ISLAMABAD – The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK), yesterday hosted a seminar titled ‘Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan: Revisiting History, Shaping the Future,’ where speakers reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The event, organised by the India Study Centre (ISC) at ISSI to commemorate Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan, was attended by Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon as the chief guest, while former Azad Jammu and Kashmir president Ambassador Masood Khan participated as the guest of honour. Newly appointed ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque, Kashmiri leader and human rights activist Shamim Shawl, young Kashmiri scholar Saud Sultan and ISC Director Dr Khurram Abbas also addressed the gathering.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque described Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan as a symbol of the enduring relationship between Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled that on July 19, 1947, the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference adopted a resolution expressing its desire for the Muslim-majority state to accede to Pakistan.
He said the developments following the partition of the subcontinent transformed what could have been a peaceful political transition into one of the world’s longest unresolved disputes. Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, he said Islamabad has consistently advocated dialogue, diplomacy and a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute, stressing that durable peace in South Asia remains closely linked to its just resolution.
Addressing the seminar, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon said July 19 occupies a significant place in the history of the Kashmir freedom movement, describing the 1947 resolution as a clear expression of the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said Pakistan continued to stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir and reiterated Islamabad’s support for their struggle. He also urged the international community to take notice of what he described as continuing human rights concerns, demographic changes and restrictions on freedoms in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Guest of honour Ambassador Masood Khan said the issue of Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan was closely linked with the ideological foundations of Pakistan. Referring to the period preceding partition, he said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had aligned themselves with the vision of joining Pakistan.
He also referred to the United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, saying they recognised the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their future through a plebiscite.
Earlier, Dr Khurram Abbas said Kashmiris across the world observe July 19 each year as Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan, describing it as the point at which the people of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their desire to join Pakistan. He said the historical geographical, cultural, religious and economic links between the two made that aspiration a natural choice.
Human rights activist Shamim Shawl paid tribute to the Kashmiri leadership of 1947 and highlighted what she described as the hardships faced by Kashmiris living under Indian administration. She referred to the detention of political leaders, the use of pellet guns and restrictions imposed following the killing of Burhan Wani, while calling greater international attention to the human rights situation in the region.
Young scholar Saud Sultan questioned India’s account of the accession process, citing the work of historians who have challenged the validity of the Instrument of Accession.
He urged young people to engage in responsible research, advocacy and digital outreach to counter misinformation with credible evidence and strengthen informed international discourse on Kashmir.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said the Muslim Conference’s decision in favour of accession to Pakistan had been taken before Pakistan’s independence and was based on religious, geographical, cultural and economic linkages between Kashmir and Pakistan. He reiterated that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir should ultimately be determined in accordance with the wishes of its people.
