Tribute ceremony held at Muzaffarabad Press Club to honour martyr Ashraf Sehrai
Muzaffarabad: A dignified ceremony was held at the Central Press Club Muzaffarabad to pay tribute to senior Kashmir resistance leader, martyr Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, on his fifth martyrdom anniversary. The event drew participation from journalists, intellectuals, and people from various walks of life.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the ceremony was hosted by Press Club President Suhail Mughal, while APHC-AJK General Secretary Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah presided over it. Renowned columnist Arif Bahar attended as chief guest. Speakers included anchor Naila Kiani, President of the Private Schools Association Azad Kashmir Syed Ishtiaq Bukhari, Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Majid, senior journalists Tariq Naqash, Naeem Chughtai, Riaz Khan Sehrai, and Chairman Youth Wing Shabaab-ul-Muslimeen Munir Konshi. Shehzad Lolabi conducted the proceedings as stage secretary.
Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah, in his address, described martyr Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai as a towering figure of the Kashmir freedom movement, likening him to a pole star that consistently illuminates the path to success. He said India continues to pursue a calculated strategy to suppress the freedom movement. He noted that life in occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains heavily restricted, yet the people have shown remarkable resilience, refusing to surrender and voicing their resentment whenever possible despite the heavy presence of Indian troops across the occupied territory. He added that while India seeks to project an image of normalcy through force, the ground reality tells a different story, with Kashmiris being deprived of their lives, land, and property.
Arif Bahar paid rich tribute to Sehrai, stating that the path he chose represents the path to success, and urged the media in Azad Kashmir to shoulder the responsibility of effectively highlighting the Kashmir cause amid restrictions in Srinagar.
Suhail Mughal said personalities like Ashraf Sehrai emerge from resilient nations and their leadership paves the way for freedom.
Naila Kiani termed Sehrai’s death a custodial killing and called on international human rights organizations to take formal notice. Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Majid highlighted Sehrai’s political, religious, and social contributions, as well as his lifelong struggle.
Naeem Chughtai said Sehrai’s life remains a guiding light, while Tariq Naqash termed the event a commendable initiative and paid tribute to the resilience of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Riaz Sehrai said his family takes pride in upholding the legacy of martyrs. Munir Konshi said Sehrai inspired youth with his message of resilience and steadfastness. Syed Ishtiaq Bukhari described him as a great leader, stating that the sacrifices of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are aimed at achieving freedom from Indian occupation and the completion of Pakistan.
Among others, Hurriyat leaders, including Raja Khadim Hussain Shaheen, Chaudhry Shaheen Iqbal, Zahid Ashraf, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, and Abdul Majeed Mir, also attended the event.
