Jammiat-e-Ulama Islam holds all party conference on Kashmir

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NISAR AHMED THOKAR Islamabad, Publish Date: Feb 15 2017 12:40AM | Updated Date: Feb 15 2017 12:40AM

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Speakers at a seminar hosted by Jammiat-e-Ulama Islam Jammu and Kashmir while terming unresolved issue of Kashmir as a constant threat to peace and security in the region have observed that the world powers' double standards and lopsided approach towards the festering issue has pushed the region into quagmire of uncertainty.

Presided over by Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Chairman Moulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, the all party seminar titled "Kashmir issue: our responsibilities" held here on Monday was attended by political and religious parties of Pakistan, AJK and Gilgit Baltistan whereas leaders of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF were present on the occasion.

In his maiden speech the KC chief Moualana Fazl-ur-Rehman spoke about chain of events that shook the world besides casting negative impacts on the freedom movements across the globe. He said that 9/11 was one of the major events that changed the world scenario. Following this tragic incident, he observed that the whole world was dragged into war on terror by the sole super power.  The unanticipated change at global level he said had adversely affected a number of countries and Pakistan was no exception. "9/11 episode changed the world, freedom movements were doubted as terrorists", he said adding that India tried to take advantage of the whole situation. "Such was the situation that we could not even raise the issue of Kashmir at international forums", he added.

Rehman said that world powers have their own interests and when it comes to K-issue rather than supporting peoples' just cause these so-called champions of peace and justice were practically seen protecting their own economic interests in the region. He said that fact remains that it were the economic interests that matter the most. He said despite all this Kashmiris continued their struggle and kept the issue alive by rendering supreme sacrifices.

He said now that the situation has changed in the world and particularly south Asian region was witnessing a great transformation in terms of Chian-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The multibillion project he said would usher the region into an era of economic prosperity and broader connectivity. "The China's vision of one belt one road is being widely hailed all across the globe and many stakeholeders including gulf countries and Russia too has expressed its desire to join the project", the KC chairman said adding that CPEC was a guarantee for economic prosperity of Pakistan. He, however, maintained that on one hand America was playing negative role while on the other India was trying to sabotage this project.

"China has invited India to join the CPEC and there is a change within Indian as well and even mainstream parties in Indian administered Kashmir do think on the similar lines", Rehman said adding that Pakistan, according to its vision, was steadfastly moving towards economic prosperity. Terming next fifteen years as essentially important for sustainable economical growth of the country, he said that all encompassing changes taking place in the region would ultimately have positive impact on Kashmir issue. "We have to be very cautious and vigilant as India has been provoking us by fomenting trouble not only inside Kashmir but along the line of control (LoC)", he said. India he said was actually trying to engage Pakistan in a conventional war the way Americans had engaged USSR several years back.

 Senator Sajid Mir while flaying the government's ineptness to highlight Kashmiris' plight at international level said, "Promoting Kashmiris' right to self-determination and presenting Kashmir issue before the international community was a far cry as we could not even expose atrocities Indian forces have been committing in Kashmir".

He said that there was no doubt that global war on terror has adversely affected the Kashmiris' freedom struggle but international community has demonstrated highest level of duality and prejudice viz-a-viz kashmir. Referring to East Timor and South Sudan he said that the people living in the territories dominated by non Muslims were allowed to exercise their birth right but Muslims who have been fighting for the same cause have been suffering due to this double standard by international community.

Senator Nair Bukhari of Pakistan Peoples’ Party said that Kashmiris have every right to fight for their cause. He said that for a durable peace in the region resolution of Kashmir dispute was imperative.

 PPP leader Chudhary Yasin flayed what he called the incumbent regime's apologetic attitude towards India saying that on one hand Kashmiri were being killed while on the other government of Pakistan had lifted ban on screening Indian films in Pakistani cinemas. Regarding Parliamentary delegations that have recently visited some foreign countries he said that only one delegation, which he said was led by Mushahid Hussain has been able to highlight the plight of Kashmiris whereas rest of delegations enjoyed their stay in five star hotels.

JI Chief Senator Sirj-ul-Haq said that all political and religious parties of Pakistan were united on the issue of Kashmir. "We are convinced that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir but it is quite unfortunate that the government has no road-map regarding the resolution of Kashmir dispute", he said adding that government should allocate proper budget for this cause.

Regarding the role of Kashmir Committee that has been facing severe criticism for its inaction the JI chief said, "Since Kashmir committee is subservient to the government and it would be totally injustice to put blame on the committee". Haq reiterated his demand of establishing Kashmir desks in all Pakistani embassies aboard to project the case vociferously at international level. Seeking government's attention towards the plight of Kahsmiri migrants he said that there was dire need that government should address the issues faced by the community forthwith.

Abdul Rashid Turabi Ameer Jammat-e-Islami PaK said that those who were questioning the KC's credibility should think what they have been doing for the Kashmir cause. Without citing the name Turabi said that mainstream parties of Pakistan should at least ponder a while as what they have so far done for Kashmir. Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the former PaK premier said that Kashmir Committee was a credible institution and people presumably have much expectations but when government itself has no policy on the issue then why to blame a committee for someone's fault.  He said that regarding Gilgit Baltistan "we have fully supported the internal autonomy for the people of region but when there was any attempt to change the political status of the region we opposed it as GB happens to be part and parcel of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir".

Meanwhile, APHC leaders Syed Faiz Naqashbandi , Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Manzoor ul Haq Butt and Ajaz Ahmed Shah called on KC chief Moulana Fazl-Ur-Rehman and apprised him of the prevailing political and human rights situation in Kashmir. Sources said that the KC chairman during the meeting spoke to Mirwaiz Omar Farooq on phone and felicitated him on the birth of his son.

ISSI seminar calls for peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute

"dialogue only way forward"

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Islamabad, Feb 03: Terming dialogue as the only way forward to settle long running dispute of Kashmir panelists at a seminar hosted by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) have said that it was in the larger interests of the people of both India and Pakistan to hold a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue to find out an early an amicable solution of K-dispute.

"It is in the best interests of both Pakistan and India to resolve this issue, if not through bilateralism, there are other methods mentioned in the UN charter such as arbitration, mediation and judicial decisions to resolve conflicts", Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors of ISSI made these assertions while addressing the seminar titled “Solving the Kashmir Dispute: Exercise of the Right to Self-Determination” here on Thursday. The seminar was addressed by Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Mushal H Malik and others, whereas Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of National Assembly on Foreign Affairs was key note speaker on the occasion.

Mahmood was of the view that the United Nations did try to organize plebiscite and consequently many representatives visited Kashmir, submitted their reports vis-à-vis holding referendum in the region but they failed. "They failed because India backed out of its commitments", he said adding that United Nations resolutions on Kashmir clearly stated that the future of the Kashmiri people will be decided by an impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the UN, which he said was accepted by India, Pakistan and the International community.

Notwithstanding these resolutions, ambassador Khalid Mehmood said that Indian repression continues to this date with 700,000 military and paramilitary forces being deployed in the region and countless atrocities being carried out against the innocent civilians in Kashmir.

He said that after the killing of Burhan Wani by Indian forces Kashmiris' struggle entered into a new phase. "It has led to youth uprising, the youth of Kashmir expressed their complete un-acceptability of Indian control that as a matter of fact poses a big question mark over Indian presence in the disputed territory". Highlighting what he described as important aspects of Kashmir issue, the ISSI chairman said, " a). Kashmir is primarily the question of right to self-determination enshrined in the UN charter and other international covenants b). it is not a territorial dispute c). there is no law of limitations applicable to resolutions adopted by world body and therefore validity of the UN resolutions on Kashmir does not lapse with time".

He said that vain attempts were being made to link Kashmiris' struggle with terrorism saying people under foreign domination has right to fight for their inalienable right the right to self-determination.

Regarding international community's indifference towards Kashmir he said that owing to their own economic interests big powers were reluctant to play any role and to put pressure on India.

In his key not speech Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari voiced grave concern over human rights violations in Kashmir. He said that Pakistan has always raised its voice against rights abuses inflicted upon the people of the region. He also appreciated UN high commissioner for human rights for issuing a strong statement on Kashmir.

