ISLAMABAD: Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron), Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam here on Saturday said the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir was unbreakable and the people of Kashmir were the guardians of Pakistan’s borders.

He expressed these views while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day event ‘Kashmir Jannat Nazeer’ (Kashmir: Paradise on Earth) organised by the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training at Islamabad Model College for Girls F-8/1.

He proposed that essentials like electricity and flour should be provided free of cost to the people of Kashmir.

He spoke on the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people which played a pivotal role in safeguarding Pakistan’s borders.

He lauded the ministry’s efforts in showcasing the culture and beauty of Kashmir through the event and festival.

He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s stance on the Kashmir issue, describing it as a reflection of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the cause and desire for a just and peaceful resolution to the longstanding dispute.

Mr Muqam expressed his pride in being part of an event held in the heart of Islamabad that celebrated Kashmiri culture and heritage, showcasing solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

“The event provides an opportunity to experience the richness of Kashmiri culture, art and history, which embodies a unique blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions,” he pointed out.

He acknowledged the immense challenges faced by the Kashmiri people.

“Despite adversities, the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people are evident in their continuous efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage,” he noted.

The minister lamented the decades-long Indian occupation of Kashmir, which has caused significant damage to the region’s social, cultural, and economic fabric. He underscored that repeated strikes and shutdowns had severely impacted the region’s economy while the ongoing Indian terrorism and extremism had turned the lives of Kashmiris into a nightmare.

Despite these challenges, he commended the Kashmiri people for keeping their traditions alive and preserving their cultural identity. He recalled that the Kashmiri Muslims had ideologically aligned their future with Pakistan even before its creation, and Pakistan had never abandoned the Kashmiri people during difficult times. “Pakistan and Kashmir are inseparable,” he remarked.

The minister condemned the grave human rights violations committed by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir, urging the international community to hold India accountable and ensure the implementation of UN resolutions on the issue.

He stressed that despite numerous challenges, Pakistan had consistently advocated for the just cause of the Kashmiri people. Secretary Education Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani highlighted various aspects of the event.

A book, ‘Baramulla Se Barham Tak’ by the late Kashmiri leader and author Professor Nazir Ahmad Shawl was also launched on the occasion.

Senior PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq, APHC Convener Ghulam Mohammad Safi, PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Shah Ghulam Qadir and other political figures and All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders were also present.

A large turnout of students, teachers and individuals from various walks of life also attended the event.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024