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 Prof. 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 critically 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.