Islamabad, As the world marked the International Day of Disarmament, the significance of the day was overshadowed by India’s continued disregard for the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for self-determination. This ongoing conflict poses a threat not only to regional stability but also raises concerns about potential nuclear escalation in South Asia.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the unresolved political desires of the Kashmiri populace have not only fueled discontent within the region but have also been the catalyst for two wars between nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan. The importance of addressing the Kashmir issue has been underscored by international figures including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has stressed the elimination of nuclear weapons as essential for global peace. Guterres pointed to Kashmir as a key flashpoint that could lead to nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan.
The report further highlighted comments from global leaders such as former US President Bill Clinton, who described Kashmir as the “most dangerous place on earth,” and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who referred to it as a “nuclear flashpoint.” These characterizations emphasize the critical nature of the Kashmir dispute on the international stage.
The presence of over 1,000,000 military and paramilitary personnel in a region with a population of just around 10 million is questioned within the report, which also notes admissions by some Indian political figures regarding the loss of Kashmir’s support. The volatile situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir is flagged as a potential trigger for a broader conflict in South Asia, underscoring the need for urgent action from global powers, especially the United States, to facilitate a resolution.
The report underscores the international recognition of the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination, backed by numerous UN Security Council resolutions, affirming the right of its people to decide their future. The failure to resolve the Kashmir dispute, it warns, could have repercussions that extend far beyond the borders of India and Pakistan, affecting peace and security on a global scale.