analysis workshops
capacity building training, and leadership level
dialogues. Drawing upon various faith-based
traditions to promote consensus with regards
to peace-building at the grass root level, KIIR
works to:
• Develop a cadre of next-generation Kashmiri leaders
who are committed to transforming the political,
social and spiritual dynamics of the region through
faith-based reconciliation;
• Build momentum for peace on an incremental basis;
first by working with the individual parties to the
conflict and, later by working with them collectively
after establishing a co-operative attitude.
• Impart moral vision and promote forgiveness.
PRINCIPLES
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Creative approaches to analyze and identify methods
in resolving conflicts.
RECONCILIATION
Preparing ground for political, ethnic, religious and
different identity based groups to find the common
grounds.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Monitoring the violation of civil liberties, fundamental
democratic and human rights in Kashmir.
SUSTAINED ENGAGEMENT
Engaging regional and international institutions to
support the sustenance of the peace process.
COLLABORATION
Cultivating strategic partnerships with local and
international interest groups in finding solutions to the
disputes.
FACILITATION
Supporting Kashmiri stakeholders in capacity building
efforts.
RESEARCH ADVOCACY
Creating knowledge and sharing research findings with
partners and the wider public.
TRANSFORMATION
Facilitating behavioral and institutional changes in the
approaches to conflict resolution.
BRIDGE-BUILDING
Allowing policy-makers and civil society leaders
regardless of their political allegiances, to jointly
participate in developing the peace process.
KIIR has initiated several international and Kashmir-
based activities in collaboration with various funding
partners, think tanks and non-governmental organizations
for promoting peace in Kashmir. These activities
comprised of seminars, workshops and training programs,
and sought to build and strengthen conflict-resolution
capacity of civil society members in AJK. Moreover,
KIIR delegations visited different countries and held
meaningful talks with government officials, think tanks
and NGOs in order to develop linkages and exchange
information.
 During these years, KIIR has been involved in different
activities with several organizations of international
repute, including the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy
Washington DC, International Centre for Religion and
Diplomacy, Washington, DC, United States Institute for
Peace, Centre for Strategic and International Studies -
Washington DC, Henry L Stimson Centre - Washington
DC, Conciliation Resources, Muslim Judicial Council -
South Africa, Human Rights Foundation - South Africa,
and the Institute of Culture and Languages - Vienna.
ORGANIZATIONAL
COMPONENTS
Following its gradual transformation from a small, local
non-profit, organization to an institution of global
repute, KIIR has emerged, in terms of its influence
and outreach, as one of the leading research and
advocacy organization in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
The organization has particularly focused upon young
men and women, leaders in the socio-political sphere,
marginalized communities affected by longstanding
conflict, and the media. To achieve its mission, KIIR has
implemented a wide array of small-, mid- and long-term
projects in all parts of Azad Kashmir with a focus on
Democratic Governance, Peace and Harmony, Disaster
Response and Institutional Strengthening. KIIR’s biggest
strength lies in its well-trained team and partner entities
that include youth, women and community groups,
organizations and networks, think tanks, and religious and
political leadership at local, district and state levels.
of human rights violation in Indian occupied Kashmir
to the United Nations Special Rapporteur, United
Nations Human Rights Council, and Office of the
High commissioner on Human Rights, global think
tanks, human rights watchdogs and other stakeholders.
Since 2005, KIIR has been regularly publishing yearly
and quarterly reports, pamphlets, and handbills on
human rights violations which are widely circulated and
appreciated at national and International level. KIIR
delegation regularly attends sessions of Human Rights
Council in Geneva and has developed a close liaison with
UN agencies. At home, KIIR organizes conferences,
seminars, and workshops to educate local communities
and highlight the plight of people of Kashmir. The
organization provides means of peaceful expression to
political activists, scholars, and students on the Kashmir
cause. At the International level, Kashmir Institute
facilitates seminars and conference in Geneva and other
places on different subjects of human rights, inviting
leaders of International stature and International human
rights experts to express their feeling on the human rights
situation of Indian occupied Kashmir. The highlights of
our Human Rights Program are as follows:

HUMAN RIGHTS
ADVOCACY
Human rights advocacy is the cornerstone of KIIR’s
work for peace building and giving voice to the voiceless.
Shah Ghulam Qadir speaker AJK assembly founder chairman KIIR
The Human Rights Desk at KIIR regularly monitors, addressing at Pakistan embassy Jakarta
documents and disseminates information about incidents

Shah Ghulam Qadir speaker AJK assembly founder chairman KIIR with the parliamentary delegation at ISSI Indonesia.

