Karachi: To commemorate revocation of articles 35A and 370 from Indian constitution, which deprived IOJK from maintaining it’s special status, Press Information Department Karachi M/o Information and Broadcasting, held a seminar on 06 Aug 2024 at Karachi.The seminar was addressed by Former Diplomat Ambassador (R) Zaffarullah Shaikh, Dr. Uzma Shujaat, faculty member at University of Karachi, Senior Journalist Maqsood Yousufi while it was attended by students of University of Karachi and officers of MoIB.While addressing the seminar, Mrs. Erum Tanveer, Director General Public Relations PID Karachi welcomed speakers, participants and said that 5th Aug 2019 was a dark day in the history of human rights when people of IOJK were deprived of their basic right of autonomy and indigenous nation. She termed such revocation as a clear of violation of international law when India imposed it’s hegemonic design over the people of IOJK and called upon international community as well as all stakeholders to highlight such atrocities and collectively strive for the emancipation of Kashmir.Speaking to the audience, Dr. Uzma Shujaat unveiled Indian nefarious design of implementing “Akhand Bharat” plan derived from RSS ideology. She identified rising hindu majoritarian fundamentalism that is targeting its minorities especially muslims. She said that India is no more a secular state rather it has become a Hindu extreme rightist state which is haunting the peace of the region.
Moreover, she highlighted Indian non serious attitude to resolve Kashmir issue and called upon international community including United Nations and OIC to play their role in resolving Kashmir issue. In addition, she urged policy makers to revisit old policies and strategies to meet renewed Indian aspirations.Ambassador (R) Zaffarullah Shaikh, while addressing the seminar, highlighted Kashmir issue and confluence of Indian and Britishers in illegal occupation of Kashmir.
He mentioned that Pakistan always wanted to have dialogue and peaceful resolution of Kashmir but Indian Government never showed interest in peaceful resolution of the issue. He termed Kashmir strategically important and praised Armed forces for defending it. He also endorsed that foreign policy needs to be revisited with input from Think tanks, bureaucrats, academia, armed forces and other relevant stakeholders.
Maqsood Yousufi, a veteran Journalist, deplored gross human rights violation of India in IOJK and said that occupied Kashmir has become a jail for Kashmiris and they (Kashmiris) are left with nothing but armed resistance. He also termed Kashmir vital for Pakistan’s survival and called upon UN and OIC to hold India accountable for its atrocities and injustices.
Mr. Khalid Mairaj Abassi, Director PID Karachi, thanked speakers and participants for becoming part of the seminar and joining call for holding India accountable for its atrocities in IOJK. As the seminar delved into the conclusion, Guest Speakers were presented with a memento by Ms. Erum Tanveer DGPR PID Karachi.
