Kashmir Freedom Struggle spotlighted in Islamabad seminar, speakers urge youth, global support

ISLAMABAD, Dec 09 (APP): On International Human Rights Day, Friends of Kashmir and the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee jointly organized a seminar in Islamabad, bringing together senior leaders, activists, and youth advocates to highlight human rights violations in Kashmir, honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and call for global and youth support.

Speakers at the event included former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan, Senator R. Farhatullah Babar, Osman Atiq of the Muslim Conference, Hurriyat leaders Abdul Hameed Lone and Farooq Rahmani, Shaikh Abdul Mateen of APHC, human rights activist Dr. Khalid Aftab, Rana Qasim Noon, and youth leader Mahmood Shahzad Khan.

Senator R. Farhatullah Babar saluted Kashmiri freedom fighters, including Yasin Malik and Masrat Butt, calling the Kashmir cause sacred. He warned against external interference, saying, “Since August 5, 2019, the entire Kashmir has become like a cantonment. The world must know that Kashmir has turned into a prison. Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris and no one else.” Babar urged coordinated efforts for Malik’s release and called on the diaspora to pressure their governments to act against India.

Osman Atiq highlighted the struggles of Kashmiri youth and recalled the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris. “Even today, the children in the occupied valley remember Pakistan’s national anthem. Kashmiris face violence just for expressing their sentiments. The people of the valley are fighting bravely and Kashmir is part of our faith and belief,” he said.

Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone urged youth participation in the cause, praising their energy and talent. “Throughout history, revolutions are led by youth, from Russia to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Our youth can conquer the world,” he said, while thanking the media and announcing certificates for young contributors.

Rana Qasim Noon drew parallels between oppression in Gaza and Kashmir, noting, “The Kashmir and Palestine causes are very similar. Over 500,000 Kashmiris have been martyred, yet atrocities continue. The issue must be resolved according to UN resolutions, giving Kashmiris the right to self-determination.”

Farooq Rahmani highlighted long-standing human rights violations since 1948 and stressed that jailed Kashmiris are unheard. “Youth are passionately working for Kashmir and taking steps to resolve the issue. Their only crime is advocating for human rights and freedom from Indian oppression,” he said.

The seminar concluded with a unified call for youth engagement, international pressure, and sustained efforts to ensure justice for Kashmiris, reaffirming that their struggle is a sacred cause deserving global solidarity.