MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) top leadership on Monday paid glowing tributes to towering Kashmiri leader Khurshid Hassan Khurshid on the eve of his 37th death anniversary, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to democratic values, public rights and the Kashmir cause.

President Barrister Sultan Mahmood, Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar unanimously stressed upon the young generation to acquaint themselves with the ideology of the principled statesman and contributions and follow in his footsteps for the betterment of the Kashmiri people.

Mr Khurshid, commonly known as K.H. Khurshid, served as the private secretary to the founder of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, during the epoch-making period of the Pakistan Movement.

He played a pivotal role in the political evolution of AJK. In the late 1950s, he became the first elected president of Azad Kashmir after introducing the basic democracy system in the region.

Tragically, he lost his life in a road accident on G.T. Road while traveling on public transport from Gujranwala to Lahore on March 11, 1988. At the time, he was serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

Describing Mr Khurshid as a selfless national leader who played a crucial role in the Pakistan Movement, President Mahmood said: “He introduced the Kashmiri people to their democratic and constitutional rights and worked relentlessly for their realisation. Under his leadership, democratic institutions flourished in Azad Kashmir, and the people secured their fundamental rights.”

Prime Minister Haq echoed similar sentiments, calling Mr Khurshid an exemplary leader who consistently upheld democratic values.

Highlighting the veteran leader’s unwavering stance in defending public rights against all pressures, he said Mr Khurshid played a crucial role in raising political awareness among the Kashmiri people and encouraging them to assert their fundamental rights.

“He was an honest and dedicated politician whose simplicity and integrity serve as a remarkable example in today’s era,” Mr Haq added.

Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar described Mr Khurshid as a symbol of Kashmiri identity and national dignity, highlighting his lifelong struggle for the right to self-determination.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2025