APHC-AJK organises seminar focusing on women’s role in highlighting Kashmir dispute
Islamabad: A seminar was organised by All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) in Islamabad, today, focusing on the role women can play in highlighting and addressing the Kashmir dispute.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the event was attended by women from various sectors, including academia, media, lawyers and civil society, who gathered to discuss the challenges faced by the people of Kashmir and the strategies needed to bring their plight to the global stage.
The seminar was presided over by Ms Shamim Shawl, a senior member of APHC-AJK and the head of its women’s wing. Ms Shawl emphasized the unique and powerful role that women can play in advocating the Kashmir cause. She pointed out that women, being the backbone of society, have a profound influence that can be harnessed to draw attention to the Kashmir conflict.
During the seminar, participants voiced their opinions on various aspects of the Kashmir issue. One of the key points discussed was the role of the media in shaping public perception and bringing international attention to the situation in Kashmir.
The speakers underscored that media must be used effectively to expose the human rights violations in the territory and to counter the misinformation that often surrounds the conflict.
The legal dimension of the Kashmir dispute was another focal point of the discussion. Speakers highlighted the need for a stronger legal approach to address the conflict, suggesting that international legal forums should be utilized to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses in Indian-occupied Kashmir. They also called for greater awareness of the legal rights of Kashmiris, which are often overlooked in the broader geopolitical discourse.
Cultural preservation emerged as a crucial topic of the seminar. The women expressed deep concern over the erosion of Kashmir’s cultural identity, language and traditions due to the ongoing conflict. They stressed the importance of safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, which they believe is being systematically targeted as part of a broader strategy to weaken the Kashmiri identity. The participants called for initiatives to document and promote Kashmir’s cultural legacy to ensure it is passed on to future generations.
Human rights violations in IIOJK were a major point of discussion, with the speakers condemning the atrocities committed against the people of Kashmir. They criticized the international community for its inaction and for merely observing the situation without taking concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of Kashmiris. The women also voiced their concern over the lack of international media coverage of the human rights situation in the region.
Ms Shamim Shawl, in her concluding address, thanked the participants for their insights and contributions. She reiterated the unwavering support of Pakistan for the Kashmiri cause, highlighting that the people of occupied Kashmir have high hopes from Pakistan and its citizens. She urged all political and social organizations in Pakistan to come together and raise a unified voice for the people of Kashmir. She emphasized that a collective effort is needed to ensure that the issue remains a priority on both national and international agendas.
The seminar concluded with a strong resolve among the participants to continue their efforts in advocating for the rights of the people of Kashmir. The women vowed to use their platforms and influence to bring global attention to the ongoing struggle in Kashmir and to work towards a just and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The participants were Uzma Gul, daughter of Hameed Gul, former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Sumaira Mehboob Qureshi Adv, Secretary General Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan Jammu and Kashmir, Abida Farheen, social activist, Eshatul Raziya, student, Prof Firdous of Riphah University, Shugufta Umar, Shaheena Dar of PPP, Dr Fariyal in charge of IIUI Dawah Academy, Nabeela Irshad Advocate high court, Sabeha Zohra, Advocate high court, Nuzhat Bhatti, Assistant Secretary General, JI, Bilkees Akhter, Assistant General Secretary of PML-N, Afsha Saeed Advocate, Benazir Khan and others.
