ISLAMABAD: In observance of the upcoming ‘Kashmir Black Day,’ the India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a seminar titled “United Nations and the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute” on October 24, coinciding with UN Day.
The event delved into the complexities of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict and the challenges the United Nations faces in upholding its principles and implementing resolutions to ensure justice for the affected populace.
Ambassador Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, served as the Chief Guest. The seminar featured speakers such as Ms. Farzana Yaqoob, former Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development, AJK; Dr. Marium Fatima, Assistant Professor at NDU; and Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
In his opening remarks, ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the significance of UN Day as a moment for the global community to reaffirm its commitment to the UN Charter and support multilateralism. He highlighted the myriad of urgent challenges facing the world today, including ongoing conflicts, non-traditional security threats, and democratic backsliding. While praising the UN’s humanitarian efforts, he noted that the institution’s principles are under threat from certain member states, urging a return to foundational principles rather than power dynamics.
Ambassador Mahmood underscored the UN’s crucial role in the Kashmir issue, reaffirming its commitment to a solution involving a free and impartial plebiscite, as outlined in relevant Security Council resolutions. He pointed out that although this solution had garnered international support, India had since deviated from its commitments. He called for a united approach to advance the Kashmir cause, emphasizing the role of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora in raising global awareness.
Ambassador Masood Khan reflected on the historical context of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, particularly the geopolitical dynamics that have influenced it since 1947. He highlighted India’s actions in August 2019 as evidence of its intent to dominate the region, citing ongoing efforts to secure its hold through policies like domicile rights for non-Kashmiris. He called for a united front to advocate for Kashmiris’ rights and stressed the importance of civil society engagement and proactive diplomacy.
Ms. Farzana Yaqoob criticized recent elections in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), arguing that the Indian government manipulated the delimitation process to favor Hindu representatives in a Muslim-majority region. She questioned India’s claim to be the world’s largest democracy and condemned its settler colonialism policies.
Dr. Marium Fatima addressed the legal dimensions of Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom, affirming that the right to self-determination is universal and rooted in UN Security Council resolutions. She cautioned against demographic changes that threaten Kashmiri identity and self-determination efforts.
Altaf Hussain Wani discussed the implications of Hindutva ideology and demographic shifts in IIOJK, asserting that recent elections were designed to strengthen the BJP’s grip on the region despite ongoing resistance from Kashmiris.
Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Centre, noted that since 1948, the UN Security Council has passed 18 resolutions related to the India-Pakistan question, many concerning the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He stated that India has consistently rejected these resolutions and sought to impose its will through coercive tactics.
The seminar concluded with remarks from Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI, who stressed the urgent need for the UN to address the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He highlighted that this long-standing issue remains a critical concern for peace and stability in the region, particularly given the nuclearized environment.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including academics, practitioners, think-tank experts, students, and members of civil society and the media.