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 Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR with
Ms. Maria Fernanda Espinosa UNGA President at UN Geneva.

Democratic Freedom Party organized a seminar titled “Kashmir Freedom

Struggle & Role of Shabir Ahmed Shah” on 15th January, 2019 at
Islamabad Hotel, Presided over by Moulana Fazul-u-Rehman & moderated
by Altaf Hussain Wani.

Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan, Executive Director at KIIR with Ms. Maria
Fernanda Espinosa UNGA President at UN Geneva.

Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR and Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan,
Executive Director at KIIR with the foreign ministers in UN Geneva.

A seminar titled UN Kashmir Report and Right To Self Determination Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan, Executive Director at
organized by Kashmir Institute of International Relations in collaboration with KIIR with President Switzerland at UN Geneva.
Department of Law University of AJK Muzaffarabad on 09th January, 2019.

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 Kashmiri delegation with Michael Forst UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

Altaf Hussain Wani briefs the foreign diplomats on Kashmir Conflict at

KIIR office, Islamabad on Feb.19, 2019.

January 20, 2019: Altaf Hussain Wani Director Programs KIIR briefs US
delegation, under Professional Fellows Program on Governance & Society,
about Kashmir Dispute. Thanks to Ms. Mahreen Abassi for arranging &
facilitating this fruitful discussion.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, during oath taking ceremony of Model State Youth
Assembly AJK held at Kashmir House Islamabad. Members of Assembly,
Council & newly elected PM, Speaker & dy. Speaker discussed “Role of
AJK Youth in Ongoing Freedom Struggle in IOK on 7 April, 2019.

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 Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR,
presenting annual Human Rights report of IOK to
Chairman Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Syed Fakhar Amam.

A roundtable discussion on “Abrogation of Article370: Implications and

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman Kashmir Institute of International
Policy Options for Pakistan” organized by Islamabad Policy Institute IPI
Relations (KIIR) called on Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry,
on August 7th, 2019. Prof. Syed Muhammad Sajjad Shabbir ED IPI with
Director General (ISSI) on 09th May, 2019
other distinguished speakers including Mr Altaf Hussain Wani (Chairman
at Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.
KIIR), Amb (R) Abdul Basit (Former High Commissioner of Pak to India), Mr
Khalid Banuri (Former DG ACDA, SPD)
& Dr. Raja Qaiser Ahmed (Asst. Prof. SPIR, QAU).

6th August, 2019: Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman KIIR, with His
Excellency Ambassador Mr. Mohamed Karmoune,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman KIIR, addressing the students of Law Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR during a Press Briefing on “India’s
& IR from different universities of Pakistan & AJK who completed their Illegal Actions in Jammu and Kashmir and Diplomatic & Legal Responses”
internship with Kashmir Policy Research Institute, a Government own by Kashmir Youth Forum YFK at National Press Club, Islamabad on August
think tank at Muzaffarabad AJK on August 6, 2019. 7th, 2019.

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 Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR, addressing the participants at the
National Conference on “Kashmir Crisis - Emerging Scenarios” organized
by Center for Peace, Security & Developmental Studies (CPSD) at Serena
Hotel, Islamabad on September 2, 2019.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR, addressing during a roundtable

“Revocation of the Article370 by the Indian Government – Implications,
Challenges & Way Forward” organized by Center for Pakistan & Gulf
Studies, Islamabad, on Friday, August 9, 2019.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman KIIR, addressing a seminar titled

“Revocation of Article370 & 35A by India, options for Pakistan,” organized
by Department of Media & Communication Studies, International Islamic
University Islamabad (IIUI).

Memorandum submitted by Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Syed Faiz Naqshbandi

Kashmir Institute of International Relations organized a seminar in Convener APHC & senior members of APHC to UN MILITARY OBSERVER
collaboration with AlMoalam Foundation on August 28th, 2019 at GROUP IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN on January 5th 2019, day of Self-
Muzaffarabad, AJK. Determination of Kashmiris.

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 Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR addressing a seminar titled
“Kashmir Conflict: Current Scenario: Way Forward under International
Law, organized by Kashmir Institute of International Relations in
collaboration with Dept. of Law AJK University Muzaffarabad on 27
October, 2019.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR addressing during the 2nd session
of the conference “Keeping Kashmir Alive on Global Agenda: Legal &
Political Aspects on the Humanitarian Crisis” organized by SDPI at Serena
Hotel Islamabad today on December 13, 2019.

