Kashmir’s long fight for freedom

Islamabad : A seminar commemorating Kashmir Martyrs’ Day was organised here by Institute of Regional Studies, in collaboration with Youth Forum for Kashmir.

The seminar echoed Kashmiris’ unbroken resolve for liberation.

The panellists honoured the sacrifice of 22 innocent Kashmiris killed by Dogra forces on July 13, 1931— an event that ignited a century-long struggle for self-determination. Jauhar Saleem, President, IRS, highlighted that this solemn day is not merely a historical footnote but a living testament to the unwavering spirit of Kashmiris. From the brutality of the Dogra Raj to the militarisation and recent demographic engineering under Modi’s regime, the Kashmiri people never bowed before oppression.

Notable figures such as Mishaal Hussein Malik, Naseem Zehra, Dr. Qamar Cheema, Zaman Bajwa and Umair Khan emphasised that the struggle endured through generations—from the Pathar Masjid uprising to the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A. Each phase of resistance faced India’s state terrorism, yet only intensified the Kashmiri resolve.

The recent four-day war victory of Pakistan over India reignited hope among Kashmiris, said Mishaal Malik, urging Pakistan to seize the moment and amplify Kashmiri voices on international platforms. 

She warned against India's false-flag operations and ecological destruction in the name of development, calling the Vande Bharat initiative a "colonial strategy." 

Naseem Zehra highlighted India’s growing isolation due to its aggressive policies in the neighbourhood. Conversely, China, Turkey and Bangladesh support Pakistan.