Resolving Kashmir issue vital for peace

LAHORE:The Press Information Department (PID) Regional Office Lahore has arranged a seminar to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, here on Tuesday.

The event was attended by prominent figures such as senior journalist and analyst Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Deputy Director of PID Laeeque Ahmad Bajwa and others. Addressing the participants, PID Director General Shafqat Abbas emphasised that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by resolving the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations resolutions.

He stressed that the voice of the Kashmiri people cannot be silenced by force, highlighting that the UN resolutions clearly guarantee Kashmiris the right to self-determination through a free and fair referendum, enabling them to determine their own future.

The DG welcomed the seminar participants and reiterated the significance of expressing solidarity with the Kashmiris and exposing India's true face to the world. He emphasised that the solution to the Kashmir dispute is crucial for regional peace and must align with the UN resolutions. He pointed out that Pakistan has made multiple attempts for dialogue with India on various forums, but India has consistently avoided meaningful talks. He stressed that Pakistan would continue its unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the just struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their future through the right of self-determination. He reminded the audience that Jammu and Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein.

On the occasion, Hurriyat leader Engineer Mushtaq Ahmad condemned the atrocities being committed by India in occupied Kashmir, describing how the Indian forces were inflicting immense suffering on innocent civilians. He stated that no household in Kashmir has been untouched by the brutalities of the Indian military. He stressed that Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan, and Pakistanis' hearts beat in unison with Kashmiris. He expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to advocate for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute under the Two-Nation theory, ensuring Kashmir's rightful place as part of Pakistan. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, a renowned journalist, commended the Press Information Department for the initiative, describing the seminar as an excellent tradition. He recalled that from Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all Pakistani governments have made consistent efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute on the global stage. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing continuous political, diplomatic, and moral support to the oppressed people of Kashmir and expressed hope that one day Kashmiris would witness the dawn of freedom.