Introduction
During the early 90s, a group of concerned citizens discontent with the growing intolerance, extremism, hate and violence against religious minorities in Pakistan decided to form an organization called the Institute for Peace and Secular Studies to counter these negative trends. This group consisted of individuals from different backgrounds and professions including lawyers, activists, trade unionists, journalists, academics, artists and medical professionals.
Initially, the group wanted to maintain the organization as a community-based volunteer entity, however as time went by, the need to expand the organization’s operations and capacity grew. This included developing a professional framework and streamlining processes for the procurement of resources to maintain a fully functioning organization that was ready to respond to the ever-increasing need for peace and civility in society. After jumping through many bureaucratic hoops and overcoming intense opposition, this organization was officially registered as the Center for Peace and Secular Studies (CPSS).