‘J&K is part of our DNA’

Islamabad:Institute of Regional Studies, in collaboration with CISS (AJK), organised a seminar to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the people of Occupied Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri cause, emphasising that as the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had declared, "Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan."

He said that Jammu and Kashmir is a part of our DNA, and there can be no compromise on it. Pakistan must continue supporting the Kashmir cause with focused and consistent efforts, he declared.

Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director, CISS AJK, shed light on the humanitarian crisis in Indian-held Kashmir lamenting that despite its severity, the dispute remains one of the least reported conflicts globally. She particularly underscored the grave impact on women, stating that women are used as weapons of war and nearly 10,000 women were missing in there since 2019.

Dr Muhammad Khan stressed the importance of building a strong narrative on Jammu and Kashmir at international forums. He urged students and researchers to actively write about the issue to raise global awareness of the atrocities being committed against the Kashmiri people.

Jouhar Saleem, President, IRS, expressed optimism about the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, highlighting that conflicts of such magnitude do not follow predetermined timelines. He observed that we must not lose hope. The dedicated resolve of the Kashmiri people will not wane and their quest for justice will ultimately prevail. As history has shown, perseverance leads to victory. Pakistan remains committed to standing by Kashmir until justice is served and their rightful aspirations are realised, he concluded. General Samrez Salik and Dr Muzzamil Ayub Thakkur also addressed the gathering.