NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, May 16: The former prime minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir and the chairman of Jammu Kashmir Peoples’ Muslim League Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary has been one of the vociferous lobbyists, highlighting Kashmir cause at international level particularly in UK wherein he enjoys great support from Kashmiri as well as Pakistani community.
Hailing from a political dynasty of Mirpur, Chaudhary was born on 9 August 1955. Having brilliant academic carrier, Chaudhary received early education from his home town, matriculated from Cant Public School Rawalpindi and graduated from Gordon College Rawalpindi. For further studies, he went United Kingdom wherein he got Honours Degree in Economic and Politics from Bradford University, Diploma in International Law from City of London Polytechnic Institute and did Bar-at-Law from the prestigious Lincoln’s Inn, England. After completion of Barrister’s degree he continued practice in Britain for two years till 1983.
He returned to Pak in October 1983 and contested general elections in 1985, returned as a successful candidate and was elected as Deputy Opposition leader in the House. Since 1985 to 2006 he has been elected to the assembly. He joined Pakistan Peoples Party in 1994 and was elected as the prime minister of Azad Kashmir in 1996 whereas in 2001, he became opposition leader of the legislative assembly of Azad Kashmir.
Later on he parted ways from Pakistan Peoples Party and established a separate political party, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Muslim League.
Greatly inspired of the revolutionary movements during 80s that culminated successfully the world over Barrister Chaudhary has a great commitment with Kashmir cause and pleads for a creative and pragmatic solution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In an interview with Greater Kashmir he spoke frankly on various dimensions of the Kashmir conflict. He believes that Kashmiris’ struggle is a legitimate one and the first-ever rights movement in the world, acknowledged by the United Nations.
About ongoing struggle:
Kashmiris’ demands are in line with UN resolutions and the world admits the fact that there struggle is based on the moral principles, believed and practised by the civilized world. This is the birth right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to fight for their rights and to live with honour and dignity amidst the comity of nations.
You have been traveling abroad frequently. Do you think the international community has really been able understand the dynamics of Kashmir dispute?
Of course; the world community wants the issue should be resolved amicably and there is a tremendous pressure on India and Pakistan. Indigenous armed struggle, the nuclear factor, and 9/11 attack on world trade centre brought Kashmir into international focus.
American interest in Kashmir has increased because they want to see South Asia as nuclear free region and they don’t want the rise of what they call extremism or Jihadi culture in the region. And that can’t happen unless the core issue of Kashmir remains unresolved. So both American’s as well as the Europeans are fully involved and want the dispute be resolved amicably.
Once upon a time the US had many priorities, at times they were working for an independent Kashmir and were looking at various options but at this moment they want to see the dispute resolved anyhow. However, under the given circumstances India on the pretext of democracy and parliamentary system of governance, gained a lot of time pretending that it can not resolve the dispute without taking all the political forces on board whereas in Pakistan there was unfortunately one man show and President Pervez Musharraf went on giving concessions to India. Now that the democratic government in Pakistan is in place, I hope that India will have no excuse at all but to get engaged with the democratically elected government to find an honourable solution to the dispute.
As a result of back channel diplomacy, the previous government in Pakistan had agreed in principal the division of state as a solution to the dispute and all arrangements were made to finalise the deal. You know the former Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri’s in a media interview made it public that the two nations have thrashed out a solution and the only problem in the way was the domestic unrest in Pakistan. Unfortunately the solution was aimed at converting the LOC into international border.
The crisis in Pakistan in fact turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Kashmiris; otherwise the issue would have been over and done with and it would have been a great loss. However, people in Pakistan don’t want the government should compromise on Kashmir; they want the solution of the dispute as per the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people.
The foreign minister’s pronouncement was big news for every body and I put it on record and held a press conference in Islamabad; although Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq denied any such development but Kasuri admitted this publicly. The fact remains that the government was ready for the division of Kashmir.
What role did you played in highlighting Kashmir issue?
During my recent visit to Britain and other EU countries I talked to veteran parliamentarians, lawmakers, opinion makers as well as the peace activists I raised the issue thereby launching an effective campaign against British PM, who had recently pledged India for lending its support in a bid to become permanent member of the UN’s Security Council. And as a result of my campaign they (Labour Party) lost hundreds of seats in previous elections due to the fact that Kashmiris did not vote for labour party.
