Let's make a difference
Violent extremism in the past few decades has been perceived to be associated with the Muslim world. However, in recent years, the world has witnessed a new wave of violent extremism that has taken the lives of many innocent people of different faiths, races and nationalities. Since the beginning of the 21st century there has been more than a nine-fold increase in the number of deaths from violent extremism and terrorism, from 3,329 in 2000 to 32,685 in 2014. 2015 saw a decline but with 29,376 deaths it was still the second deadliest year on record. OECD countries however saw an increase in terrorist related deaths from 77 in 2014 to 577 in 2015. It clearly shows that violent extremism has become a global challenge. Learn More
MANDATE
Against this broad context, the institute will seek to be a leading national custodian and implementing platform in Pakistan for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 ‘Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.’ The institute recognises that peace, stability, human rights and effective governance based on the rule of law are key gateways to sustainable development in Pakistan. The institute will pursue the SDGs broadly and the SDG 16 specifically will significantly reduce all forms of violence (particularly in relation to violent extremism), conflict and insecurity in Pakistan. In order to fulfil its overall mandate, the institute will consist of three flagship centres:
The Centre for Global Harmony
which will focus on building new and innovative mechanisms of interfaith and inter-civilizational harmony and effective coexistence between the various religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan and beyond. It will also uniquely recognise and harness the evidence-based peace-building approaches unique to each religious and ethnic community to help use faith and identity to solve extremism. The centre shall pursue debate and dialogue amongst followers and scholars of various faiths.
The Centre for Data & Technology for Peace
which will utilise a cross-sector approach using data, technology and digital media space to build understanding and partnerships across perceived faith-based and cultural civilisations across the globe. Its key emphasis will be to address through innovative means social, economic and cultural determinants of a range of challenges that lead to religious extremism, prejudice, discrimination, and victimisation and promote global peace and harmony through dialogue, advocacy and research.
The Centre for Peace Studies & Inclusive Development
which will examine and promote Peace & Development link (through an interdisciplinary approach) as a critical tool for preventing violent extremism as outlined in UNDP’s conceptual framework that proposes eleven interlinked building blocks for a theory of change explaining how inclusive development can help prevent violent extremism
The Peace Memorial Gallery
which will document and exhibit the sacrifices, events and experiences of religious extremism and resilience against these, with a globally inclusive emphasis on Pakistan as well as other countries to highlight sufferings of the people at the hands of extremism as a global problem that cuts across races, religions and continents.
FOUNDER'S VISION
Our vision is to be a premier global peace institute and a centre of excellence on countering violent extremism through leadership, education, research, and advocacy. The context and mandate of the institute are informed and driven by the personal journey and public service of Professor Ahsan Iqbal, who has represented Narowal in the National Assembly of Pakistan since 1993 and served as Minister for Interior and Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms until as recently as May 2018. On 6 May 2018, he was shot and wounded at a political rally in Narowal in an assassination attempt by a religious extremist. Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Professor Ahsan Iqbal returned to public service within days to not only complete his ministerial and parliamentary tenure but to also win his National Assembly seat only months later. Inspired by this spirit of resilience, the institute seeks to continue Professor Ahsan Iqbal’s vision to overcome overwhelming challenges in Pakistan to deliver peace, justice and hope in the country.
“After the assassination attempt on myself, I have worked every day to beat the physical odds, so that I can deliver hope to people, not with words, as many would, but more powerfully, with action and a sense of purpose for the gift of a new life.”
Professor Ahsan Iqbal
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