A symposium titled "Kashmir Struggles Under Siege" was held at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Muzaffarabad, underscoring the enduring struggle of the Kashmiri people.
The event, organised by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Azad Kashmir Chapter, was graced by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwarul Haque, as the chief guest.
The symposium featured prominent speakers including Qamar Zaman Kaira, senior parliamentarian and leader of the Pakistan People's Party; Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed; and Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the Convener of APHC. Each speaker reiterated their commitment to the Kashmiri cause and highlighted the contrast between the conditions in Azad Kashmir and those in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Tributes and concerns
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq opened the symposium by paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and reaffirming Azad Kashmir's historical commitment to the Kashmir issue. He emphasised the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the Kashmiri people, urging continued support and solidarity.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi, in his address, emphasised the need for global recognition of Kashmir's plight and criticized the Indian government's approach to the conflict. He called for a resolution in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, rejecting any alternatives to a referendum as proposed solutions. Safi also condemned the human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces and highlighted the APHC's ongoing efforts to expose these atrocities.
Qamar Zaman Kaira’s emphasis on knowledge, strength
Qamar Zaman Kaira echoed sentiments of solidarity and stressed the importance of educational advancement for the youth. He posited that a strong, knowledgeable Pakistan is crucial for garnering global support for the Kashmiri cause. Kaira also reflected on the historical foundation of the Pakistan People's Party's commitment to Kashmir and the need for a stable Pakistan to effectively advocate for the Kashmir issue on the international stage.
Mushahid Hussain Syed on strategic relations
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed addressed the audience with a focus on India's actions since August 5, 2019, when it revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated Pakistan's stance of halting trade with India and rejecting negotiations until the special status is restored. Syed noted the shifting global power dynamics, with China's rising influence and the declining influence of Western powers. He highlighted that neighboring countries are increasingly aligning with Pakistan and China, underscoring Pakistan's firm stance on key issues including Kashmir and Palestine.
The event began with a documentary showcasing the severe conditions in IIOJK, shedding light on the ongoing human rights abuses and the struggles faced by the Kashmiri people. This visual presentation aimed to deepen the understanding of the international audience regarding the severity of the situation.