I also appealed the people of Brittan to pressurize the government and urged the UK PM Gordon Brown to simply withdraw its support. I made it clear that a country, which claims to be the largest democracy in the world have deployed over half a million military and Para-military troops in Kashmir and usurped the rights of millions of Kashmiris and how come it deserves the special status in the world body’s supreme council.
Secondly, the aim of my visit to EU countries was to seek third party involvement so as to seek peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute. As this has been the hallmark of the Indo-Pak history that they have never been able to resolve any problem bilaterally sans foreign help. They signed Tashkent declaration, Russia played a role as felicitator similarly in case of Run of Kuch issue, international board of Justice played key role whereas both the countries signed water sharing agreement with the help of World Bank. So I believe that there is a dire need of third party involvement, primarily I think EU can play effective role and secondly, Norway being a sovereign state and self-reliant country can equally contribute in this regard as it has been involved in various accords like Oslo in the recent past.
About status quo
I have categorically made it clear time and again that status quo as a solution is not acceptable to Kashmiri people living on either sides of line of control. Within my own means and limitations, I will personally resist any such move; having a big support abroad I can mobilize the international community in case such eventuality arises.
Under the given circumstance, I believe that the Kashmiri as a nation has the right to decide what they want. It entirely depends on what the people of occupied Kashmir finally want, they are the real people who have been fighting for last several decades, we can give them diplomatic support and that is what I have been doing. Ultimately the people and the leadership in held territory have to decide the future course of action.
Do you think Kashmiris have any role in the ongoing peace talks?
Yes definitely, Kashmiri being the principal party to the dispute have the right to be part of the decision making process and I am of the opinion that instead of two there should be three chairs and the third one must be for Kashmiri representatives. So to bring about a mutually agreed solution to Kashmir problem it is imperative to associate Kashmiri leadership in the talks.
Intra Kashmir dialogue
Intra-Kashmir dialogue is equally essential and the Kashmiri leadership on both sides line of control should be allowed to meet and travel freely, if India and Pakistani leadership can talk to each other, why not Kashmiris?
About 4-point formula
The formula seems quite alluring when you talk about demilitarization but while going deep down into the essence of the formula it leads to the bifurcation of the state.
On CBMS
This is time to give CBMs to the people of Indian-administered Kashmir. During my recent meeting with British foreign minister I told him that the people in Indian controlled part of Kashmir are the worst sufferers, who need respite and an atmosphere free of violence, the violence affected people have nothing to do with bus service and other CBMs. There is a dire need to withdraw Indian forces from populated areas, revoke black laws, release all political prisoners languishing in jails for several years and allowing the political leadership to travel abroad freely.
About Pakistan’s Kashmir policy
It was pragmatic before 9/11. Pakistan’s stance is a purely democratic one that is holding plebiscite so that the people can democratically choose their political destiny freely without any threat, coercion or intimidation.
About APHC
All Parties Hurriyat Conference is the sole representative platform that represents the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We salute their courage and valour for exposing Indian conspiracy. However, the split in the APHC is very painful for me. Unfortunately due to ceasefire line I cannot even play any role vis-à-vis bridging the gap between the two factions. It is my utmost desire that they should get untied and lead the movement to its logical end.
About Indian stance on Kashmir
The world had now become a global village. If India wants to play a role it has to be very realistic and pragmatic vis-à-vis resolving the Kashmir dispute. The unresolved dispute is basically a scar on the face of India, although it claims to be the largest democracy of the world. India has deployed 800,000 troops in Kashmir and kept millions of Kashmiri as hostages, this is sheer duplicity. With changing global scenario India and Pakistan should resolve this dispute in the larger interests of their people particularly for the peace and stability of South Asian region.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
EU can play role in Kashmir resolution: Khalid Ibraheem
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, May 2: Sardar Khalid Ibraheem Khan, the renowned politician of Pakistan administered Kashmir has inherited political legacy from his legendary father Sardar Muhammad Ibraheem Khan, the founding president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, popularly known as “Ghazi-e-Millat”.
Sardar Ibrahim heads Jammu Kashmir People’s Party, a breakaway group of Pakistan People’s Party, founded by his father in 1990. He has been elected to PaK assembly for three terms since 1991. He is the member of Pugwash International and has participated in different Kashmir-centric conferences across the globe.
He is one of finest speakers on Kashmir and believes that Kashmir issue can be resolved amicably if people of the state were given their democratic right to choose their political destiny.
