Peace in South Asia not possible without resolving Kashmir dispute: Speakers
Islamabad: Speakers at a seminar stated that peace in South Asia is not possible without resolving the long lasting Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the event, organized by India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK), to shed light on various aspects of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The event was attended by Ambassador Yousef Aldoubeay, the OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Jammu and Kashmir; APHC-AJK Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi and Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations Altaf Hussain Wani,
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Yousef Aldoubeay said his current visit to Pakistan serves two purposes: first, to assess the latest situation regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, for which his visit to Muzaffarabad and interactions with local officials and residents proved invaluable; and second, to reaffirm the OIC’s strong commitment to the just cause of the Kashmiri people.
He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the oldest unresolved issues on both the United Nations and OIC agendas. He stressed that the OIC, both as an organization and through its individual member states, fully supports the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also informed the audience that a detailed report on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will be presented at the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.
Director General of ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, stated that Pakistan deeply values the OIC’s consistent and unwavering support for the Kashmir cause, which lies at the heart of the organization’s agenda. He reiterated that a just and lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, is essential for durable peace in South Asia.
Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Centre, emphasized the need for investment in peaceful conflict resolution.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi thanked the OIC for providing a platform to raise the voice for the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the people demand a solution that is peaceful, lasting, and in accordance with UN resolutions. He stressed that future negotiations on Kashmir must include representatives of the Kashmiri people, who are the primary party to the dispute.
Altaf Hussain Wani remarked that the OIC represents a beacon of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored that the issue is not merely a territorial dispute but one of human rights and the right to self-determination. He criticized India for imposing state control over Muslim religious institutions through the Waqf Amendment Act, as well as for systematic restrictions on Eid and Friday prayers—while simultaneously facilitating Hindu pilgrimages with full state support.
Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, rejected India’s claims that the UN resolutions on Kashmir are obsolete, affirming that the resolutions remain valid—as reiterated by the UN Secretary-General.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and a certificate distribution ceremony. In his closing remarks, YFK Executive Director Zaman Bajwa praised the passion and commitment of the fellowship program participants. He encouraged them to make the most of their experience and contribute to the Kashmir cause through their writings and academic pursuits.
