Kathmandu, Aug. 5: The Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu on Wednesday organized a seminar titled “Kashmir’s Political Future: Legal, Diplomatic, and Strategic Perspectives,” bringing together journalists, writers, analysts and human rights activists to discuss the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir issue.

During the event, messages from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar were read out.

In his message, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He said Pakistan would continue to raise the issue at international forums and called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He also stated that lasting peace in South Asia was closely linked to the settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Jammu and Kashmir as one of the world’s longest unresolved international conflicts, noting that it has remained on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1948. He said the unresolved dispute between two nuclear-armed neighbours continued to pose challenges to regional peace and stability. Referring to the recent tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack, he urged the international community to press India to end alleged human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse measures introduced since August 2019, repeal what he termed draconian laws and create conditions for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had called on India to refrain from actions that, according to Pakistan, undermine the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. He also criticised the issuance of more than 3.4 million domicile certificates in the region and expressed concern over the continued detention of prominent Kashmiri leaders.

Addressing the seminar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Mohammad Aamir Khan, expressed concern over the humanitarian situation, demographic changes and restrictions on media freedom in IIOJK. He said a durable peace in South Asia would not be possible without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

During the discussion session, participants expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people and highlighted concerns over the humanitarian situation in the region. They also emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful efforts to resolve issues between India and Pakistan, while appreciating Pakistan’s role in maintaining regional peace, according to the embassy.