In an exclusive interview with Greater Kashmir he talked about Kashmir issue and the contemporary changes.
About Kashmir dispute and the role of international community
Kashmir dispute is neither a religious nor a radical movement; in fact it is purely an indigenous movement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have been engaged in the struggle for last several decades. I feel the people abroad have basically failed to understand the dynamics of the problem. Had it been a racial movement it would have been perished? This is a problem of international magnitude and unfortunately India has been trying to change its international posture by terming Kashmir as bilateral issue and sometimes its internal problem.
People should not get disappointed as democratic movement usually takes a long-time to reach its logical end. The democratic movement continued almost one and a half century in the subcontinent before it led to formation of India and Pakistan.
On the same pattern Pakistan supports the legitimate rights movement of Kashmiri people and having a very clear stance over the issue Pakistan openly supports Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, which is their democratic right.
About the struggle for independence
Every freedom struggle has it highs and lows. It is not possible to continue it with same tempo. I feel that besides maintaining its level it is essential to sustain the democratic and more importantly the indigenous character of the movement. For that the political leadership has to be confident enough to fill the vacuum. So for as we have seen that there are two main factors that played key role in highlighting the Kashmir issue at international level (1) Indo-Pak nuclear capability (2) the armed struggle.
Since the two nations become nuclear powers, the world community became more pro-active and concerned with the issue and wants the two nations should resolve all disputes including Kashmir dispute through meaningful and result-oriented talks. The resistance movement that equally contributed in bringing the Kashmir issue at limelight at international level ca not be just ignored but it has to be taken into consideration that it should not take a shape where it might prove counterproductive for the rights movement. There is a dire need that political leadership across the state should demonstrate wisdom and political acumen and unite.
At the same time political leadership should stick to its historical and principled stance on Kashmir and there should be no compromise whatsoever on the basic principles. The two governments can have problems, they can change their stand but Kashmiri leadership can not afford any kind of seesawing policy.
UN resolutions
This is an undeniable fact that the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir and the UN charter itself are the guiding principles to resolve the dispute.
Have you ever visited India or Kashmir?
No. I did not. I believe as long as Indian forces are in Kashmir I will never visit the territory. And unless Indians accept the genuine and democratic rights of Kashmir I will never visit India although I was invited many times by various NGOs to visit the country but I refused.
About Indo-Pak dialogue and CBMs
Dialogue is the only civilized way to seek solution of disputes, so one should not shy away from talks. But the main thing is that we should not loose sight of the basic aim that is the Kashmiris as a nation have the right to choose its political destiny. Despite opposition from some circles, the process has lessened hostilities between the two arch rivals. However, there is a need to institutionalize the process to make it sustainable.
We support the Kashmir centric CBMs particularly the people to people contact. But I am not in favour of any trade along the ceasefire line. Commerce and trade related activities are normally carried out in an area where there is peace and harmony.
Human Rights situation in Kashmir
The world community at large is highly concerned with the bloodshed and the killings of innocent people in Indian administered Kashmir and wants the violence should be stopped immediately without further loss of life.
What should be the role of Kashmiri in the talks?
Unlike other Kashmiri leaders I have entirely different opinion in this regard. I feel there is no need to involve Kashmiri leadership in the Indo-Pak talks at this stage, in fact the dialogue process was initiated by the two governments to explore and evolve a mechanism or methodology as how to address the core issue. So unless the two nations come up with a comprehensive mechanism there is no need to be part of the dialogue. The people who have been holding talks at official are just to explore the ways and means and to set a modus operandi regarding the conflict resolution. They do not have the mandate to thrust any solution; ultimately the Kashmiris as a nation have the right to make a final decision regarding their future.
The two countries can’t take any decision bilaterally, as they have been holding talks for last 60 years, despite signing agreements the problem still persists there. Had Kashmiris been part of these negotiations our position would have been quite different. We would have then lost our legitimacy and claim over the issue.
Morally and legally our demand is genuine and justified, because Kashmiris have never been part of the negotiations, so there is no hurry let the two countries to devise a mechanism, finally they will have to take Kashmiris on board and a stage will come when Kashmiri will be masters of their.
Do you think bilateral approach can yield positive results?
