Pakistan Stands with Kashmiri People in Their Struggle for Self-Determination: Foreign Secretary
Islamabad: The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a seminar titled “Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Commitment to Peace, Rights and Self-Determination” in commemoration of Kashmir Solidarity Day. The event also marked the inauguration of the ‘Kashmir Resource Centre,’ a first-of-its-kind initiative at a national think tank. Ambassador Amna Baloch, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
In her address, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people, who have been denied their fundamental right to self-determination due to India’s continued intransigence. She condemned India’s actions, which have included the detention of political leaders and the banning of 14 political parties that represent the aspirations of Kashmiris. She also noted that India’s continued occupation of Jammu and Kashmir has been a source of regional instability.
“Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with its neighbours, but the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is vital for long-term peace in South Asia,” the Foreign Secretary remarked. She also praised ISSI for establishing the Kashmir Resource Centre, expressing hope that it would serve as a valuable repository of information for researchers, practitioners, and the general public.
Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a solution based on the UN Security Council resolutions. He criticized India’s attempt to label the legitimate Kashmiri resistance as “terrorism” and manipulate international perceptions of the situation. Ambassador Mahmood also emphasized that the Kashmir Resource Centre would play a critical role in creating awareness and promoting informed discourse, particularly among Pakistan’s youth.
Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Centre, opened the seminar by stressing Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He condemned the atrocities committed by Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir, while emphasizing the resilience of the Kashmiri people in their struggle.
The seminar featured several distinguished speakers. Ms. Fatima Waheed, representing the Pakistani youth, criticized India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, calling it a violation of international law. Ms. Tayyaba Khurshid, a Kashmiri youth, shared her perspective on the stark differences between the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and those under Indian occupation.
Social and political analyst Ms. Naila Kyani discussed the role of Kashmiri women in the resistance movement, highlighting figures like Asiya Andrabi and Anjum Zamrud Habib, who have endured imprisonment for their activism. Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, condemned Modi’s policies in IIOJK, particularly the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, aimed at implementing India’s ‘Hindutva’ agenda.
Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), emphasized the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and the use of rape as a weapon of war. He reiterated the importance of UN Security Council resolutions in resolving the Kashmir issue.
In his concluding remarks, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, reaffirmed the right of Kashmiris to self-determination and expressed confidence that, despite India’s oppression, the people of Jammu and Kashmir would eventually exercise their right to freedom.
The newly inaugurated Kashmir Resource Centre is envisioned as a hub to promote awareness, facilitate research, and foster dialogue on the Kashmir issue, a matter of immense national and international importance.