40TH SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL GENEVA,
Mr.Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman KIIR, addressing the participants of SWITZERLAND.
3rd Annual Convention organized by Progressive Youth Movement,
Muzaffarabad on 9th Dec, 2019.
25th Feb – 22nd March, 2019
Nine members Kashmiri delegation attended 40th
session of United Nations Human Rights Council held at
Geneva from 25th Feb-22nd March, 2019.
a) Seminars:

Mr.Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman KIIR addressing the participants

of a conference “Pakistaniat: An Intrinsic Part of Kashmiri Freedom
Movement” organized by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security “Combating Impunity” on 05th March, 2019
Studies at the President Secretariat, Muzaffarabad on 10 December, 2019.

kiirnpo | www.kiir.org.pk

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 “Women Human Rights Challenges” 07th March, 2019

c) Protest Demonstration outside UN Geneva.

41ST SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL GENEVA,
SWITZERLAND.

24th June – 12th July, 2019

Eleven members Kashmiri delegation attended 41st
session of United Nations Human Rights Council held at
Geneva from June 24 -July 12, 2019.

“UN Kashmir Report and Right to Self-determination”, 11th March, 2019. Kashmir UN Kashmir Report Call for Act
on July 1st 2019

b) Photo Exhibition at Geneva Press Club

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 Protest Demonstration outside United Nations Geneva on 1st July, 2019
Around 135 people participated in the protest demonstration.

Women and Children Rights in Conflicts, July 2, 2019

Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance, 10th July, 2019. Photo Exhibition at Geneva Press Club, July 1, 2019

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 42ND SESSION OF
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL GENEVA,
Sep 9-27, 2019
Ten members Kashmiri delegation attended 42nd
session of United Nations Human Rights Council held at
Geneva from Sep 9-27, 2019.

a) Seminars:

Seminar titled “UN Kashmir Repot; Kashmir Lockdown and Impending

Humanitarian Crisis”, on Sep 20th, 2019.

d)Protest Demonstration outside UN Geneva.

Seminar titled Kashmir siege and Responsibility of Diaspora, Sep 09th, 19

Seminar titled “Women in Conflict:

Challenges and Responsibilities” on Sep 13th, 2019.

Seminar titled, “Excessive Use of Force”, on Sep 17th 2019.

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Banner and Posters Display From 1st – 5th July, 2019

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 KIIR CALENDER OF EVENTS 2019
S# EVENT DATE PLACE
March 23, 2019
1. One-day Training on Conflict Based Disaster Management Bagh & Rawalakot
April 13, 2019
2. Building & Promoting Narratives with Migrant Youth of AJK April 27, 2019 Muzaffarabad
3. Building & Promoting Narratives with 2nd Tier Leaders April 28, 2019 Muzaffarabad
AJK + GB Joint women Meeting: Creating Spaces for shared Learning
4. April 27 & 28, 2019 Islamabad
and connecting across Regions
5. 1 day Training on Mediation and Peacebuilding April 29, 2019 Muzaffarabad
6. Iftar meeting with AJK Journalists May 9, 2019 Islamabad
7. Iftar meeting with Young Political leadership of AJK May 13, 2019 Islamabad
8. Iftar meeting with Trainees & Civil Society Activists May 28, 2019 Islamabad
“Commemorating the First Death Anniversary of Dr. Syed Shujaat
9. June 14, 2019 Islamabad
Bukhari”
10. “Journalism Ethics & Contemporary Needs” June 15, 2019 Bagh
11. “New Media Approaches-Media & Communication in the 21st Century” June 16, 2019 Bagh
June 29 , 2019
Bagh &
12. Building & Promoting Narratives – with 2nd Tier Leaders June 30, 2019
Islamabad
July 6, 2019
13. Training the Trainers July 13 & 14, 2019 Islamabad
August 24, 2019
August 25, 2019
14. Building & Promoting Narratives Bagh
August 31, 2019
September 1, 2019
15. Capacity Building of Migrant Youth August 28, 2019 Muzaffarabad
Round table Conference on Current Situation in IOK and the Role of
16. August 29, 2019 Rawalakot
Media
September 20, 2019
Muzaffarabad &
17. One day Training on Conflict Based Disaster Management September 21, 2019
Bagh
September 22, 2019
18. NEWS Reporting Trends & Opportunities for Media October 5 & 6, 2019 Rawalakot
September 28, 2019 Muzaffarabad
October 12, 2019 Rawalakot
19. AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshops, 2019 October 13, 2019 Bagh
October 19, 2019 Mirpur
October 20, 2019 Kotli
November 16, 2019
November 17, 2019 Bagh
Building & Promoting Narratives with Migrant youth & 2nd Tier November 30, 2019 Rawalakot
20.
Leadership December 01, 2019 Kotli
December 28, 2019 Mirpur
December 29, 2019
21. Journalism Utilizing Social Media December 13, 2019 Bagh
22. “Speak for Kashmir “All AJK Declamation Contest’’, BAGH, AJK” December 14, 2019 Bagh
December 15, 2019 Rawalakot
23. One day training workshop on Conflict Based Disaster Management December 21, 2019 Mirpur
December 27, 2019 Kotli