So for bilateralism has failed to yield positive results but I think the two countries can evolve a mechanism through this process but can not be able to find a solution. It is basically an international issue; India itself took the issue to the United Nations to seek the world body’s role to get the problem resolved. As in the case of Indus Water Treaty, the World Bank played key role to facilitate both the countries India and Pakistan to sign the agreement, I feel on the same pattern third party involvement (as a mediator) will be required to bring about a durable solution of the dispute
Which country can play effective role as a mediator?
There is not just one country but at present I feel the European Union being the most credible can play vital role to bring about a solution of the Kashmir imbroglio, whereas there is general impression that United Nations is the subservient body of the USA.
In your view what is the practical solution of Kashmir dispute?
Give and take, status quo or further bifurcation is no solution to Kashmir dispute. Democratic solution is the only viable solution to the dispute. The issue being a political one should be resolved through democratic means. So if you want a viable and lasting solution to the dispute that has to be democratic one. As force or any sort of military adventurism can just highlight the issue but can never be helpful in resolving the dispute.
President Musharraf’s four-point formula generated a lot of debate
I do not agree with President Musharraf’s four point formula, whether it is demilitarization, self-governance or joint management, practically none of the proposals seem applicable. There is lot of confusion as how these proposals can be implemented within the ambit of Indian constitution. This is not in favour of Kashmiri people and the formula is also contrary to the Hurriyat’s stance that is the amalgam has categorically made it clear that it will not accept any solution of the dispute within Indian constitution.
Z A Bhutto vowed to wage a 1000-year war for the liberation of Kashmir. Do you think the PPP-led coalition government will follow his Kashmir policy?
There is no such indication. However the recent statements by the PPP leaders give the impression that the incumbent regime may follow the previous-government’s Kashmir policy. I can say if PPP still follows the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s Kashmir policy, they will definitely bring this issue in the parliament. Bhutto basically emerged as national hero for adopting a coherent stance on Kashmir.
The issue should be discussed in the National Assembly and all the political forces should be taken on board so as to evolve national consensus over this important issue.
Islamabad, May 2: Sardar Khalid Ibraheem Khan, the renowned politician of Pakistan administered Kashmir has inherited political legacy from his legendary father Sardar Muhammad Ibraheem Khan, the founding president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, popularly known as “Ghazi-e-Millat”.
Sardar Ibrahim heads Jammu Kashmir People’s Party, a breakaway group of Pakistan People’s Party, founded by his father in 1990. He has been elected to PaK assembly for three terms since 1991. He is the member of Pugwash International and has participated in different Kashmir-centric conferences across the globe.
He is one of finest speakers on Kashmir and believes that Kashmir issue can be resolved amicably if people of the state were given their democratic right to choose their political destiny.
In an exclusive interview with Greater Kashmir he talked about Kashmir issue and the contemporary changes.
About Kashmir dispute and the role of international community
Kashmir dispute is neither a religious nor a radical movement; in fact it is purely an indigenous movement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have been engaged in the struggle for last several decades. I feel the people abroad have basically failed to understand the dynamics of the problem. Had it been a racial movement it would have been perished? This is a problem of international magnitude and unfortunately India has been trying to change its international posture by terming Kashmir as bilateral issue and sometimes its internal problem.
People should not get disappointed as democratic movement usually takes a long-time to reach its logical end. The democratic movement continued almost one and a half century in the subcontinent before it led to formation of India and Pakistan.
On the same pattern Pakistan supports the legitimate rights movement of Kashmiri people and having a very clear stance over the issue Pakistan openly supports Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, which is their democratic right.
About the struggle for independence
Every freedom struggle has it highs and lows. It is not possible to continue it with same tempo. I feel that besides maintaining its level it is essential to sustain the democratic and more importantly the indigenous character of the movement. For that the political leadership has to be confident enough to fill the vacuum. So for as we have seen that there are two main factors that played key role in highlighting the Kashmir issue at international level (1) Indo-Pak nuclear capability (2) the armed struggle.
Since the two nations become nuclear powers, the world community became more pro-active and concerned with the issue and wants the two nations should resolve all disputes including Kashmir dispute through meaningful and result-oriented talks. The resistance movement that equally contributed in bringing the Kashmir issue at limelight at international level ca not be just ignored but it has to be taken into consideration that it should not take a shape where it might prove counterproductive for the rights movement. There is a dire need that political leadership across the state should demonstrate wisdom and political acumen and unite.
At the same time political leadership should stick to its historical and principled stance on Kashmir and there should be no compromise whatsoever on the basic principles. The two governments can have problems, they can change their stand but Kashmiri leadership can not afford any kind of seesawing policy.
