Pakistan Embarks on Internationalization of Kashmir Issue with Washington DC Webinar

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Pakistan, led by President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, reaffirmed their unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on the sixth anniversary of India's revocation of Article 370. A webinar, "A Threat to Kashmiri Identity," was organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C. to expose India's human rights abuses and lay the groundwork for a peaceful resolution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kashmir issue has been internationalized, with the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C. observing Youm-e-Istehsal (Exploitation Day) to commemorate the sixth anniversary of India's revocation of Article 370.
  • The webinar featured leading voices on the Kashmir issue, including Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Senator (R) Mushahid Hussain Syed, Ambassador (R) Munir Akram, and Dr. Victoria Schofield, British historian and author.
  • The speakers condemned India's demographic and political engineering in the region, highlighting its adverse and escalatory implications for regional and global peace, security, and stability.
  • Dr. Schofield emphasized the need for dialogue, mediation, and inclusive peace process, drawing parallels with the Northern Ireland peace model.
  • Senator (R) Mushahid Hussain Syed lauded the initiative of President Donald Trump for offering mediation on Kashmir and recognizing it as the core issue between Pakistan and India.
  • Amb. Munir Akram and Dr. Fai reiterated the centrality of the United Nations Security Council resolutions, especially Resolutions 80, 91, and 122, in affirming the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

Statistics:

  • The webinar brought together 20 participants from the Embassy of Pakistan and Consulates across the U.S.
  • The Pakistani government has been instrumental in organizing over 50 webinars and events to raise awareness about the Kashmir issue.
  • According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, there have been over 20,000 forced disappearances and arrests in IIOJK since 2020.
  • The Kashmir issue has resulted in over $20 billion in economic losses for the people of IIOJK.

Sources:

  • Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.
  • Pakistani Government
  • Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
  • United Nations Security Council Resolutions 80, 91, and 122.