ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organised a seminar on Kashmir Solidarity at its Faisal Masjid campus, at the IIUI seminar speakers urged the international community to take meaningful steps towards resolving the Kashmir dispute.
The event highlighted the significant role that academic institutions can play in advancing the Kashmir cause through dedicated research and intellectual debate. It brought together a distinguished panel of intellectuals, policymakers, and scholars, including former minister and seasoned analyst Mushahid Hussain Syed, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Mr Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Rector IIUI Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, President IIUI Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed, as well as other notable figures such as Shamim Shawl, Zahid Safi, and Dr Nazir Hussain.
Students and faculty members, together with researchers, comprised a diverse audience at the seminar, which discussed why international intervention in the Kashmir conflict was needed urgently.
At the assembly, Mushahid Hussain Syed honoured both the Kashmiri population for their strength and bravery while specifically praising women who actively fight against occupation. Mushahid Hussain Syed criticized how the global community showed double standards by ignoring Kashmiris’ suffering and he confirmed India to practice state terrorism which extends beyond Kashmir into other regions.
The issue must be carried to international institutions including the United Nations (UN) with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as its primary target. Social media advocacy and awareness-raising about Kashmiri matters should be promoted among the youth to advance the Kashmiri cause according to his advice.
During his presentation, Mr Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani displayed pride in his father who comes from the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The speaker emphasized how technology enables worldwide knowledge exposure about Kashmir’s real issues. The stability of Pakistan depends entirely on the Kashmir issue being resolved for both strength and freedom to exist.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmed as the HEC Chairman and IIUI Rector detailed how the commission uses academic studies and research to advance the Kashmir movement. HEC launched multiple Kashmir research centres including six universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to conduct effective academic research projects. The National Assembly Committee on Kashmir has suggested establishing a Kashmir Studies Centre and IIUI plans to lead its development to advance academic research of Kashmir.
Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed applauded the Kashmiri people for their enduring resistance throughout lockdowns and curfews as well as communication outages which began in August 2019. The Kashmiri battle for liberty extends further than contemporary times since it began throughout many centuries of history. The world community should recognize the worsening situation in Kashmir according to Dr Syed who also confirmed that Pakistan remains firm about Kashmir’s right to self-determination and will never reduce its support.
Dr Faryal Ambreen, who serves as the in-charge of the Dawah Centre for Women, introduced the seminar’s activities regarding Kashmir during her presentation about the centre’s functions. The event received its appreciation from the IIUI administration, which supported it, as she confirmed her dedication to spreading Kashmir awareness through education.
The conference ended by creating a unified demand to unite academia, policymakers and worldwide organizations to listen to Kashmiri voices alongside taking tangible steps toward resolving their historical dispute.
