Panel discussion participants link peace in South Asia to Kashmir freedom
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.
According to Kashmir Media Service, 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 Indias 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, Professor Irum Khalid from the Punjab Universitys Political Science Department, Dr. Muneeba Iftikhar of Lahore College for Women University, and PID Director General Shafqat Abbas, participated in the discussion. They extensively discussed the history of Kashmir Exploitation Day and condemned Indias actions in occupied Kashmir.
Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami said that the purpose of observing Kashmir Exploitation Day was to draw global attention to Indias ongoing atrocities in Kashmir. He described the actions as unparalleled tyranny, emphasising the need for international intervention to help Kashmiris secure their right to self-determination and ensure regional peace. 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. He argued that the brutal action violated the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and called for the restoration of Kashmir’s special status and freedom according to United Nations resolutions.
Senior journalist and intellectual 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 Indias founding leaders.
Journalist and 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.
Professor Iram Khalid noted that five years ago, on August 5, India revoked Kashmirs special status, effectively turning the region into a prison. She emphasized that nations that remember their history endure and thrive.
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 Indias true face to the world.
Earlier, a walk was also organised by the Press Information Department to express solidarity with the Kashmiris. Personalities from different walks of life, PID officers, employees, and others participated in the walk. The participants held placards and banners to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.