November 16, 2019 Islamabad

November 30, 2019 Hattian
24. AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshops, 2019 December 1, 2019 Muzaffarabad
December 10, 2019 Bhimber
December 14, 2019 Rawalakot

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 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
KIIR provides space to all political parties, and religious
and ethnic groups to discuss and agree upon common
grounds. Activities are aimed towards the inclusion of
Kashmiris in the resolution of Kashmir dispute and
peace building. Over the years, KIIR has arranged
several training programs for political leaders and
parliamentarian of Azad Jammu and Kashmir engaging
different think tanks and experts. For greater awareness,
KIIR organized workshops and training programs for
young political leaders in AJK. Efforts were made to
create consensus on issues of significance, with reference
to the Kashmir conflict.
457 new participants from different districts of AJK.
Keeping in view of their situation, KIIR has adopted a
new approach in this phase of the programme. KIIR has
developed new policy for young political leaders in all
ten districts of Azad Kashmir to focus more upon youth
leaders & the lives of people living in and around conflict-
areas and highlight their challenges to resolve them. The
highlights of our Political Development programme are
as follows:

KIIR intends to build upon the solid foundation it has

established since 2013 by grooming the next generation
of leaders. KIIR has adopted a new approach in this
phase of the programme. In this year 2019, KIIR
organized new series of training sessions titled Building
& Promoting Narratives, 2019 in all major cities of Azad
Kashmir to focus more upon the young leaders’ affiliated
with different organizations of AJK and highlighted
their issues & challenges to resolve them. KIIR intends
to develop the core capabilities of second tier leaders
affiliated with political parties and build the capacity
to develop policies that can change the landscape of
Kashmir conflict. These individuals are well placed in
a variety of key government bodies, civil services and
political parties allowing them to create change from
within a relatively slow moving system. The program
consists of two components: Leadership & Change
Management.

With leadership, we focused on the following

areas:

1. Fostering effective relationships

Speak for Kashmir “All AJK Declamation Contest,
2. Understanding others (empathy) 14 December, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

3. Effective communication

4. Breaking down silos

Under change management, participants learned

the following:

1. Creating urgency

2. Involving people

3. Asking the right questions

4. Managing resistance

5. Creating small wins

In this Year 2019, we were able to engage youth

leaders from different districts of AJK. In our Political
Development Program, we have engaged and trained

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 Building & Promoting Narratives, 28th April, 2019, University of AJK,
Muzaffarabad, AJK.

Building & Promoting Narratives,

24th August, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

Iftar meeting with Young Political leadership of AJK,

13 May, 2019, Islamabad.

Building & Promoting Narratives,

31st August, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

Building & Promoting Narratives,

29th June, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

“Building & Promoting Narratives,

16th November, 2019, BAGH, AJK”

“Building & Promoting Narratives,

Building & Promoting Narratives,
30th November, 2019, BAGH, AJK
6th July, 2019, Islamabad.

