Syed Ali Gilani an icon of Kashmir freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir

Nishan-i-Pakistan – recognition of IIOJK people’s struggle
#SyedAliGillaniNishanePakistan

Islamabad, August 14 (KMS): Pakistan has conferred Nishan-i-Pakistan, the highest Civil Award of the country, on the veteran Kashmiri Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Gilani, for his services and sacrifices in the Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle for securing their right to self-determination.

An icon of the ongoing Kashmir freedom movement, Syed Ali Gilani was born in Zaingair area of Sopore town of Baramulla district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on 29th September 1929. He was educated at Sopore and finished his studies at the Oriental College, Lahore. He was a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir but later on founded Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir. He served as the chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference for many years.

Syed Ali Gilani spent several years in illegal detention at various IIOJK and Indian jails for his unwavering stance on the Kashmir dispute. The Indian authorities kept him under continued house arrest for the past more than ten years, despite his fragile health. The government of India even charged him under sedition. However, all these brutalities failed to suppress Syed Ali Gilani’s resolve and he remains committed to lead the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for securing their right to self-determination.

Syed Ali Gilani is one of the most respected figures in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan. He dedicated his entire life for the Kashmir cause and his sacrifices for the Kashmir freedom struggle are uncountable. Syed Ali Gilani coined the slogan “We are Pakistani, Pakistan is ours”.

The awarding of Nishan-i-Pakistan is not only a tribute to Syed Ali Gilani for his marvelous contribution and sacrifices for the Kashmir cause but also recognition of Kashmiris’ freedom struggle. It also shows Pakistan’s commitment to the cause of liberating the occupied territory from the Indian subjugation.