Islamabad — The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, hosted a Catalyst Conversation that emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The discussion reaffirmed the need for a continued global dialogue to address the Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle for their fundamental rights and dignity.
Moderated by Shaza Arif, Research Associate at CASS, the session highlighted the continued repression and human rights violations faced by Kashmiris, exacerbated since India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, which removed Kashmir’s special status. Arif noted the impact of India’s settler-colonial approach to Kashmir, involving legal changes, demographic shifts, and technology-driven repression.
Keynote speaker, Farzana Yaqoob, Former Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, discussed the evolving dynamics of the Kashmir conflict. She highlighted the diminished costs of India’s actions and its lack of interest in dialogue with Pakistan. Yaqoob also pointed out that India’s aggression had intensified, particularly concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. Despite these challenges, she stressed Pakistan’s steadfast advocacy for Kashmir on international platforms, and the trust that Kashmiris place in Pakistan’s leadership.
Yaqoob further emphasized the importance of countering India’s control over the Kashmir narrative, suggesting the need for original Kashmiri content to raise global awareness. She also warned that future conflicts between India and Pakistan would likely focus on water disputes rather than territorial concerns, echoing Quaid-i-Azam’s statement that Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein.
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Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed (Retd), President of CASS, concluded the session by stressing the think tank’s critical role in providing policy insights, particularly after India’s revocation of Article 370. He urged Pakistan to more effectively project its strengths and unite intellectual resources to counter Indian actions in Kashmir.
The session concluded with a thought-provoking question-and-answer round, delving into the human cost of the ongoing conflict and highlighting the daily struggles of those living under Indian occupation.
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