Islamabad: The unresolved Kashmir issue, grounded in United Nations Security Council resolutions, remains a legally valid and internationally recognized struggle for self-determination. This was the focus of a seminar organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in collaboration with the Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK), which emphasized the critical role of Pakistan's youth in advancing the cause amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
The seminar, titled "January 05: Lessons, Dialogue, and the Way Forward," gathered diplomats, scholars, and students to discuss the political, legal, and moral dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict. The event featured a range of speakers, including former AJK President Ambassador (r) Sardar Masood Khan, IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman, and other notable figures.
Ambassador (r) Masood Khan highlighted the unique position of Generation Z, which, through social media, has unprecedented access to information and platforms for expression. He urged the youth to view themselves as nation-builders and to engage with the Kashmir issue within the framework of Pakistan's ideology. He stressed that successive generations have made sacrifices for a just resolution and that this responsibility now rests with the youth.
Dr. Waleed Rasool emphasized the significance of January 5, 1949, when the UN Security Council recognized the right of Jammu and Kashmir's people to determine their political future via a plebiscite. Despite the lack of implementation over the decades, the legal validity of the issue remains, highlighting the selective application of international law influenced by major powers' interests.
Umair Parvez argued for the imperative resolution of the Kashmir issue, affirming it as a fundamental right of self-determination. He pointed out that while peaceful movements in other regions provide inspiration, the situation in Kashmir under Indian control presents a complex reality that cannot delegitimize resistance.
In his closing remarks, Khalid Rahman discussed the evolving international dynamics, noting that adversaries often sow chaos to maintain control. He emphasized the necessity of a long-term vision and diversity in strategies while maintaining clarity of purpose in the struggle for self-determination.
The seminar underscored the need for Pakistan's youth to take a proactive role in advocating for Kashmir's right to self-determination, reinforcing the importance of the issue in the international arena.