Kashmir Symposium Emphasizes Continued Struggle and Calls for Global Support
A symposium titled “Kashmir Struggles Under Siege” took place at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Muzaffarabad, spotlighting the persistent struggle of the Kashmiri people.
Organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Azad Kashmir Chapter, the event was led by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwarul Haque, who served as the chief guest.
The symposium featured key figures such as Qamar Zaman Kaira, senior parliamentarian and Pakistan People’s Party leader; Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed; and Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the Convener of APHC. Each speaker reaffirmed their dedication to the Kashmiri cause and contrasted the conditions in Azad Kashmir with those in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Tributes and Appeals
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq opened the symposium by honoring the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and reaffirming Azad Kashmir’s longstanding commitment to the Kashmir issue. He stressed the deep connection between Pakistan and the Kashmiri people and called for continued support and solidarity.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi underscored the need for global acknowledgment of Kashmir’s plight and criticized India’s handling of the conflict. He advocated for a resolution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and rejected alternative proposals to a referendum. Safi condemned the human rights abuses committed by Indian forces and emphasized the APHC’s efforts to highlight these violations.
Emphasis on Education and Strength
Qamar Zaman Kaira expressed solidarity and highlighted the importance of educational advancement for the youth. He argued that a knowledgeable and strong Pakistan is essential for garnering international support for the Kashmiri cause. Kaira reflected on the historical commitment of the Pakistan People’s Party to Kashmir and stressed the need for a stable Pakistan to effectively advocate for the issue on the global stage.
Strategic Relations and Policy
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed addressed the audience by focusing on India’s actions since August 5, 2019, when it revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated Pakistan’s position of suspending trade with India and rejecting negotiations until the special status is restored. Syed discussed the shifting global power dynamics, noting China’s rising influence and the decreasing sway of Western powers. He pointed out that neighboring countries are increasingly aligning with Pakistan and China, underscoring Pakistan’s firm stance on critical issues including Kashmir and Palestine.
The event commenced with a documentary showcasing the dire conditions in IIOJK, aiming to deepen the international community’s understanding of the ongoing human rights abuses and the hardships faced by the Kashmiri people.
