PPC holds ‘PurAzm Pakistan Awards’ to showcase nation’s resilience against extremism

Pakistan Peace Collective (PPC) – a research and communication project of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) – organized the ‘PurAzm Pakistan Awards’ at Jinnah Convention Center Islamabad to showcase the resilience of Pakistani nation against violent extremism.

Launched in 2014, ‘PurAzm Pakistan’ is a communications project of Pakistan Peace Collective (PPC) that highlights stories of defiance and resilience against violent extremism in form of stories, photographs, documentary films and art created by independent contributors. Contributions can be made under various themes, including Peace over Violence, Interfaith Harmony, Resilience against Violent Extremism and Stop Supporting Extremism.

The chief guests Mian Shabbir Anwar CEO PPC, Lt. Gen Shahid Iqbal, Mr. Saud Mirza former IG Sindh distributed awards amongst this year’s winners in various categories. Pakistan Peace Collective (PPC) also launched a book featuring inspirational stories of individuals, who showcased exemplary resilience and bravery in the face of violent extremism.

In his keynote address, Mian Shabbir Anwar CEO Pakistan Peace Collective applauded the talent of the participants and expressed confidence that the project would contribute effectively towards promoting peace and harmony in our society. The winning contributions were selected by a jury adjudicated over six hundred entries.

The jury comprised of Nageen Hayat – founder & Director Nomad Gallery, Islamabad, Quddus Mirza – National College of Arts, Lahore, Nadeem Omar Tarrar from Center for Cultural and Development, Islamabad, Ms. Quatrina Hosain Chief News & Current Affairs PTV, Mr. Kamran Butt, National College of Arts, Lahore and Mr. Haroon Rashid, Editor, Independent Urdu. In the video documentary category, Rizwan Abbas from Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan bagged the 1st Position, Athar Bilal Films took 2nd Position and Muhammad Omer from National College of Arts bagged 3rd position. In News Package category, Hashmat Abbas from Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan bagged the 1st Position, Muhammad Musa from BBC took 2nd Position and Abrar Ahmad from Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan bagged 3rd position.

In short film category, Nida Aslam from Illusion Makers Karachi bagged the 1st Position, Danial Sheikh from Social Junction Karachi took 2nd Position and Daniyal a freelancer from Karachi bagged 3rd position. In Painting/Poster/Photo category, Zafar Ali from National College of Arts bagged the 1st Position, Zobia Ali a freelance from Islamabad took 2nd Position, 3rd position bagged by two winners Khalil Jafri from BUITEMS Quetta and Syed Azan Ali from University of Baluchistan, Quetta.

In Text Story category, Sameen Shahid from NUML Islamabad bagged the 1st Position, Fatymah Sheikh from International Islamic University Islamabad took 2nd Position and Sabeen Arshad a journalist bagged 3rd position.