(UTV|COLOMBO) – The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat said that the long lasting peace in the region can only prevail through just and fair resolution of Kashmir dispute in consonance with UNSC resolutions and recognition of the basic right of self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter and universally acknowledged.
Dr. Shahid Hashmat said this while addressing a seminar arranged by the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka on 5th February, 2018. The rest of the panelists who addressed the seminar were Chairman Kashmir Study Forum Sri Lanka, Mr. Jamalud Deen, Analyst & Philanthropist from Pakistan, Air Commodore Shabbir Ahmad Khan and renowned Sri Lankan journalist & Editor International Desk of Wijeya Newspapers, Mr. Ameen Izzadeen.
The High Commissioner underlined that the ongoing political struggle for freedom of Kashmir spans over last 70 years. The Kashmiris were promised their right of self-determination by the international community but the resolution of this longstanding dispute is nowhere and Kashmiris are still facing perverse aggression. He added that owing to Kashmir dispute, the relations between Pakistan and India, two important members of SAARC, are very strained.
Dr. Shahid Hashmat emphasized that SAARC countries in particular and South Asia in general can enjoy the fruits of economic progress and development, if the political stability and peace prevails in region and peace in the region will not be achieved until the resolution of this dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The High Commissioner underscored that Pakistan is totally against all forms and manifestation of terrorism and made great sacrifices to eliminate terrorism from its soil. He added that the effort to confuse the just, fair and legitimate struggle of Kashmiris with terrorism is absolutely incorrect and unjust. He reiterated Pakistan’s unflinching support to Kashmiris until they attain their basic right of freedom and liberty.
He appreciated the people of Sri Lanka for their support to the just cause of Kashmiris.
Chairman Kashmir Study Forum, Mr. Jamalud Deen, while speaking, urged the United Nations to play its due role in ending the gross human rights violations of innocent Kashmiris and ensure expedited UNSC Resolutions of Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
During the occasion, Air Commodore Shabbir Ahmad Khan said that Jammu & Kashmir is the core dispute between India and Pakistan. He said the resolution of Kashmir dispute is essential for regional peace and development. He reminds the international community, particularly India of its obligations to fulfill the promise made to the people of Jammu & Kashmir by implementing the UN Security Council resolutions.
While reading his paper, the Editor International Desk of Wijeya Newspapers, Mr. Ameen Izzadeen said that underlying principle in any solution to the Kashmiri issue should be that it should be acceptable to the people of Kashmir on both sides of the line of control. If India needs to be admired as the world’s largest democracy, it needs to be humane and its leaders should recognize the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and their cry for freedom, he urged.
Major General (R) Udaya Annesly Perera moderated the seminar proceedings. He said that international community is not paying due attention to the resolution of Kashmir because it is a low intensity conflict. However, he emphasized that Kashmir dispute is a long protracted conflict and Kashmiris have suffered a lot since last 70 years. He urged from the India, the UN and the international community to work in unison to find out fair and just resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.
The well-attended seminar held a very interesting and fruitful discussion that followed with many questions being directed at the panelists.
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