Pakistan Opinion Leaders & Politicians
Renew Commitment To Kashmir,
Declared Burhan Wani, A Hero

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD—YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group in-collaboration with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Seminar, titled “The New Intifada In Indian-Occupied Kashmir: A Review” in relevance with the occasion of 1^st Anniversary of The Freedom Fighter Burhan Muzaffar Wani’s Martyrdom by brutal Indian-occupied forces at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.

Speakers included, The Chief Guest Honorable Raja Muhammad Zafar-Ul-Haq-Leader Of The House In Senate Of Pakistan, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood-Chairman ISSI, Mr. Ahmed Quraishi-Executive Director YFK, Mr. Ahmar Bilal Soofi-Legal Expert, Lt. Gen. (R) Abdul Qayyum-Senator, Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan-Member National Assembly, Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani-Senior Leader APHC, Ms. Shaista Safi-YFK Lobbyist and others.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted the affiliation Pakistan has with Kashmir and commitment of people of Kashmir with the ideology of Pakistan. He analyzed the post-Burhan Wani martyrdom situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir and said that India should see the writing on the walls of Kashmir. Pakistan will always extend all kind of support in favor of Kashmir cause. He further said that the presence of leadership shows their seriousness in Kashmir cause.

Mr. Ahmed Quraishi refers Indian-occupied Kashmir as a home to world’s biggest peaceful civil disobedience movement which is demanding a referendum. He said that the world’s largest democracy is also a world’s largest military occupation. He compared Burhan Wani as Kashmir’s Nelson Mandela, Che Guevara, Chairman Mao and George Washington. He said that India invaded and occupied Kashmir in 1947 and never in history was Kashmir part of India. He further said that Britain could not stop freedom of India and India can’t stop freedom of Kashmir.

Mr. Ahmar Bilal Soofi said that Kashmir is the matter to be resolved on the grounds of Human Rights. Legal status of Indian army is that of an occupying force. He said that the occupying force can’t change the demographics of the land it has occupied. These kinds of mechanisms are the violations of human rights law. He said that for me, the killings in the occupied valley constitute a war crime. He further said that what we need in addition to activism on Kashmir is academic depth into the issue.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani said that India has always tried to terrorize the peaceful struggle of Kashmiris. He said that Burhan Wani gave a new life to the Kashmir Freedom Movement and revived the struggle for Freedom.

Lt. Gen. (R) Abdul Qayyum said that Burhan Wani is a hero for us and we support Kashmiri movement by all means. He said that the role of UN needs to be questioned on Kashmir. He further said that there are lots of unsung heroes in Kashmir. Kashmir movement will now just progress.

Ms. Shaista Safi said that 8^th July 2016 was a turning point in Kashmir. Kashmir issue is now not dead but the most deadly issue of the world. It is so unfortunate that in Kashmir, living needs an explanation. She appealed that I, as a born Kashmiri, want you to support us.

Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan said that the creation of Pakistan is incomplete without the liberation of Kashmir. He said that declare all freedom fighters as terrorists if you label Burhan Wani as one. Strong Pakistan is necessary for the liberation of Kashmir. There is no parallel reciprocation by us on Kashmir. He called Indian army as terrorists in uniform.

The Chief Guest Honorable Raja Muhammad Zafar-Ul-Haq said that the Freedom is that basic right which no force can suppress. The new Intifada is gaining unimaginable momentum. He said that Kashmir needs political solution in line with UN Resolutions. Pakistan doesn’t advocate violence but India does.

YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group (Youth Forum For Kashmir) is Pakistan’s first pro-Kashmir, registered and nonpartisan International lobbying group led by young Kashmiris and Pakistanis working to ensure justice to Kashmiris living under Indian-military occupation.