Peace in region linked to Kashmir liberation

LAHORE: Participants in a panel discussion have expressed their belief that real peace in the South Asian region can only be achieved through liberation of Kashmir, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

They were speaking at an event, organised by the Press Information Department (PID) Lahore office here, in connection with observance of the Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day).

Speakers stressed that India must restore Kashmir’s special status, citing it as a violation of both the Shimla Agreement and UN Security Council resolutions.

They stressed that observing Kashmir Exploitation Day aims to highlight India’s atrocities against Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Prominent analysts and journalists, including Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Salman Ghani, Najam Wali, Prof Irum Khalid from the Punjab University’s Political Science Department, Dr Muneeba Iftikhar of Lahore College for Women University, and PID Director General Shafqat Abbas, participated in the discussion.

They discussed the history of Kashmir Exploitation Day and condemned India’s actions in occupied Kashmir.

Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami said that the purpose of observing Kashmir Exploitation Day was to draw global attention to India’s ongoing atrocities in Kashmir. Shami condemned the events of August 5, when India locked down 9 million Kashmiri Muslims in their homes, turning Kashmir valley into a 'torture cell'.

Senior journalist Salman Ghani remarked that on this day, the Indian parliament, under a calculated plan, violated its own constitution by annexing Kashmir, thus revoking its autonomous status granted since 1947 by India’s founding leaders. He described India’s history as marked by dark deeds, with the events of August 5, 2019, further tarnishing its reputation.

Columnist Najam Wali stated that India’s actions on August 5, 2019, are a continuation of those on October 27, 1947. He urged the international community to stop the genocide of Muslims in Kashmir and Palestine to prevent a major global conflict. He stressed the importance of maintaining hope and changing attitudes, emphasising that the country’s current challenges are partly due to the nation’s own actions.

Prof Iram Khalid noted that five years ago, on August 5, India revoked Kashmir’s special status, effectively turning the region into a prison. She emphasised that nations that remember their history endure and thrive.

She stressed the importance of bringing global attention to Indian brutality on Kashmir Exploitation Day.

She highlighted the need to educate the youth about the significance of this day and urged the media to play its role effectively in exposing India’s actions to the world. Dr Muneeba Iftikhar emphasised that Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam, and as Muslims, it is crucial to change our attitudes.

She stressed the importance of educating the new generation about the oppression and violence in Kashmir. Additionally, she highlighted the need to use social media effectively to expose India’s true face to the world.

Earlier, a walk was also organised by the Press Information Department to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.