Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : A seminar titled “The Role of Freedom Fighters in the 1947 Kashmir Liberation War” was organized under the auspices of Kashmir Women Alert Forum (KWAF). The seminar was chaired by the Chairperson of KWAF, Ms. Samia Sajid. Among the prominent figures who played a significant role in the Kashmir Liberation Movement were Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, Allah Rakho Sagar, Sardar Ibrahim Khan, Mujahid-i-Awwal Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan, Captain Hussain Khan Shaheed, Raja Haider Khan, Chaudhry Noor Hassan, Raja Abdul Hamid Khan, Syed Khadim Hussain Shah Gardezi, and Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed.
Ms. Samia Sajid, in her address, emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in Azad Kashmir. She stated that if we believe that occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which is under Indian control, should also be free, then unity is essential, and discord must be avoided. She warned that if discord arises, attention would be diverted towards internal conflicts instead of focusing on the occupied territory.
She acknowledged that if the ancestors had not struggled for this region’s freedom, it would still be under Indian control. The contributions of freedom fighters such as Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas and others were highlighted. She also mentioned that Islam holds women in high regard, and any form of freedom contrary to Islamic principles cannot be endorsed.
Furthermore, she stated that empowering Kashmir Women in Azad Kashmir is crucial for the movement. The sacrifices made by our ancestors are a reminder of the importance of continuing the struggle for Kashmir’s freedom. The youth, she noted, have a heavy responsibility to guide themselves and honor the sacrifices of their ancestors while working towards the Kashmir liberation movement.
Dr. Raja Sajad Khan, Director of the Kashmir Liberation Cell, reiterated that Kashmir is a state, not a country, and emphasized the need for the youth to be accurately informed about Kashmir’s history. He spoke of how, in 1947, freedom fighters, alongside the local population, drove away the Dogra forces, leading to the region’s liberation. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by elders, mothers, sisters, and daughters who illuminated the path of the Kashmir freedom movement.
Dr. Sameera Shafiq highlighted that Azad Kashmir is peaceful, thanks to the immense sacrifices of our ancestors. Dr. Nazakat Hussain and Ashfaq Aurangzeb also emphasized the significant role of women in the Kashmir freedom struggle and praised the efforts of Kashmir Women Alert (KWA). They stressed the importance of raising awareness among the youth about the liberation movement and accurately communicating the achievements of past leaders.
Finally, the Chairperson of Kashmir Women Alert presented shields to all the distinguished guests.