Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms (CPDR) was founded in 2010 to promote peace and development at all levels through dialogue, reconciliation and reforms. CPDR is in Islamabad and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It was established by activists to promote fresh perspectives on cross-border confidence building measures on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan.
In an attempt to highlight the issues of youth in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, CPDR published a report in 2013 wherein the impact of Kashmir conflict on youth of AJ&K was discussed. The report, first of its nature provided interesting insights on how issues like unemployment, identity crisis and lack of autonomy are related with the Kashmir conflict.
CPDR in 2014 facilitated a dialogue between civil societies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. This initiative was expanded over the course of time and our fellows came up with first research report on issues of youth in Gilgit-Baltistan in the year 2016. The dialogue has now become an institutionalized initiative where youth and political leaders from both regions of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state frequently exchange views and develop common minimum agendas of cooperation.
CPDR in the year 2017 started working with divided families of Jammu and Kashmir. A study was authored whereby IDP's from across the Line of Control were interviewed and their stories, aspirations and issues were discussed in that report.
CPDR's continuous engagement and lobbying with policy-makers resulted in first constitutional amendment package for Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 2018. This package has reinstated the autonomous structure of governance in AJ&K after four decades. The salient features of this package are almost identical to the ones suggested by CPDR in a report published in 2012 on constitutional reforms in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
CPDR in collaboration with British Council Pakistan, organized various policy dialogues, right before the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir gained a major breakthrough wherein, all the political parties agreed on 25 percent reservation for youth and women in upcoming local bodies elections. This initiative is destined to change the political landscape of the region wherein women and youth will have a fair share of representation at the policy-making levels.
CPDR by building synergies with local civil society organizations and youth led initiatives now intend to work on countering violent extremism through investing in peace education and trainings on nonviolent political strategies.
CPDR has working relationships with both local and foreign organisations, such as Conciliation Resources; Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
