SPECIAL REPORT: Syed Muzammil Hussain
The Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) organized a Seminar on “Current Uprising in Kashmir and the Role of Diaspora” at National Press Club, Islamabad.
The programme started with the recitation from Holy Quran. The panelists included; Lord Nazir Ahmad (British Parliamentarian), Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector, IIU, Ms. Naseema Wani, Member Legislative Assembly AJK and Vice President PML (N) Azad Jammu Kashmir, Ambassador (R) Arif Kamal, Dr. Nazir Hussain (QAU), Mr Rafique Dar (JKLF), Brig. Dr. Muhammad Khan (NDU), Dr. Waqas Ali, Mr. Aamir Rana, Mr. Sabookh Syed, Mr. Irshad Mahmood, Dr. Waleed Rasool (Analysts), Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan (Vice President, IIUI), and Ms. Lubna Haroon, Ph. D Scholar at IIUI. Ms. Maryam Khan, a Ph. D scholar of Department of Politics & IR, IIUI was the moderator of the seminar.
Lord Nazir Ahmad, House of Lord, British Parliament raised a question: “Why the Diaspora is silent over the cruelties made by the Indian forces?” He added that after the martyrdom of Burhan Muzaffar Wani and the subsequent killings of dozens of protesters in occupied Kashmir. He criticized the policies of the Government of Azad Kashmir and blamed the politicians that they were busy in minor issues and playing negative role while people of Kashmir were being killed and blinded. He deplored that the leaders of Azad Kashmir were engaged in distributing ministries among themselves. He stressed that the people of Kashmir should re-think about the behavior of their politicians.
He added that wrong figures were reported by the AJK leadership number of martyred Kashmiris. “They are wasting monetary resources of the people of Kashmir and I have not seen any base camp in Kashmir to support the freedom movement” maintained Lord Nazir. He urged the media, academia, politicians and religious leaders to spread awareness about the issue of the human rights violations in Kashmir.
Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasizai, Rector, IIUI expressed his gratitude and thanked the participants especially Lord Nazir Ahmad for sharing his views and thoughts with the students, faculty members and media persons. He said that Pakistan has fought four wars with India on Kashmir issue.
Dr. Masoom further added that a large and most influential sector i.e academia is being ignored while dealing with Kashmir issue. Dr. Masoom said that Pakistan have about 180 universities. He added that this may be a vital forum to highlight Kashmir Issue. The IIUI Rector reminded that Pakistan having strength of 56% youth of the total population must sensitize them in mainstream to face the current challenges. He admired the initiatives taken by the IRD in mobilizing the student community, faculty, and media.
Ms. Naseema Wani, Member, Legislative Assembly, Government of Azad Kashmir thanked International Islamic University, Islamabad for organizing such a timely seminar on the burning issue of the day. She added that all politicians should be on same page viz a viz Kashmir issue. She appreciated the role of Pakistan for taking forward steps in UN General Assembly and highlighting the issue of Kashmir strongly..
Ambassador (R) Arif Kamal stressed upon the participants and discussants to adopt
a collective approach. The government of Pakistan may continue to follow and promote Kashmir issue at international level demanding Kasmisris’ right to exercise self-determination..
Dr. Nazir Hussain showed his satisfaction over the role of IIUI and Lord Nazir for promoting Kashmir Issue. The people of occupied Kashmir were looking towards the people of Pakistan, Government and Security Forces to come forward and help them to get freedom. If they failed to support this movement, the Kashmiris will never forgive them. The Government of Pakistan and Kashmir should join hands on one point so that the cause may further flourish. He added that the Kashmiri and Pakistani Diaspora may record their protests in leading world capitals.
Dr. Waqas Ali Shah said that the Kashmiri people’s sense of separation from India remains as strong as ever. The ultimate goal is to restore stability and the population’s support.
Mr. Irshad Mahmood said that we may use media to highlight the brutalities of Indian forces against the innocent Kashmiris. We need active people to participate in the war of media as through this tool we may be able to change the mindset of international community. The present uprising in Kashmir is very popular and we should not lose this opportunity. The Pakistani academia, social figures, journalists must support the Kahsmiris enabling them to lead the movement to its logical end. Every individual of the society must participate in this movement.
Aamir Rana said that our efforts should be to deconstruct Indian narrative. Kashmiri people are looking towards the international community to support them to hold a free, fair and impartial plebiscite in their territory.
Dr. Muhammad Khan They were very sad because youth of Pakistan has done nothing in their moral support. They criticized even the youth of Kashmir and Government of Azad Kashmir there is no movement to support the people of Indian Held Kashmir. India is following the policy made by Johwar Lal Nehru – to use delay practice. He stressed upon the need to mobilize the youth community both in Pakistan and Kashmir to support morally and ethically of the people of occupied Kashmir.
Mr. Rafiq Dar asked the heads of educational institutions of Pakistan to take practical initiatives without wasting time. He also thanked Lord Nazir Ahmad for his continued efforts and asked others to play their roles over foot prints of Lord Nazir.
Dr. Waleed Rasool spoke on the dams being built by the India on rivers of Kashmir. He termed this Indian action against the very spirit of international responsibilities and agreements.
Dr Muhammad Bashir Khan, Acting President, IIUI thanked the panelists for thoughtful discussion and resolution passed by all the participants. He assured that the IIUI shall continue to play its role nationally and internationally to highlight vital issues such as Kashmir.
Earlier, Dr. Husnul Amin, Executive Director, IRD welcomed the panelists and participants and said that there was a gap between non-state and anti-state entities regarding the future of Kashmir. He added that prevailing insurgency in Kashmir was a result of the brutalities of the Indian forces. He vowed that in real sense, this debate is purely theoretical, and required strategic thinking. It is very time to energize the youth for strengthening the movement of self determination.
He also introduced Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) as a global centre of excellence in Islamic Studies, to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to the study of contemporary Islamic thought, with particular emphasis on areas such as human rights, law, pluralism, tolerance, democracy, Islam and the West, inter-faith dialogue ;and relations, and Islamic responses to religious extremism and violence.