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“Building & Promoting Narratives,
1st December, 2019, Rawalakot, AJK”
“Building & Promoting Narratives,
28th December, 2019, University of Kotli, Kotli, AJK”
Building & Promoting Narratives,
29th December, 2019, Mirpur, AJK.
MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
An efficient, well-resourced media is crucial for
safeguarding of peace. While there is increasing
recognition of media and its positive and negative
potential in relation to Kashmir conflict, there is relatively
little accessible evidence on what works, guidance for
journalists, or attention from policy makers. Keeping
in view these challenges and needs, KIIR has been
regularly contributing towards creating an environment
of learning, professional growth and setting of standards
to enhance quality of journalism in the region. Through
dialogues, workshops, conferences and trainings – the
organization is empowering journalists to present
the true picture of ground realities Likewise, KIIR is
facilitating media to disseminate reliable information
about Kashmir conflict; and represent a range of views
sufficient for communities in this region to make well-
informed choices. The multi-pronged support provided
by KIIR, led to important developments in the overall
journalistic environment. A major development of
KIIR was formation of joint platforms for journalists in
the Kashmir region. The objective was to share news,
conflict-related reports and concerns about journalist’s
safety. Creation of ‘Jammu and Kashmir Joint Media
Forum’ in 2018 opened doors for greater interaction
between journalists working in all parts of Kashmir.
With support from KIIR, journalists in AJK had the
opportunity to interact with senior journalists of Pakistan.
We also facilitated many journalists of AJK to get
membership of ‘All Pakistan Newspaper Society’ (APNS).
KIIR launched a new set of training programs for young
journalists of AJK who never had an opportunity to
learn and lead in their field. This initiative was highly
appreciated by the journalist community and the various
government departments who are linked to this area
of interest. The feedback of these trainings has been
very positive. Based on the positive feedback, KIIR is
planning to further extend its outreach to those media
actors that need capacity-building support for improved
performance.
In this year 2019, KIIR organized different training
workshops, engaging young journalists of AJK to get
familiar with latest development in media industry. To
refine their skills in journalism, many new software tools
and social apps were introduced and knowledge resources
that are required for effective conflict based journalism.
By developing their own news reports, journalists worked
in groups on local issues and presented their outputs.
The main objective of these training programs was to
highlight common issues of conflict based journalism, the
difficulties which kashmiri journalists are facing (especially
in current scenario when there is complete lockdown in
Indian Occupied Kashmir after revocation of article 370
& 35A) while practicing their profession, to get familiar
with social sites, learn new techniques & utilize social
media for effective news reporting and to improve their
work by highlighting Kashmir issue more effectively and
efficiently. Another main objective of these trainings was
to encourage young journalists to participate more and
more in such trainings to get familiar with social media
advancements for exposure. Here are the main points of
these training workshops.
• Getting familiar with the new techniques by using
social sites for effective reporting.
• Enhancement of journalistic skills by introducing new
social sites and tools.
• Improve reporting in media organizations and
improve quality of News Reporting.
• To improve standards of News reporting by
monitoring audience interest.
• Interacting with social media users for improvement.
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 • Interacting with international social media activists
apprise them about the ongoing situation of Indian
Occupied Kashmir.

Different types of digital content platforms were

shared. With the help of advanced technological tools,
journalists analyzed their usage of media for educational,
information, entertainment, inspirational, support and
advocacy needs. They learnt about differences between
traditional and digital journalism and how change is
putting pressures on both types of professionals.

In 2019, we were able to engage young & experienced

journalists including women from all parts of AJK. In
our Media Development Program, we have engaged
and trained 157 new participants from all parts of AJK.
“Commemorating the First Death Anniversary of Dr. Syed Shujaat
Keeping in view of the conflict situation, KIIR has Bukhari”, 14 June, 2019, Islamabad.
adopted a new approach in this phase of the programme.
KIIR has adopted new policy for journalists by utilizing
Jammu Kashmir Joint Media Forum (JKJMF) as medium
to focus more upon the lives of the people living in
and around conflict-areas and highlight their issues &
challenges to resolve them. The highlights of our Media
Development programme are as follows:

“Journalism Ethics & Contemporary Needs”,

15 June, 2019, BAGH Press Club, BAGH, AJK.

“New Media Approaches-Media & Communication in the 21st Century”,

16 June, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

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Round table Conference on Current Situation in IOK
and the Role of Media, Rawalakot, 29 August, 2019.
“NEWS Reporting Trends & Opportunities for Media”,
5 & 6 October, 2019, Rawalakot, AJK”
Journalism Utilizing Social Media,
13 December, 2019, BAGH, AJK.
GENDER PROGRAM
KIIR is committed to empower women in the AJK
region. The gender component, which was considered
as a crosscutting theme, has emerged as a direct focus
area. It is now working as a full-fledged component
having multiple prongs of grassroots interventions
designed to enhance women’s social, economic and
political participation in Kashmir. The organization had
undertaken several activities over the years to create an
enabling environment for women, particularly in the
social, economic and political sectors. The program has
successfully mobilized and developed a new generation
of women leaders from all parts of the Azad Jammu
and Kashmir region. So far more than three hundred
young women, social and political leaders, and academics
have received training, advice and linkages development
support from KIIR. These women are now coming up
with new social campaigns, entrepreneurial initiatives
and political actions to identify common challenges
and develop shared solutions. Particularly in the past
seven years, KIIR has undertaken following activities for
emerging women leaders in AJK to polish their leadership
skills and enhance linkages.
2013 4 capacity building workshops on Conflict
Analysis (Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur,
Islamabad)
2014 Organized cross-LoC women dialogue in
Philippines
2015 First ever research study analyzing the impact
of conflict on women living along LOC tilted:
Voices Unheard Stories Untold: The Plight of
Women in Neelum Valley.
2016 Gender Sensitive Legislation Workshop
(Islamabad)
•Policy dialogue on Enhancing Spaces for
Political Participation of Women (Islamabad)
•Round table on women as agents of change
(Kotli)
2017 Four Leadership-Training Workshops
(Rawlakot, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad) Islamabad.
2017-18 4 Leadership and conflict Resolution trainings,
for young women (Islamabad, Rawlakot,
Muzaffarabad, Mirpur)
2019 AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing
Training Workshops, 2019 (Islamabad,
Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad, BAGH, Kotli,
Mirpur, Hattian, Bhimber)
Since 2013, KIIR has been engaging and bringing
together women from across all divisions of AJK (Mirpur,
Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, BAGH). Through
various capacity building workshops, leadership and
conflict resolution trainings, and policy dialogues, KIIR
has supported a large constituency of AJK women
in articulating their voices and claiming spaces for
themselves in the existing civic platforms. KIIR has
enabled them to think creatively and claim their lost
spaces and see their larger role in resolution of the
conflict, of which they are the biggest victim.
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 This is done through creating an environment for
collaborative learning by setting a tradition of reaching
out to communities which are voiceless or unheard in
the Kashmir conflict including women suffering directly
from shelling at the Line of Control (LoC), and women
who want their narratives to be heard and feed into policy
making processes relating to the conflict. Our gender
program also focuses on identifying and building the
capacities of women who are willing to contribute in the
political processes over the Kashmir conflict, and see their
leadership role in resolving this conflict. We work with a
huge constituency of aware and motivated women who
are seeking their spaces in political processes to make
their voices heard and see their leadership role. With
these and multitude of other interventions, KIIR has
strengthened women’s voices, and provided a platform to
harness enhanced recognition and receptivity for women’s
participation in social, economic and political affairs,
equally, freely and meaningfully.

For years, the ‘Kashmir Institute of International

Relations’ (KIIR) has been calling out to the global and
local civil society, the decision makers and to the media,
about sufferings of thousands of Kashmiri women
affected by continuing conflict situation in the region.
However, the matter has received little attention and
there is an apparent lack of interest and awareness in
the public. Because of longstanding neglect, there is
AJK + GB Joint women Meeting: Creating Spaces for shared Learning and
an acute dearth of data and analysis about how the connecting across regions, 27-28 April, 2019, Islamabad.
continuing conflict in Kashmir is impacting upon the
lives of local women as they are almost invisible from
social and political discourse. Likewise, narratives are
nowhere that could portray women’s hopes, challenges
and opportunities in their own words. Because of lack of
voice and representation, there is little sensitization within
the society and decision-makers to look into their issues
with a broader lens. This lack of focus and information is
severely costing the women in conflict-hit regions as they
languish in an ever-worsening cycle of poverty, exclusion
and inequality.

Keeping in view of their situation, KIIR is developing

‘Women Peace Circles’ (WPCs) in all ten districts of Azad
Kashmir to focus more upon the lives of women living in
and around conflict-areas and highlight their challenges
to resolve them. In the year 2019, we were able to engage
youth from all parts of AJK. In our Gender Program,
we have engaged and trained 288 new participants
from different colleges, universities and other private
organizations. The highlights of our Gender programme
are as follows:

AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop, 28

One day Training on Mediation and Peacebuilding, September, 2019, Muzaffarabad, AJK.
29 April 2019 Muzaffarabad-AJK.

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AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop,
12 October, 2019, Rawlakot, AJK.

AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop, AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop,
19 October, 2019, Mirpur, AJK. 13 October, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

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 CAPACITY BUILDING OF IDPS
KIIR believes that young people, as members of a
dynamic group, can play a crucial role in positively
transforming conflict situations and in building the
foundations of democratic and peaceful society.
Displacements across the Line of Control (LoC) have
been a permanent issue since 1947. There were several
waves of migrations in 1947, 1965 and then after 1989
which is continuing until today. According to AJK
government figures, there are around 15,000 families
(45000+ people) of migrants, majority of which are
living in camps established by the government of
AJK in Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Mirpur divisions.
Government of Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir are
taking care of these camps. Governments of AJK and
Pakistan and some non-governmental organizations are
contributing to their wellbeing.

