Background

The idea to launch a program of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (PSCR) was discussed in a meeting held at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi on December 18, 1999, under the auspices of Ford Foundation and the International Relations Department Research Project. It was observed in that meeting that there was a need to institutionalize the research and training work done under the Project by establishing a program on PSCR. Apart from this, the need to embark on such a program was examined in the light of a wide potential, which the areas of Conflict Resolution (CR), Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) and Peace Studies (PS) offer to us in Pakistan and South Asia. The participants in that meeting thought that the proposed program of PCSR should be launched after doing proper discussion with concerned individuals/institutions of Pakistan. It was also realized that given the interest at the academic and non-academic level on studying the nature and scope of various conflicts and strategies for their resolution, there exists a fertile ground for a proper training and research under the proposed program.

Domestic conflicts at various levels and conflicts involving the countries of South Asia tend to justify the launching of initiatives, which could help form opinion and influence policies for the management and resolution of conflicts. It was also observed in that meeting that, in view of nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan and grave threat which has emerged because of serious stand-off between the two countries in the post-Kargil scenario there exist a need to play a role in order to help build confidence between New Delhi and Islamabad, which could eventually contribute, to the process of conflict resolution and peace building in South Asia.

Finally, it was observed in that meeting that the presence of very few think tanks and programs on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in Pakistan provide a rational justification for taking such an initiative in this regard.

On April 13, 2000, a meeting was held in the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, which was attended by students and faculty members in which after an in-depth discussion it was decided to launch a program on PSCR.

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