Highlighting the contradictions within the European and western countries Lagari said that on one hand mature democracies in Europe have shown their aggressive reaction on Trumps' executive order but they remain unmoved and unconcerned over human rights violations taking place in Indian held territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Terming it as hypocrisy of the international community the PML-N legislator questioned why the global community did not take note of the atrocities happening in Kashmir. He stated that global community must show such kind of aggressive reaction towards Kashmir issue as well.

Referring to Indian hostile approach Lagari said that the incumbent regime led by prime minister Nawaz Sharif has demonstrated highest degree of responsibility against threatening and irresponsible statements by Indian leaders. "Pakistan is well on its way to economic prosperity and security stability. Pakistan is playing an important role in Afghanistan", he said adding that India's age-old tactics of blaming Pakistan for all its odds was quite irrational and uncalled for. India he said can't hide its face or conceal atrocities carried out by its forces in Kashmir by resorting to blame game.

About the settlement of K-dispute he said, "There are three stakeholders in the Kashmir dispute (Kashmir, Pakistan and Indian), all the stakeholders need to sit together to find out a solution as there is no way of resolving the issues through an act of war". He  maintained that the sooner the dialogue process starts it was better for peace and stability of the entire region.

On CPEC he said that the concept of one road one belt would benefit people of the whole region and many countries were willing to be part of this mega project in future.

During question and answer session, Lagari while replying to a query said that the Standing Committee of National Assembly on Foreign Affairs had proposed the government to engage with India on four key issues that included Kashmir, Water, Trade and culture and communication.

APHC convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi stated that the issue of Jammu & Kashmir has remained unresolved since the past seven decades. Safi said that India refused to implement the road map given by UN in 1948 and 1949 for the resolution of this issue comprised of a ceasefire, withdrawal of troops and holding an impartial plebiscite to ascertain wishes and will of Kashmiri people. He said Kashmiri being principle party to the dispute believes that UN proposed road map is the most feasible solution of Kashmir dispute.

The APHC leader Mohammad Farooq Rehmani said that the rise of ‘Hindutva’ in the shape of Modi was a great threat to peaceful co-existence and the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. We want only freedom and the right of self-determination according to the UNSC resolutions, accepted both by India and Pakistan. Rehamani appealed to Pakistan to draw a result-oriented strategy for the resolution of the issue of Jammu & Kashmir.

Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick in her speech stated that the people of Jammu & Kashmir who are larger in number than 123 currently independent nations, having a defined historical identity were engaged in a massive, indigenous and non-violent struggle to win their freedom from the foreign occupation.

NRKs ask United Nations to help resolve K-issue

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Urge India To Initiate Dialogue Process To Settle K-Dispute

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NISAR AHMED THOKAR Islamabad, Publish Date: Feb 2 2017 12:27AM | Updated Date: Feb 2 2017 12:27AM

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Non Resident Kashmiris on Wednesday expressed grave concern over what they called “deteriorating human rights and political situation” in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the United Nations to help resolve the long-drawn conflict peacefully in line with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

Speaking at All Parties Kashmir Conference (APKC) hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan the speakers termed implementation of UN resolutions as core responsibility of the UN, "The United Nations being custodian of peace and justice is morally bound to get its unanimously adopted resolutions on Kashmir implemented".

The speakers rued over ineptness of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to tackle the challenges faced by Ummah saying that the second largest world body had failed miserably to live up to the expectations of the Muslim world. They also expressed their anguish over lopsided approach and perpetual indifference of world powers towards the sufferings of Kashmiri people. The speakers urged the Government of India to give up its traditional mantra of Atoot-Ang and initiate a meaningful dialogue process for the settlement of Kashmir dispute.

Presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Senator Sirar jul Haq the APKC was addressed by political and religious leaders and intellectuals from Pakistan, Pakistani administered Kashmir (PaK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, whereas Hurriyat and JKLF representatives also participated in the conference held here. 

Denouncing house detention of the JUD chief Hafiz Sayeed they said that the decision taken in haste was an attempt to appease US administration.

