Pakistan IAF Alumni network becomes the FreedomGaters

This month this idea was translated into reality as a small group of IAF Alumni met in Islamabad recently. The day long session comprised of IAF Alumni from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad who brainstormed over basic questions like what could be the niche of the IAF Alumni also in favor of the work of the foundation’s partners and how they could supplement the ongoing work of liberal organizations as well as serve as an intellectual group who articulates the liberal perspective on issues for public discourse.

The group decided that it would focus on greater networking amongst the IAF Alumni so that information and resources can be shared. In the day long meeting, the IAF Alumni named themselves the FreedomGaters as through their work they would invite people to walk through the gates of intolerance and apathy towards the freedom space. The tools that would be used would be trainings which will seek to draw upon the experiences of the IAF Academy in Gummersbach and try to replicate the program in Pakistan based on local conditions. These courses would be refreshers courses for the old Alumni but will also target new participants who are interested in the seminar topic. The training component will be managed by Mr. Tauseeq Haider, a well known TV anchorman and show master and a moderator at the International Academy for Leadership in Gummersbach as well while the publications component will be headed by Mr. Aniq Zafar, a marketing specialist. The publications wing for starters focus on developing liberal positions on various issues and inject it into the public discourse, particularly in the FNSt partner organizations. Dr. Huma Baqai, a university professor serves as the focal point for the Editorial Team of the FreedomGaters website, www.freedomgatepakistan.org and will be responsible for using the internet effectively to propagate the liberal message. This website will become a meeting point for Pakistani liberal intellectuals by using modern tools like blogs and podcasts.