ALAAP was formed as a volunteer initiative by a group of artists, research workers and human rights activists. It was created as a research- based cultural and interfaith organization against a backdrop of rising religious extremism and socio- political violence in the society of Pakistan. Alaap was created in response to the lack of cultural diversity of Pakistan. The research areas of Alaap has three aspects. The first focuses on peace and Sufism; the second is about the communities of Lahore; and third is a community profile of the Bahar Colony of Lahore, one of the oldest Christian localities of Lahore. Alaap is closely linked with social and human rights organizations and literary/artistic forums, such as Janniesses Musicales International (JMI), which is the world largest network of the organizations working on youth and music.