ISLAMABAD: Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) chairman stated that the validity of United Nation (UN) resolutions on Kashmir does not lapse with time rather it has been affirmed by different UN Secretary Generals on several occasions.
He expressed these views at a Seminar, ‘Solving the Kashmir Dispute: Exercise of the Right to Self-Determination’, organised by the Institute on Thursday.
He said that Pakistan’s commitment to the cause of Kashmir remain as firm as ever while the bigger powers remain involved in their geopolitical and strategic interests.
National Assembly on Foreign Affairs’ Standing Committee Chairperson Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari was the chief guest on the occasion. Other dignitaries of the seminar included, APHC Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, human rights activist MIshaal Hussein Mallick, APHC senior leader Mohammad Farooq Rehmani and Kashmir Youth Forum CEO Ahmed Quraishi.
ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Khalid Mahmood, in his welcome remarks, greeted the honourable chief guest, distinguished panellists and the auspicious audience. He began by reiterating that the international community and the people of Pakistan, in particular, are well aware of the genesis of Kashmir dispute.
It was unambiguously decided in all UN resolutions that the future of the Kashmiris will be decided by an impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the UN, which was accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community.
In violation of these resolutions, Indian repression continues to this date with 700,000 military and paramilitary forces being deployed in the region and countless atrocities being carried out against the innocent civilians in Kashmir.
The chairman stressed that the role played by the youth of the Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) in their legitimate struggle for their right to self-determination is certainly commendable.
Mishaal Hussein Mallick in her speech stated Kashmir has been plagued by the denial of the right to self-determination. She emphasised that no better contribution can be made to the world than to work for peace and freedom and what better way than to start with Kashmir.
Chief guest on the occasion, H.E Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari stated that there were three stakeholders in the Kashmir dispute, namely the Kashmiris, Pakistanis and Indians.
He highlighted what he termed as the hypocrisy of the international community and their harsh reaction to President Trump’s executive ban order. He questioned why the global community did not take note of the atrocities happening in Kashmir and stated that such an aggressive reaction should also be shown towards this issue.
