Islamabad (Khyber Mail): In a seminar commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) inaugurated the “Kashmir Resource Centre” – a first-of-its-kind initiative at a national think-tank. The event, titled “Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Commitment to Peace, Rights and Self-Determination,” was organized by the India Study Centre (ISC) at ISSI. Ambassador Amna Baloch, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, was the chief guest.
In her address, Ambassador Baloch emphasized the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people, who have been denied their fundamental right to self-determination due to Indian intransigence. She highlighted that thousands of political prisoners, including iconic leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, remain behind bars, and numerous political parties representing the Kashmiri people’s aspirations have been banned. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Pakistan’s belief in peaceful co-existence and stressed that a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for lasting peace in South Asia. She praised ISSI for establishing the Kashmir Resource Centre, hoping it would serve as a valuable repository of knowledge for researchers and the public.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, expressed that both Pakistan and the Kashmiris remain committed to a solution based on Security Council resolutions. He condemned India’s conduct in the occupied territories, marked by cruelty, political manipulation, and misinformation, and urged the international community to play its rightful role. He highlighted that India has been attempting to paint the legitimate Kashmiri resistance as terrorism and projecting false normalcy in IIOJK.
The newly-established Kashmir Resource Centre aims to promote awareness, facilitate rigorous research, and encourage informed discourse on the Kashmir issue. Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Centre, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as outlined in the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.
Distinguished speakers at the seminar shared their perspectives on the Kashmir issue. Ms. Fatima Waheed, representing Pakistani youth, condemned the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, which she described as a violation of international law and UNSC resolutions. Ms. Tayyaba Khurshid from CISS (AJK) highlighted the bond between AJK and Pakistan and the hopes of the youth in AJK compared to those under Indian occupation.
Ms. Naila Kayani, a social and political analyst, emphasized the resilience of Kashmiri women in the freedom struggle, citing sacrifices made by figures such as Asiya Andrabi and Fehmeeda Sofi. Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, criticized Modi’s policies in IIOJK, stating that the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A was part of a broader Hindutva agenda.
Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), discussed human rights violations in IIOJK, emphasizing the need for inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in any talks on the Kashmir dispute. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors, reaffirmed that the right of self-determination is a fundamental human right and expressed Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for creating increased awareness and understanding of the Kashmir issue, particularly among the youth of Pakistan.