A large population of these migrants is young people.

Scars of a troubled past are visible on those young men
and women who migrated from Indian-held Kashmir
after 1989 or were born in families who migrated in that
period. Since they are recently divided from their families,
the sense of deprivation and grief is more intense within
them. Human rights abuses in Indian-occupied Kashmir
and denial to a way forward for a peaceful resolution
AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop, 20 October,
of the Kashmir issue has aggravated their frustration.
2019, Kotli, AJK.
Young women and men from migrated communities are
particularly affected by multiple challenges at all levels. In
order to mitigate the challenges KIIR has been working
with young women and men who grew up in refugee
camps for many years.

The series of consultative workshops in previous years

AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop 30th
November, 2019, Hattian, AJK.
provided spaces for dialogue on ways for peaceful conflict
resolution, peace building, human rights and advocacy.
The major focus was skill building of potential youth and
their involvement in advocacy of human right abuses
with the Kashmiris by the authorities especially in IOK.
This methodology mobilized the youth towards peaceful
means rather than adopting violent behaviors. Now
there are many youth in AJK who are pro-active agents
of peace in their communities, in their schools and work
places.

Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR)

has engaged in the capacity building of young
migrants who have been displaced due to the Kashmir
conflict. According to government figures, there are
around 15,000 families (45,000+ citizens) of migrants,
majority of which are living in camps established by
the government of AJK in Muzaffarabad, Poonch and
Mirpur divisions.

KIIR intends to build upon the solid foundation it has

established since 2013 by grooming the migrant youth
AJK Women Peace Circles – Story Writing Training Workshop 1st who are living in refugee camps and working in different
December, 2019, Muzaffarabad, AJK. government and private organizations. In this year 2019,
KIIR organized new series of training sessions titled

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Building & Promoting Narratives, 2019 in all major cities
of Azad Kashmir to focus more upon the lives of migrant
youth affiliated with different organizations of AJK and
highlight their issues and challenges to resolve them.
KIIR intends to develop the core capabilities of youth
and build the capacity to develop policies that can change
the landscape of Kashmir conflict. These individuals
are well placed in a variety of key government bodies,
civil services and political parties allowing them to create
change from within a relatively slow moving system.
The program consists of two components: Leadership & Building & Promoting Narratives, 27th April, 2019, University of AJK,
Change Management. Muzaffarabad, AJK.
With leadership, we focused on the following
areas:

• Fostering effective relationships

• Understanding others (empathy)

• Effective communication

• Breaking down silos

Under change management, participants learned Building & Promoting Narratives,

the following: 30th June, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

• Creating urgency

• Involving people

• Asking the right questions

• Managing resistance

What we have accomplished

• KIIR initiated workshops for youth with the title ‘Our

Culture – Our Hopes’. Under this initiative, KIIR
mobilized youth living in refugee camps to become
peace advocates with cultural tools.

• A special focus was placed on young women and the

engagement of vulnerable youth.

• Through this initiative, KIIR raised the awareness

of young women and men of the possibilities to act
as peace leaders and cultural innovators in their Building & Promoting Narratives,
communities. 25th August, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

KIIR addressed the areas of improvements for young

migrants and also equip them with the ability to
empathize with other migrants. Furthermore, we intend
to impart change management skills so our participants
can push for real results in terms of changing mindsets
within their communities towards building peace in the
region.

In this Year 2019, we were able to engage migrant

youth from all districts of AJK. In our Migrant Youth
Programme, we have engaged and trained 201 new
participants by building their capacities’. The highlights Capacity Building of Migrant Youth,
of our Migrant programme are as follows: August 28th, 2019, Muzaffarabad AJK.

