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ISLAMABAD, Feb 04 (APP): Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), under the National Heritage and Culture Division, organized a special intellectual and literary event titled “Kashmir Ka Muqadma: Nasl-e-Nau Ki Zubani” to commemorate the upcoming Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The event was held at the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Auditorium of PAL on Wednesday.
The event was presided over by former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former ambassador Sardar Masood Khan. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Kashmiri leader and scholar Dr Samiullah Malik, and Federal Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gilani attended as special guests.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran by Hassan Ahmed, a student of Punjab Group of Colleges. Jibran Haider then presented Naat in praise of the holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
In his address, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi expressed satisfaction over the passion and commitment shown by the younger generation. He said the Kashmir issue cannot be forgotten, as it is a serious humanitarian and international concern.
He added that the event reflected PAL’s effective literary and intellectual efforts on the Kashmir issue, and noted that the government continues to raise the issue forcefully at international forums, particularly the United Nations.
Federal Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gilani said the Kashmir issue is part of Pakistan’s cultural responsibility and stressed the need for sustained intellectual and cultural efforts to keep the narrative alive.
Dr Samiullah Malik, in his address, highlighted the historical background of the Kashmir issue, its international status, and the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people. He urged the youth to develop critical thinking, awareness, and intellectual engagement, stating that presenting the Kashmir issue before the global conscience was the need of the hour.
Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon said Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan’s identity. Drawing parallels between the situations in Kashmir and Palestine, he said both regions have witnessed prolonged suffering and sacrifices. He emphasized the need to incorporate the Kashmir issue into the national curriculum to educate future generations about the Kashmiri struggle.
In his presidential address, Sardar Masood Khan said the long-standing struggle of the Kashmiri people has become an integral part of history. He said Pakistan now has an opportunity to present the Kashmir issue before the world with renewed resolve and a stronger stance.
In her address, Chairperson of PAL Dr Najeeba Arif said the purpose of the event was to provide the younger generation with a platform to express their views on the Kashmir issue, as the future of Kashmir rests with them.
She emphasized that the issue should not be confined to political discourse alone, but must be kept alive at intellectual, literary, and cultural levels.
She described literature as a powerful medium for shaping national consciousness, preserving history, and engaging in global dialogue.
Dr Arif appreciated the active participation of students from Punjab Group of Colleges and thanked the administration and faculty for encouraging meaningful dialogue.
She also acknowledged the students of Government Postgraduate College H-9 for presenting a stage drama titled “The Kashmir Case,” which artistically highlighted the suffering, pain, and struggle of the Kashmiri people.
At the conclusion, publications of the PAL were distributed as gifts among the participating students.