The Paigham-e-Pakistan Center for Peace, Reconciliation, and Reconstruction Studies, Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with UNODC, NACTA, the European Union, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, successfully conducted a two-day Training of Trainers workshop with an inaugural ceremony and session on June 23, 2025, at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad.

Themed “Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Youth Communities through Preventing Violent Extremism,” the workshop empowered selected youth leaders, lecturers, and university representatives through a structured training program featuring six interactive thematic modules.

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General, IRI, with a powerful keynote on the importance of civic education and youth engagement to counter radicalization, misinformation, and social fragmentation. Dr. Rustam Khan, Deputy Director & Project Manager, IRI, led insightful sessions and facilitated deep thematic discussions throughout the event.

Participants engaged in group activities, scenario-building exercises, and shared their personal experiences related to extremism and community leadership. These young changemakers are now prepared to act as Master Trainers across various campuses of UAJK, including Jhelum Valley Campus (JVC).

Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Awan, Director JVC & Focal Person, addressed the participants and extended heartfelt thanks to the IRI team.

Prominent faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Nazneen Habib, Dr. Sharjil Saeed (DSA), and Dr. Shahida Khaleeq, also participated and appreciated the workshop’s meaningful impact.