CISS AJK commemorated Kashmir Solidarity Day by organizing a conference that brought together policymakers, academics, analysts, and public diplomacy experts to deliberate on the evolving dimensions of the Kashmir dispute and pathways toward sustainable peace.
The session was ably moderated by Ms. Saba Ghulam Nabi, ensuring focused and meaningful dialogue.
In his opening address, Prime Minister AJK Mr. Faisal Mumtaz Rathore emphasized that “Kashmir is a critical issue” and reaffirmed that Kashmiris are struggling for freedom and possess the right to self-determination. He termed the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 a violation of the rights of the Kashmiri people.
Dr.Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director, CISS AJK underscored that Kashmir is a humanitarian and legal issue rooted in dignity and justice, reaffirming CISS AJK’s commitment to academic and policy engagement for sustainable peace.
Miss Nayla Altaf Kiyani highlighted the structural transformation of the conflict, describing recurring internet shutdowns as a “systemic strangulation of Kashmiri voices,” and noted multiple suspensions recorded in recent years.
Chairman Kashmir Committee Mr. Qasim Noon described Kashmir as a global cause and called for its resolution in accordance with UN resolutions.
Dr. Waleed Rasool, Director IDDDS, underscored the importance of viewing the dispute through the lens of international law and identifying its core dimensions for meaningful resolution.
Mr. Salman Javed, Director South Asia times noted that the conflict now tests the contemporary international system, where legitimacy contests often precede negotiations and multilateral engagement is increasingly essential.
In his concluding remarks, Acting President AJK Mr. Chaudhry Latif Akbar appreciated CISS AJK’s initiative and stressed the importance of maintaining a principled stance while strengthening awareness of the Kashmir cause.
The conference concluded with an interactive Q&A session, shield distribution, and a group photograph.