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Building & Promoting Narratives,
1st September, 2019, BAGH, AJK.
Building & Promoting Narratives,
17th November, 2019, Boys Degree College, BAGH, AJK.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT proper planning can reduce the risk of disasters.
KIIR believes that it is essential to equip local
communities with knowledge and skills, to handle
conflict-based crises and natural disasters. This
component of KIIR’s program has initiated a wide
spectrum of activities starting with disaster preparedness
and mitigation, and moving on to response in disaster-
hit communities. KIIR is primarily focusing on building
capacity, implementing best practices, and generating
knowledge regarding disaster management in disaster-
prone areas of AJK. The primary beneficiaries of this
program are youth of AJK, particularly those studying in
universities. It has been observed that youth in AJK lack
knowledge, skills and platforms to act as first response
in any type of disaster. Therefore, KIIR is making
efforts to develop a cadre of equipped and motivated
men and women that can quickly join hands with local
disaster response mechanisms as volunteers, when a crisis
hits. Availability of trained youth in disaster response
techniques have enhances resilience among communities
for disaster response.
It has created safer neighborhoods and increased sense
of ownership among members of the community by
generating discourse on local vulnerable groups and
structures. The component has particularly benefited
education institutions in AJK where youth-groups have
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been mobilized to vigilantly look at local demographic,
political and environmental conditions; and prepare plans
for disaster response. Such initiatives have promoted an
atmosphere of healthy activities in education institutions
by providing the students with opportunities to learn and
employ new skills. KIIR is working with local disaster
management institutions (SERRA and others) and
education institutions by establishing partnerships and
engaging youth groups. The program has enhanced
transfer of DRR knowledge among professionals and
academics. Such collaborations have enhanced exchange
of knowledge, resources and ideas. Because of KIIR
efforts, many partnerships have been formed between
academic institutions, government departments and
communities, thus creating new and successful models of
Public-Private-Partnerships in the discipline of DRR.
In the year 2019, KIIR implemented revamped
disaster management training programs for individuals
residing in Azad Kashmir. Logistical challenges, poor
infrastructure and lack of awareness have worsened
the impact of natural disasters. Participants learned
through a hypothetical disaster situation and developed
practical solutions that can save lives and lessen impact.
The idea was to paint a very vivid picture of what could
potentially occur and how widespread its effect could
be. Subsequently, the participants were able to develop
solutions for pain points they have identified through
these training programs.
Through these training programs, KIIR enabled
youth to better understand disasters, and why
Some major takeaways were:
1. An emergency response plan in place for their
families and communities in case of a disaster.
2. Policies that the local government needs to implement
to reduce the risk of disasters.
3. Creating ownership in themselves and their
communities to reduce the risk of disasters.
4. To ensure their communities are going through
awareness campaigns regularly and are always
prepared in case a disaster strikes.
In this Year 2019, we were able to engage youth from
universities, social activists, young leaders and women
from all parts of AJK. KIIR developed context-specific
Disaster Management training modules with varied
focus on topics, ranging from concepts of peace building
in a society in case of Disasters, to understanding of
the prevailing dynamics of the people residing in AJK.
In our Disaster Management Programme, we have
engaged and trained 336 new participants from different
colleges, universities & different organization of AJK by
building their capacities’. The highlights of our Disaster
Management Pro gram are as follows:
One Day Training workshop on Conflict Based Disaster Management,
23rd March, 2019, BAGH, AJK.

Training the Trainers, 13 & 14 July, 2019, Islamabad.

One Day Training workshop on Conflict Based Disaster Management,
13th April, 2019, Rawalakot, AJK.

Iftar meeting with Trainees & Civil Society Activists,

May 28, 2019, Islamabad.

One Day Training workshop on Disaster Management, 20th September,

2019, University of AJK, Muzaffarabad, AJK.

One Day Training workshop on Disaster Management, 21st September,

2019, University of AJK, Muzaffarabad, AJK.

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 One day Training workshop on Disaster Management, 22nd September,
2019, Pearl Valley College, BAGH, AJK.

One day Training workshop on Disaster Management,

21st December, 2019, Mirpur, AJK.

One day Training workshop on Disaster Management, 15th December,

2019, Rawalakot, AJK.

One day Training workshop on Disaster Management,

27th December, 2019, University of Kotli, Kotli, AJK.

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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shah Ghulam Qadir
Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan
Altaf Hussain Wani
Syed Ashique Hussain Hamdani
Humera Shah
Ch Maqbol Ahmed
Ch Manzoor Ahmed

KIIR STAFF
Altaf Hussain Wani Chairman
Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan Executive Director
Atia Anwer Zoon Director Women
Sardar Waleed Khan Director Programmes
and Finance
Mehr Un Nisa Director Research and
Publications
Syed Muneer Hussain Shah Admin Officer
Rizwan Azam Research Officer
Ayesha Waheed Research Officer
Syed Umair Shah Gillani Office Boy
 | Basement, Rubani Center, Allah Wali Market, Street 33, Sector F-8/1, Islamabad-Pakistan
Tel: 051-8313723-4 | Fax: 051-8356310 | Email: info@kiir.org.pk | Facebook kiirnpo | www.kiir.org.pk

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