The Kashmir dispute stands as one of the most enduring and complex conflicts in modern history. Rooted in a tumultuous past and shaped by competing claims and aspirations, the dispute continues to impact the lives of millions of people in the region. From Pakistan’s perspective, the issue holds immense significance, reflecting not only a territorial dispute but also broader principles of justice, self-determination, and regional stability.
Historical Background
The origins of the Kashmir dispute can be traced back to the partition of British India in 1947. At the time of partition, princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan based on their demographics and geographical location. However, the ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, faced a dilemma due to the religious and cultural diversity of his state. It was Muslim populated area and still it is only state in India with Muslim majority obviously
In October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh with military assistance from India, acceded to India against the will of local population. This led to the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir. Subsequent wars in 1965 and 1971 further entrenched the division of the region, leaving a legacy of unresolved tensions and territorial disputes.
Stages of Developments
Over the decades, efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute have been marked by diplomatic initiatives, bilateral dialogues, and occasional outbreaks of violence. Various UN resolutions have called for a plebiscite to allow the people of Kashmir to determine their future status, but implementation by India has been hindered by political stalemates and conflicting interpretations.
Pakistan has consistently advocated for the rights of the Kashmiri people, emphasizing the principles of self-determination and international law. The Simla Agreement of 1972 provided a framework for resolving disputes through bilateral negotiations, but progress has been slow and null.
The situation in Indian-administered Kashmir has been characterized by widespread protests, military crackdowns, and allegations of human rights violations. India has been using excessively its military force to supress the indigenous movement for self-determination and using all dirty atrocities and brutalities, but could not succeeded. Pakistan has raised concerns about the excessive use of force by Indian security forces and the denial of basic freedoms to the Kashmiri people, calling for international attention and intervention. Pakistan has been reporting Indian violation to UN and various important platform often, but, till date no action has been taken against Indian atrocities and aggressions and war crimes against humanity.
Current Scenario
In recent years, the Kashmir dispute has once again captured global attention following the Indian government’s unilateral decision to revoke the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. This unilateral move, accompanied by a military lockdown and communications blackout, has further inflamed tensions and deepened mistrust between India and Pakistan. Currently Kashmir is under siege, with one million Troops deployed to control 8 million population.
Pakistan has condemned India’s actions in Kashmir, calling them illegal and a violation of international norms. Prime Minister has urged the international community to intervene and mediate a peaceful resolution to the dispute, emphasizing the need to address the legitimate grievances of the Kashmiri people.
Despite the challenges and complexities, Pakistan remains committed to seeking a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir dispute. Through diplomatic channels, dialogue, and engagement with the international community, Pakistan continues to advocate for a solution that respects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and upholds the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
The Contact Group of OIC on Jammu and Kashmir
The Contact Group of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Jammu and Kashmir met on 5 May 2024 on the side-lines of the 15th Islamic Summit of the OIC in Banjul, The Gambia. The meeting reviewed the political and security environment in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It also took stock of the grim human rights situation in the occupied territory.
Chaired by the Assistant Secretary General (Political Affairs) of the OIC and the Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir, Yousaf-Al-Dobeay, the meeting was attended by the member states of the Contact Group i.e. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Niger and Azerbaijan. A delegation of the True Representatives of the Kashmiri People, and the senior officials of the OIC-Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission were also in attendance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, led the Pakistan delegation to the meeting. He briefed the Contact Group on India’s ongoing efforts to transform Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own land. He apprised the meeting that India was systematically denying the Kashmiri people their fundamental rights and freedoms. He added that the Indian authorities had created an environment of fear and intimidation in the IIOJK to crush dissent. He urged the international community to take cognizance of the Indian leaders’ provocative statements and unwarranted claims about Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which constitute a serious threat to regional peace. He also stressed that India must release all the political prisoners, lift curbs on the outlawed political parties, revoke the illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 and the subsequent steps aimed at demographic change and political engineering, and implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The participating delegations from different member states emphasized the importance of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute on the OIC’s agenda, and expressed support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They called for an early and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Kashmir dispute remains a contentious issue with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global peace. From Pakistan’s perspective, the dispute represents not only a territorial conflict but also a struggle for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people. As efforts to resolve the dispute continue, it is imperative for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful avenues for reconciliation. Only through genuine commitment to justice, equality, and respect for human rights can the Kashmiri people finally realize their aspirations for peace and self-determination.
It is hoped that the International community take serious notice of misery of Kashmiri people and Indian violations of human rights, takes appropriate measures to resolve the Kashmir issue based on UN Charter and UNSC resolution passed on Kashmir issue since 1949.
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