Friends of Palestine & Kashmir meet in Islamabad, reaffirm solidarity
Islamabad: A high-profile meeting of the Friends of Palestine and Kashmir was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Siraj-ul-Haq.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the gathering brought together leaders from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and notable figures from Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and international representatives of the Palestinian cause.
The APHC delegation, led by Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, included senior Hurriyat leaders such as Farooq Rahmani, General Secretary Pervez Ahmad,Haji Muhammad Sultan, Mushtaq Ahmad Butt, Imtiaz Ahmad Wani, Zahid Safi, Muhammad Ashraf Dar and Syed Gulshan Ahmad. AJK’s delegation featured leaders like Dr. Mushtaq Khan, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami AJK/Gilgit-Baltistan, former Ameer Abdul Rashid Turabi, Secretary General of Azad Kashmir Jamaat-e-Islami Jahangir Khan and Raja Zaheer Khan. Bilal Al-Astal, Director General of Friends of Palestine and Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of its Political Bureau, also participated.
Briefing the gathering, Bilal Al-Astal and Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais highlighted the steadfastness of the Palestinian resistance, describing the ongoing Tofan Al-Aqsa movement as a pivotal moment in exposing Israel’s genocidal actions since 1948. “We have successfully shown the world the oppressive face of Israel, which has led many nations to recognize the Palestinian state. We urge the free people of the world to acknowledge our right to freedom,” they said.
They emphasized the parallels between the struggles of Palestinians and Kashmiris, stating, “The brave Kashmiri people understand our pain, as our struggles are deeply connected.”
Speaking on the occasion, Siraj-ul-Haq reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine and Kashmir. “The 220 million people of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the oppressed peoples of Kashmir and Palestine in their quest for freedom. The entire nation will continue its steadfast support until Kashmir is liberated from India’s oppressive occupation and Palestine from Israel’s tyranny,” he stated.
Siraj also urged Pakistan’s government to prioritize the issues of Kashmir and Palestine in its policy framework and highlighted the unified stance of all political, religious, and social factions in Pakistan regarding these causes. “Despite the grim circumstances, we will persevere with resolve, ensuring that these struggles for freedom are never abandoned,” he added.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener of the APHC, reiterated the shared plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians. “We see India and Israel as two sides of the same coin. Israel supports India in its repression of Kashmiris, while India aids Israel’s atrocities in Palestine. Yet, with unyielding determination, we will continue to resist until victory is achieved,” he declared.
The meeting concluded with a solemn prayer for the martyrs of Palestine and Kashmir, as well as for the unity, success, and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah.
This historic gathering underscored the deep ties between the two resistance movements and the shared resolve to stand against oppression and injustice.