In his opening remarks senator Siraj-ul-Haq said that it was high time that in view of Kashmiris' historic struggle for right to self-determination the political and religious parties of Pakistan must rise above the political, sectarian divide and lend their all out support to strengthen Kashmir cause. "Struggling people of Kashmir want that Pakistan should play a historic and decisive role and let it be clear that supporting Kashmiris' cause does not mean that we are doing any favour to them but we are duty bound to support them", the JI chief said.

Haq stated that "If Pakistan is body, Kashmir is its soul and its jugular vein." He said that it was quite unfortunate that we don't have a full-fledged foreign minister to plead the case at international level. Flaying government's decision against JUD chief Hafiz Sayeed and putting him under detention Haq said that the incumbent regime succumbed to US pressure the way former president of Pakistan General Parvez Musharraf succumbed to all the US demands. "Rather than looking at it through the prism of America the government should take decisions in the larger interests of the people of our country", he said.

Senator Moulana Ghafoor Hyderi the deputy chairman of the senate said that as per the international covenants Kashmiris have every right to chose their political destiny but 70 years have passed Kashmiris were not allowed to exercise their birth right. He said that Pakistan had always supported Kashmir cause politically, morally and diplomatically but so far as lobbying for Kashmir at international level is concerned there were certain loopholes, which have to be plugged in to project the Kashmir case effectively.

Regarding India's hostile attitude towards Pakistan Hyderi said that Modi-Tump nexus was hell-bent on to destabilize Pakistan. "Since Pakistan and China signed CPEC project, conspiracies are being hatched to foil the billion dollar project", he said adding that India should bear in mind the fact that Pakistan was no longer a tidbit (morsel) to be chewed or swallowed.

Former minister and the chairman of Awami Muslim League Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed while terming Hafiz Syeed as great supporter and champion of Kashmir cause said that Sayeed's detention was troika's (Modi, Trump and Nawaz Shairf) joint venture. Referring to India's belligerent approach towards its neighbours the AML chairman said, "Today's India is different from that of Babpu (M K Gandhi) and Rajiv Gandhi". He said that given the changing political scenario it was expected that India would play an impartial role like a mature and sovereign democratic state but the way it has been following others' dictates speak volumes. Sheikh while lauding Kashmiris' valiant struggle said that they have rendered great sacrifices to achieve the cherished goal.

Former Senate Chairman and central leader of Pakistan Peoples Party Syed Nair Bukhari said that lack of continuity and consistency in Pakistan's Kashmir policy was one of the main problems. "We do adopt resolutions and declarations but there is no follow-up action", Bukhari said adding that "Though we do have a parliamentary committee but it has never bothered to present a report in the Parliament". 

Regarding the implementations of UN resolutions on Kashmir the PPP leader said, "Foreign office should at least take the pains and think as why the UN resolution on Kashmir could not get implemented". He said after the death of Burhan Wani it was yet to see as what kind of initiatives government has taken to highlight the plight of Kashmiris.

PML-Z chairman Ejaz ul Haq said that there was dire need that Kashmir desks should be established in Pakistani embassies abroad to project Kashmir cause vociferously at international level.. He suggested that delegations comprising of legislators from Pakistan and PaK should be sent abroad to sensitize international community about the early resolution of Kashmir dispute. Appreciating diplomatic and linguistic skills of Masood Ahmed Khan the president of PaK, Haq said that Khan having a vast experience and knowledge on Kashmir could be a best choice to head any such delegations. He said that some parliamentary delegations that visited aboard recently got good response from some friendly countries but some countries refused to meet the delegates. 

The others who spoke on the occasion included Moulan Sami ul Haq of Defai Pakistan Council, PTI central leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Samia Raheel Qazi, Javed Hashmi, former PaK premier Sardar Atique Ahmed Khan, Sardar Anwar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Rafique Ahmed Dar, Mir Tahir Masood, Mashal Malik, Hamid Mir and others.

The participants denounced killing of Kashmiri people and the use of lethal weapons like pellet guns and arbitrary arrests and house detentions of Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Aasiya Andrabi. The conference welcomed the debate on Kashmir dispute in British Parliament and approval of resolution and praised the efforts of members of parliament, organizations and institutions expressing the optimism that other parliaments of Europe and world at large will also follow the suite.