UN resolutions
This is an undeniable fact that the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir and the UN charter itself are the guiding principles to resolve the dispute.
Have you ever visited India or Kashmir?
No. I did not. I believe as long as Indian forces are in Kashmir I will never visit the territory. And unless Indians accept the genuine and democratic rights of Kashmir I will never visit India although I was invited many times by various NGOs to visit the country but I refused.
About Indo-Pak dialogue and CBMs
Dialogue is the only civilized way to seek solution of disputes, so one should not shy away from talks. But the main thing is that we should not loose sight of the basic aim that is the Kashmiris as a nation have the right to choose its political destiny. Despite opposition from some circles, the process has lessened hostilities between the two arch rivals. However, there is a need to institutionalize the process to make it sustainable.
We support the Kashmir centric CBMs particularly the people to people contact. But I am not in favour of any trade along the ceasefire line. Commerce and trade related activities are normally carried out in an area where there is peace and harmony.
Human Rights situation in Kashmir
The world community at large is highly concerned with the bloodshed and the killings of innocent people in Indian administered Kashmir and wants the violence should be stopped immediately without further loss of life.
What should be the role of Kashmiri in the talks?
Unlike other Kashmiri leaders I have entirely different opinion in this regard. I feel there is no need to involve Kashmiri leadership in the Indo-Pak talks at this stage, in fact the dialogue process was initiated by the two governments to explore and evolve a mechanism or methodology as how to address the core issue. So unless the two nations come up with a comprehensive mechanism there is no need to be part of the dialogue. The people who have been holding talks at official are just to explore the ways and means and to set a modus operandi regarding the conflict resolution. They do not have the mandate to thrust any solution; ultimately the Kashmiris as a nation have the right to make a final decision regarding their future.
The two countries can’t take any decision bilaterally, as they have been holding talks for last 60 years, despite signing agreements the problem still persists there. Had Kashmiris been part of these negotiations our position would have been quite different. We would have then lost our legitimacy and claim over the issue.
Morally and legally our demand is genuine and justified, because Kashmiris have never been part of the negotiations, so there is no hurry let the two countries to devise a mechanism, finally they will have to take Kashmiris on board and a stage will come when Kashmiri will be masters of their.
Do you think bilateral approach can yield positive results?
So for bilateralism has failed to yield positive results but I think the two countries can evolve a mechanism through this process but can not be able to find a solution. It is basically an international issue; India itself took the issue to the United Nations to seek the world body’s role to get the problem resolved. As in the case of Indus Water Treaty, the World Bank played key role to facilitate both the countries India and Pakistan to sign the agreement, I feel on the same pattern third party involvement (as a mediator) will be required to bring about a durable solution of the dispute
Which country can play effective role as a mediator?
There is not just one country but at present I feel the European Union being the most credible can play vital role to bring about a solution of the Kashmir imbroglio, whereas there is general impression that United Nations is the subservient body of the USA.
In your view what is the practical solution of Kashmir dispute?
Give and take, status quo or further bifurcation is no solution to Kashmir dispute. Democratic solution is the only viable solution to the dispute. The issue being a political one should be resolved through democratic means. So if you want a viable and lasting solution to the dispute that has to be democratic one. As force or any sort of military adventurism can just highlight the issue but can never be helpful in resolving the dispute.
President Musharraf’s four-point formula generated a lot of debate
I do not agree with President Musharraf’s four point formula, whether it is demilitarization, self-governance or joint management, practically none of the proposals seem applicable. There is lot of confusion as how these proposals can be implemented within the ambit of Indian constitution. This is not in favour of Kashmiri people and the formula is also contrary to the Hurriyat’s stance that is the amalgam has categorically made it clear that it will not accept any solution of the dispute within Indian constitution.
Z A Bhutto vowed to wage a 1000-year war for the liberation of Kashmir. Do you think the PPP-led coalition government will follow his Kashmir policy?
There is no such indication. However the recent statements by the PPP leaders give the impression that the incumbent regime may follow the previous-government’s Kashmir policy. I can say if PPP still follows the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s Kashmir policy, they will definitely bring this issue in the parliament. Bhutto basically emerged as national hero for adopting a coherent stance on Kashmir.
The issue should be discussed in the National Assembly and all the political forces should be taken on board so as to evolve national consensus over this important issue.
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