Provincial Conference on Countering Extremism through Community Resilience and Poverty Reduction Programme Delivery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Peshawar (September 26, 2025)
Peshawar, September 26, 2025: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) convened Provincial Conference on Countering Extremism through Community Resilience and Poverty Reduction Programme Delivery emphasising the role of poverty reduction and inclusive, community-led development in building peace. Organised in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and Paigham-e-Pakistan, the national narrative for peace, unity, and good governance the conference reaffirmed that resilience against extremism lies in inclusive development and stronger citizen-state linkages.
The event brought together a diverse audience of civil society members, academics, policymakers, female leaders, media representatives and business community to discuss strategies for countering extremism through community-driven sustainable development and launch of PPAF led new initiatives.
Beneficiaries of PPAF’s projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa displayed stalls that showcased tangible impact of its wide-ranging initiatives from livelihoods to eco-tourism and health. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nadir Gul Barech, CEO PPAF, emphasised PPAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen communities, stating, “PPAF remains dedicated to strengthening communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth. As the lead of Pakistan’s largest network of civil society partners, we extend our outreach to even the remotest and hardest-to-reach areas. Through our projects, we improve quality of life, create sustainable livelihoods, and foster positivity by bringing communities together. Our work demonstrates how targeted support can transform lives. Together with our partners, donors and government, we affirm that community-led development is the surest pathway to peace and prosperity”.
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, attended as Chief Guest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a safer and more prosperous province.
The conference was also addressed by senior dignitaries who participated as Guests of Honour Ms. Syeda Amnah Batool, Member of National Assembly and focal person of Prime Minister’s Youth Programme underlined the critical role of knowledge and skill development, observing, “Knowledge and skills development are key to unlocking the potential of our youth, which is one of our biggest assets. Education combined with livelihood support equips communities to thrive sustainably. This remains our focus at Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. I also acknowledge the role of PPAF and Paigham-e-Pakistan in promoting unity, tolerance, and national cohesion values that must guide us forward.”. The conference also reinforced the importance of gender mainstreaming for sustainable development. Ms. Humaira Zia Mufti, Secretary of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), remarked, “Extremism fuels on exclusion. Gender inclusion is not only a matter of equity but a driver of sustainable development. Empowering women strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole. When women are more actively involved societies prosper and peace prevails”.
A key highlight of the conference was virtual inauguration of the Olive Processing Plant in Lower Dir under Programme for Poverty Reduction (PPR), financed by the Italian Government through the Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and 23 infrastructure schemes across DI Khan, Tank, and Lakki Marwat under LACIP which is financially supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW.
PPAF’s community resilience efforts were further celebrated as ten beneficiaries of Livelihood Support & Promotion of Small Community Infrastructure Programme (LACIP) received certificates for completing capacity-building trainings on heavy machinery operator, fashion design, hand and machine embroidery, tailoring, crochet and ribbon work. Additionally, ten individuals were awarded cheques under the Prime Minister’s Interest-Free Loan Programme providing vital support for small-scale enterprises.
The event concluded with the participants lauding PPAF’s work and a shared commitment among stakeholders to continue leveraging community-led development and poverty reduction initiatives as tools for promoting peace, countering extremism, economic prosperity, and social cohesion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
About Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the premier apex institution dedicated to lifting the poor out of poverty through community-driven development across Pakistan. Established in February 1997 as a not-for-profit company under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 (now Companies Act 2017), PPAF’s mission is to transform the lives of the impoverished, fostering a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan.