Glowing tributes paid to Prof. Shawl on his 2nd death anniversary

ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): Speakers at a webinar here on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the late Kashmiri Intellectual, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, remembering him as a towering intellectual and an unwavering advocate of the Kashmir cause whose lifelong struggle, scholarship and diplomacy left a profound imprint at national and international levels.
The late leader had breathed his last on the intervening night of December 29 and 30, 2023 in London, said a news release.
The webinar, organised by the United Kashmir Journalists Association (UKJA) to pay tribute to the late leader on his second death anniversary, was moderated by senior journalist Dr. M. Ashraf Wani.
The speakers, while recalling Prof Shawl’s multifaceted contributions, said he exemplified the rare combination of intellect and action and remained steadfast to his principles till his last breath.
They noted that he dedicated his entire political and intellectual struggle to becoming the voice of the oppressed Kashmiri people and to awakening global public opinion about the true nature of the Kashmir dispute and its just resolution.
Senior APHC leader, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani said Prof Shawl fought on multiple fronts and served the cause with extraordinary courage and consistency. He observed that even during periods of ill health, Prof Shawl never allowed personal hardship to distract him from his mission.
Rehmani said the prevailing challenging times called for a renewed reflection on Prof Shawl’s mission, urging the younger generation to draw inspiration from his legacy of perseverance, clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment.
Executive Director, International Council for Human Rights Kashmir Centre (ICHRKC) A Majid Tramboo said Prof Shawl was an exceptional personality whose commitment to the cause remained unshaken till the very end. He said Prof Shawl continued engaging with politicians, diplomats, scholars, friends and family even in his final days, consistently conveying a clear message of the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir.
Tramboo highlighted Prof Shawl’s vast scholarly output, including numerous books and poetry, and said his diplomacy and advocacy were unparalleled. He also underscored Prof Shawl’s role in establishing a consultative group comprising prominent global personalities dedicated exclusively to the Kashmir cause, terming it a unique and visionary initiative.
Former Ameer-e-Jamaat-e-Islami AJK, Abdul Rashid Turabi described Prof Shawl as a committed and principled leader who commanded respect in diplomatic circles and continued his struggle relentlessly until his last days. He said Prof Shawl played a key role in shaping credible narratives on Kashmir and worked tirelessly to present the issue effectively at various national and international forums.
Chairma, Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) Altaf Hussain Wani described Prof Shawl as a distinguished scholar who held a revered place in the Kashmir freedom struggle.
He said Prof Shawl made significant international contributions through sustained advocacy, research and outreach, adding that his books and poetry on Kashmir poignantly reflected the pain, suffering and resilience of the oppressed people under Indian occupation.
Wani said Prof Shawl remained in constant search of innovation in thought and action and called upon followers to carry forward his intellectual and moral legacy.
APHC leader Shamim Shawl said the late professor deeply loved his country and lived the pain of separation through his writings. She said he worked tirelessly to bring people from all parts of Kashmir together to work collectively for the Kashmir cause.
She also recalled his foresight and unwavering patriotism, including his early focus on critical national issues such as Pakistan’s water resources at a time when these challenges were not widely recognised.
APHC leader Mushtaq Hussain Gilani, in his remarks, said Prof Shawl’s efforts and sacrifices would be remembered with reverence, while human rights activist Raies Ahmed Mir said Prof Shawl remained focused on his mission despite criticism and personal attacks, dedicating his entire struggle to amplifying the voice of oppressed Kashmiris and exposing the realities of the Kashmir dispute to the world.
At the end, special prayers were offered for the departed leader, praying for the elevation of his ranks in Jannah.