AJK President Urges EU to Play Active Role in Kashmir Resolution

With rising tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, resolving the Kashmir dispute has never been more urgent for ensuring lasting peace in South Asia.

The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has called on the European Union (EU) to take a proactive role in addressing the long-standing Kashmir dispute. He emphasized that resolving the issue is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.

During a meeting with Austrian Ambassador Andrea Wick at the President’s House in Kashmir House, Islamabad, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry underscored the volatile nature of the region, highlighting that both Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed states. He warned that even a minor confrontation between the two nations could escalate into a catastrophic nuclear conflict.

He further stated that since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, there has been a sharp surge in human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He urged the international community, particularly the European Union and Austria, to intensify efforts to curb human rights abuses and facilitate a just resolution to the Kashmir issue. He suggested that the EU appoint a special representative for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to monitor and address the situation effectively.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry paid homage to K.H. Khurshid, former President of AJK and a close associate of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on his death anniversary. He described Khurshid as a selfless leader devoted to the Kashmiri cause, whose contributions to democracy and public service remain invaluable.

Barrister Sultan highlighted Khurshid’s pivotal role in fostering democratic values in AJK, noting his dedication to educating Kashmiris about their constitutional and democratic rights. He emphasized the importance of teaching younger generations about Khurshid’s legacy so they can carry forward his mission and work for the betterment of the Kashmiri people.