“The World Must Ensure Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination” – President AJK

The Kashmir conflict is not just a regional dispute but a global challenge that demands urgent attention to ensure peace in South Asia.

The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, has called on the international community to ensure Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, emphasizing that resolving this long-standing dispute is essential for peace and stability in the region.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner, hosted in honor of Kashmiri journalists, Barrister Chaudhry shared insights from his recent visits to the United States and the United Kingdom. He stressed that any future negotiations on Kashmir must be trilateral, involving Pakistan, India, and, most importantly, the Kashmiri people. He pointed out that Kashmiris are the true stakeholders in this conflict, and their voices must be heard in shaping their own destiny.

Barrister Chaudhry strongly criticized the policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly the Hindutva ideology, which he claimed has exposed India’s so-called democratic image. He asserted that the continued oppression of Kashmiri people and other minorities in India proves the legitimacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s decision to establish Pakistan based on the two-nation theory. He further stated that India, rather than being a model democracy, is evolving into an authoritarian Hindu-dominated state that suppresses religious and ethnic minorities.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Kashmiri people to their cause, he asserted that the unity and territorial integrity of Kashmir remain non-negotiable. He highlighted that India has come under increased international pressure following his diplomatic outreach in the U.S. and U.K. He stressed that now is the right time to raise global awareness, as an unresolved Kashmir issue continues to pose a serious threat to regional and international security. He warned that without a just resolution, the possibility of a nuclear conflict in South Asia remains a stark reality. He urged global powers to recognize that lasting peace hinges on addressing the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the will of its people.

During his engagements with British Parliamentarians and U.S. Congress members, Barrister Chaudhry urged world leaders to take immediate action against ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He made it clear that if the world genuinely seeks peace in South Asia, it must push India to grant Kashmiris their internationally recognized right to self-determination. He emphasized that the continued silence of global powers only emboldens India to perpetuate its atrocities in the region.

He also called for stronger diplomatic efforts from Pakistan, urging the government to take the issue to international forums, including the United Nations, human rights organizations, and global media. He underscored the need for sustained advocacy to expose India’s human rights abuses and garner international support for Kashmir’s freedom movement. He reiterated that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) will never abandon their struggle for independence and justice, no matter how long it takes.

As global tensions rise, Barrister Chaudhry’s remarks serve as a critical reminder that the Kashmir conflict is not just a bilateral issue but a global concern. He urged world powers to recognize their responsibility in ensuring peace and justice for the people of Kashmir before it is too late.