National Kashmir Workshop, jointly organized by the Pakistan Army & Government of AJK

Kashmir is the right of the Kashmiri people according to the United Nations resolutions.

Muzaffarabad: Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz (Hilal Imtiaz Military) at the concluding ceremony of the National Kashmir Workshop, jointly organized by the Pakistan Army and the Government of Azad Kashmir. Major General Muhammad Irfan, General Officer Commanding 12 Division, was also present on the occasion. Director Liberation Cell Raja Sajjad Latif Khan briefed the participants on various topics. Corps Commander Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz told the participants in a special conversation that the freedom movement of Kashmir does not require Indian constitution and law. The future of Kashmir is the right of the Kashmiri people according to the United Nations resolutions. In the present era, where access to information has become very easy through social media, reaching accurate information has become particularly difficult. Falsehood is presented as truth, creating confusion and chaos. The Corps Commander made it clear to the audience that the two-nation theory, which led to the creation of Pakistan, aimed to provide Muslims in India with a state where they could live their lives according to Islamic principles and values. Pakistan is a garden that encompasses various nations and cultures, where Kashmir holds a unique and distinct status due to its rich traditions and civilization. The relationship between the Pakistan Army and the people of Kashmir is one of utmost respect and unity. In the present era, facts are distorted on social media, where various allegations are made against the Pakistan Army.

Speaking about discipline in the armed forces, they informed the participants that there is a comprehensive and organized system of discipline and self-accountability in the Pakistan Army, where a considerable number of officers and soldiers are disciplined every year, leading not only to their personal development but also to the dismissal of some individuals from service without any favoritism. They expressed the expectation that as responsible and conscientious members of society, the participants would seek facts and truth rather than blindly believing in social media and propaganda.

Pakistan is facing many internal and external threats and challenges at present, and it is imperative that we maintain unity and solidarity in our ranks and not provide the enemy with an opportunity to spread discord. Finally, the Corps Commander congratulated the organizers and participants on the successful conclusion of the workshop. Before this, Brigadier Waseem Mehmood, Commander 75 Airborne Brigade, during his lecture, mentioned that there is a deep relationship and bond established between the Pakistan Army and the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

No army in the world can achieve success until there is a nation standing behind it. He said that Azad Kashmir is a difficult region where there is a Line of Control with a long-standing and perennial enemy. In addition to that, natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods continue to be a challenge, and to overcome these challenges, the army and the people serve each other shoulder to shoulder. He said that besides defending Azad Kashmir, the Pakistan Army plays an important role in the development of education, tourism, sports, agriculture, and communication. Referring to telecommunication in Azad Kashmir, he said that the Special Communications Organization has completed the provision of such services in more than 80% of the areas with the installation of such towers and the fastest internet.

The work of shifting these towers to solar panels is underway at a rapid pace, after which the communication system will remain operational even in case of power outages. He mentioned that the latest and first Software Technology Park in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, has been inaugurated after completion, and similar parks are under construction in Bhimber, Rawalakot, and Muzaffarabad, after which young people will have golden opportunities for employment in the IT sector. He also mentioned that the SCO has provided free fiber internet facilities to some public institutions serving the public. Talking about healthcare, he mentioned that there is a capacity of more than 800 beds in CMH Rawalakot and CMH Muzaffarabad at the moment, while facilities for gynecology and cardiology are also being provided in Leepa and Kail.

More than 300 free medical camps were set up in 2023, where more than 80,000 patients were treated for free, and doctors and paramedical staff provided treatment to more than 600 patients by visiting their homes. Al-Shifa Medical facilities are available in remote areas, benefiting thousands of patients. Referring to education, he said that the literacy rate in Azad Kashmir is over 80%, and the role of the Pakistan Army in this regard is very prominent. More than 51 APS and FG public schools are providing services, including the establishment of more than 30 libraries. Referring to tourism services, he said that the Pakistan Army organized more than 27 programs last year, in which more than 40,000 tourists visited Leepa Valley. Brigadier Waseem Mehmood said that the government, the army, and the people are working together in Azad Kashmir, and efforts are being made to make the paths of progress smoother.

Prior to this, Director Kashmir Liberation Cell Dr. Raja Sajjad Latif Khan shed light on the deep relationship between the people of Kashmir and Punjab and KPK before the creation of Pakistan, the current situation of Azad Kashmir, and the Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir.