Minister for resolving Kashmir dispute as per wishes of Kashmiris

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam said that Kashmir was a disputed issue whose future should be decided according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Speaking at an event titled “Kashmiris are Rights Holders, Not Just Subjects” organised by Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) and Kashmiri Policy Research Institute (KPRI) in connection with International Human Rights Day here on Wednesday, the minister stressed that the international community must compel India to respect human rights as per commitments made at international forums.

He said that as a signatory to key international human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), India is legally and morally bound to respect, protect, and fulfill the fundamental rights of the people under its occupation. By failing to uphold these commitments and continuing its repressive policies in Occupied Kashmir, India is not only violating the rights of Kashmiris but also breaching its international obligations. He said that India used all the tactics of force but could not suppress the spirit of freedom of the Kashmiris.

“I pay tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and salute the Kashmiri people. The victory in the struggle for truth has once again made the Kashmir issue a topic of global discussion,” he added.

Besides Amir Muqam, the event was also attended by a large number of diplomats, Hurriyat leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and civil servants. The speakers expressed deep concern over the current situation in IIOJK and the serious violations of human rights. They said that the right to self-determination enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international human rights treaties has been declared as the fundamental right of the Kashmiri people.

Rana Qasim Noon drew parallels between oppression in Gaza and Kashmir, noting, “The Kashmir and Palestine causes are very similar. Over 500,000 Kashmiris have been martyred, yet atrocities continue. The issue must be resolved according to UN resolutions, giving Kashmiris the right to self-determination.”

Former senator Farhatullah Babar paid glowing tributes to Kashmiri freedom fighters, including Yasin Malik and Masrat Butt, calling the Kashmir cause sacred. He warned against external interference, saying, “Since August 5, 2019, the entire Kashmir has become like a cantonment. The world must know that Kashmir has turned into a prison. Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris and no one else.” Babar urged coordinated efforts for Malik’s release and called on the diaspora to pressure their governments to act against India.

Sardar Usman Attiq highlighted the struggles of Kashmiri youth and recalled the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris.

“Even today, the children in the occupied valley remember Pakistan’s national anthem. Kashmiris face violence just for expressing their sentiments. The people of the valley are fighting bravely, and Kashmir is part of our faith and belief,” he said.

Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone urged youth participation in the cause, praising their energy and talent. “Throughout history, revolutions, are led by youth, from Russia to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Our youth can conquer the world,” he said, while thanking the media and announcing certificates for young contributors.

Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Matin expressed concern over the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and said that Hurriyat leaders, including Chairman APHC MasaratAlam Butt, were in Indian jails and their basic rights are being denied. He said that our war is ultimately a war for Pakistan, and we have great love for Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan.

M Farooq Rahmani highlighted long-standing human rights violations since 1948 and stressed that jailed Kashmiris were unheard. “Youth are passionately working for Kashmir and taking steps to resolve the issue. Their only crime is advocating for human rights and freedom from Indian oppression,” he said.

The seminar concluded with a unified call for youth engagement, international pressure, and sustained efforts to ensure justice for Kashmiris, reaffirming that their struggle was a sacred cause deserving global solidarity.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025