Karachi: Speakers at a seminar in Karachi strongly condemned India’s systematic efforts to alter the demographic composition of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and stressed the need for awareness and advocacy to expose the injustices faced by the Kashmiri people.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the seminar, titled “Impact of Colonialism on Kashmir Identity and Territorial Dispute,” was organized by the University of Karachi in collaboration with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter. The event witnessed significant participation from students, faculty members, and academic staff.
Prominent speakers at the seminar included Prof. Dr. Khalid M. Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi; Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener APHC-AJK; Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations; and Advocate Parvez Shah, General Secretary APHC-AJK.
The speakers condemned India’s illegal occupation of IIOJK and provided valuable insights into the historical and contemporary implications of colonialism on Kashmir’s identity and the ongoing territorial dispute.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid M. Iraqi underscored the importance of academic discourse in understanding complex geopolitical issues. He urged students and faculty members to engage critically with the subject and contribute to the dialogue on Kashmir’s future. He also emphasized the need to produce scholarly literature to raise awareness about the sufferings of the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener APHC-AJK, provided a historical perspective on the Kashmir conflict and reminded the audience of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s statement, declaring Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan.
Altaf Hussain Wani highlighted the hardships faced by the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation and called for increased international attention and support to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Advocate Parvez Shah elaborated on the legal dimensions of the Kashmir dispute, stressing the rights of the Kashmiri people under international law and the urgent need for the global community to take notice of India’s violations.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Nousheen Raza, Student Advisor at the University of Karachi. She reiterated the university’s commitment to fostering an environment of open dialogue and critical thought on pressing global issues.