Altaf Hamid Rao.
Kashmir Conflict Reemerges in Global Discourse:
MIRPUR (AJK), (Parliament Times) : The Institute of Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies (IDDDs), in collaboration with Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, organized a one-day conference titled “Margins to Momentum – Recentering Kashmir in Global Discourse: Challenges and Prospects” at Neiriyan Sharif, Rawalakot. Azad Jammu Kashmir.
The event was held on Sunday in the context of recent critical developments on the 5th and 6th of May, when India committed aggression against the mainland of Pakistan, attempting to undermine its sovereignty and inflicting civilian harm. In response, Pakistan retaliated on 10th May by downing six Indian fighter jets, leading to significant embarrassment for India both nationally and globally.
The gravity of the situation—given the nuclear capabilities of both countries—reignited global concern over the Kashmir conflict and prompted then-U.S. President Donald Trump to once again offer mediation. His statement reaffirmed that Kashmir remains the core unresolved issue between India and Pakistan, warranting urgent international attention.
The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Ihafaque, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Taj Ur Rehman, who emphasized that Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute, validated by UN resolutions and international law. He criticized India’s continued avoidance of mediation and facilitation, noting that its insistence on bilateralism—without genuine intent—has only prolonged the conflict. He called upon scholars and students to academically engage with the Kashmir issue and contribute research that can inform policymakers both nationally and globally.Mr. Ummar Hashmi, Deputy Registrar of the University, highlighted the geopolitical responsibility of all stakeholders in resolving the Kashmir issue. He stressed that peace, prosperity, and development in South Asia are unachievable without a just resolution to the Kashmir dispute. He urged academics and researchers to combat disinformation—particularly from Indian media—through credible, research-based narratives.
Mr. Showkat, Assistant Professor of Law, focused on the legal dimensions of the conflict. He underscored the relevance of the United Nations Resolutions of 5th January 1949, which not only grant legitimacy to the Kashmiri right to self-determination but also provide a viable solution. He argued that while India may control the geography of Kashmir through military occupation, it cannot control the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He emphasized the role of legal professionals, especially law students, in understanding and advocating for Kashmir’s legal cause through comparative analysis with similar global conflicts.
Dr. Waleed Rasool, Director of IDDDs, stated that despite India’s unilateral move on 5th August 2019 to internalize Kashmir, international acknowledgment—such as President Trump’s offer of mediation—confirms the dispute’s global status. He urged pro-Kashmir stakeholders to remain united and shift the focus from mere conflict management to comprehensive conflict resolution.Dr. Rasool further emphasized that Kashmir is already an international issue due to the existence of relevant UN resolutions and the operational presence of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
He called for sustained academic engagement and awareness-raising among youth regarding the legal, political, and geopolitical dimensions of the issue.He concluded by cautioning that India will likely continue its efforts to reduce the Kashmir issue to bilateral dialogue. Therefore, any future negotiations must be time-bound and outcome-oriented.The conference concluded with a vibrant interactive session that lasted for over an hour. Faculty members including Ms. Lubisha, Ms. Marya, Ms. Riffat, and Syed Fizan, alongside male and female students from various departments, raised insightful questions and contributed meaningfully to the discussion.
The conference brought together a distinguished group of scholars, legal experts, faculty members, students, and policy analysts to deliberate on the urgent need to recenter Kashmir in global discourse. The speakers underscored the academic community’s responsibility to engage in research-based advocacy, counter disinformation, and build informed narratives that can influence international policy toward a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir conflict.