(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)
Leaders of Pakistan, past and present, have continuously shown deep affection and commitment toward Kashmir. The country’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, laid the ideological foundation of Pakistan’s bond with Kashmir. His iconic statement—”Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan”—continues to echo through generations, symbolizing the significance of Kashmir in Pakistan’s national identity. Jinnah believed that Kashmir, due to its Muslim-majority population and geographical proximity, was a natural part of Pakistan. From the very beginning, he extended diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people, setting the tone for Pakistan’s enduring stance. Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, also demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Kashmir issue, playing a pivotal role in bringing the matter to the international spotlight, particularly through the United Nations. During his time in office, Liaquat Ali Khan actively engaged diplomatic avenues to push for the enforcement of United Nations resolutions advocating a plebiscite in Kashmir. He consistently underscored that Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri cause extended beyond political or territorial interests, grounding it firmly in moral and humanitarian principles—a stance that would shape Pakistan’s Kashmir policy for generations. Among Pakistan’s leaders, few have matched the emotional fervor and unwavering advocacy for Kashmir demonstrated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. As both Foreign Minister and Prime Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto championed the Kashmir cause at every major international platform. At the United Nations Security Council, he famously tore up proposals he deemed unjust to the Kashmiri people and walked out in protest—an act that earned admiration both domestically and internationally. His speeches were powerful declarations of solidarity, filled with emotion and resolve. One of his most quoted statements—“We will wage a thousand-year war for Kashmir if needed”—while symbolic, captured the profound depth of Pakistan’s emotional, ideological, and strategic connection to the region. In addition to his passionate advocacy, Bhutto also worked to strengthen Pakistan’s defense capabilities, aligning the country’s military preparedness with its stance on Kashmir.
Today, Pakistan’s current political and military leadership—including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir—continue to uphold the country’s unwavering commitment to Kashmir. On every national and international platform, they reaffirm Pakistan’s support, condemn human rights violations, and highlight the issue through diplomatic channels. Kashmir Solidarity Day remains a key observance, while efforts to amplify Kashmiri voices through media, international forums, and humanitarian outreach persist.
Since taking over as Chief of Army Staff in November 2022, General Asim Munir has consistently reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to support the Kashmiri people and uphold their right to self-determination. Through both his words and actions, General Asim Munir has consistently emphasized the nation’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination. Speaking at the Azadi Parade on August 14, 2023, held at the Pakistan Military Academy, he reaffirmed this commitment, declaring, “No evil design can withstand the determination of the Kashmiri people.” He strongly criticized India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in August 2019, calling it an “ill-conceived act” intended to unilaterally alter the region’s status. General Asim Munir has consistently reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. He has repeatedly called on the international community to play an active and decisive role in facilitating a UN-mandated plebiscite, enabling Kashmiris to determine their own future. During a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in December 2023, General Munir stressed that “peace in South Asia will remain elusive until a peaceful resolution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute is achieved in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” He condemned India’s unilateral actions to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that such moves violate international law and UN resolutions.
During a visit to the Line of Control (LoC) in December 2022, General Munir reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces are “ever ready—not only to defend every inch of our motherland, but to take the fight back to the enemy if war is ever imposed on us.” He emphasized that India’s ambitions in Kashmir would not succeed. In February 2025, he made a bold declaration: “Pakistan has already fought three wars for Kashmir, and if ten more wars are required, Pakistan will fight them.” He underlined that Pakistan would not be deterred by India’s military might or technological advancements, reaffirming the country’s readiness to defend Kashmir and its people under any circumstances.
During a visit to Muzaffarabad, General Munir paid tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir by laying a wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument. He praised the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and reiterated Pakistan’s firm and enduring commitment to their cause. He has persistently urged the global community to ensure the implementation of UN resolutions and to hold India accountable for its unfulfilled promises to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination through a fair and impartial plebiscite.
Speaking at the Defence Day ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, General Munir strongly condemned India’s occupation of Kashmir and the oppression faced by its people. He accused New Delhi of attempting to change the region’s demographic makeup and warned of the genocide of Muslims in IIOJK. He emphasized that a just resolution of the Kashmir conflict is essential for sustainable peace in South Asia and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to extending political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until their aspirations are fulfilled.
In March 2023, General Munir once again took a firm stance, reiterating Pakistan’s call for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions. He warned India against any misadventure, stating that Pakistan’s armed forces stand ready to defend every inch of the homeland and respond decisively if conflict is imposed.
Together, General Asim Munir’s actions and statements reflect Pakistan’s steadfast resolve to stand by the Kashmiri people, while also affirming the country’s commitment to peace, justice, and international cooperation. Under his leadership, Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination has been further solidified. His steadfast position continues to inspire national and international efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir conflict.
Kashmiris and Pakistanis share a strong and heartfelt bond. However, certain self-proclaimed “well-wishers” of Kashmir, who are in fact pressure groups serving their own interests and hostile foreign agendas, are actively working to incite hatred, unrest, and division within society. These groups have been linked to anti-state, sub-nationalist, and extremist elements. They act like blackmailers, shielding criminal activities and promoting them under the guise of activism. These elements opposed government initiatives such as price regulation during Ramadan and the testing of food items.
They exploit social media and disillusioned youth to spread extremism in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a region known for its peace and harmony. Their objective is to disrupt AJK’s stability, harm its economy, and damage its tourism sector, which sustains thousands of families. Despite being fully aware of the criminal charges against certain individuals, they misleadingly portray them as “missing persons” to manipulate public opinion and cover up crimes.
Their support for lawlessness and extremist ideologies, along with their efforts to destabilize AJK, clearly indicate that they are operating as proxies of hostile foreign powers. Indian officials, including their Home Minister, have even acknowledged such operatives. These groups also engage in anti-Pakistan propaganda, targeting the armed forces while remaining silent on Indian violations. One member even issued a violent threat to the military—language that aligns more with the narratives pushed by India. Their activities are visibly endorsed by Indian intelligence-linked social media networks, further exposing their true allegiance. In a concerning development,
AJK’s Home Minister recently revealed signs of involvement by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and India’s intelligence agency RAW—operating from Afghanistan—in recent terrorist incidents in the region. Concrete evidence is expected to be shared with the public soon. Despite these nefarious efforts, Kashmiris continue to stand firmly with Pakistan and its armed forces, just as Pakistan supports them. The peace we enjoy is secured by the sacrifices of our soldiers, and it is vital for citizens to recognize this and act responsibly.
While the government must address the legitimate concerns of its people, citizens also have a duty to support national efforts for peace and stability. Everyone must play their role in safeguarding AJK from the threat of terrorism and ensuring the rule of law prevails.
The bond between Pakistanis and Kashmiris is a remarkable, unbreakable connection that transcends political, geographical, and religious boundaries. It is rooted in shared history, culture, religion, and a collective struggle for justice. This bond continues to define the relationship between the two peoples. Kashmiris recognize and honor the remarkable contributions of Pakistan and the Pakistani military to their cause, and no force can divide them or foster hatred between them. The enduring bond between Kashmiris and Pakistanis will never be broken, and any efforts to do so will inevitably fail.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.