by: Farooq Mirza
A community conference focused on Kashmir and Pakistan brought together a wide range of political, social, media, and community leaders, who expressed concern over recent developments affecting Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir while emphasizing national unity, support for Pakistan’s armed forces, and the importance of safeguarding Kashmir.
The program began with Wakeel Ansari , who welcomed participants and invited Naseem Gilgiti to address the audience. He highlighted the importance of dialogue, education, and bringing together people from different backgrounds to discuss issues concerning Pakistan and Kashmir.
Opening his speech he said the meeting had been organized to examine recent developments and challenges confronting Pakistan. Gilgiti stressed that Pakistan’s security and integrity are directly linked to the future of Kashmir.
“If Pakistan remains strong, Kashmir will remain strong,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s stability is essential for protecting the identity and aspirations of Kashmiris. He urged participants to promote unity within the Muslim community, drawing a historical parallel with the early Islamic community, which he said achieved success through unity before material development.
Addressing the audience, Taj Khan said Pakistan is simultaneously facing challenges in Balochistan, Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He lamented that instead of celebrating national achievements, the country is confronting multiple internal and external challenges.
Appealing to Pakistanis and Kashmiris, he urged everyone to protect Pakistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan from hostile designs. Referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Taj Khan accused India of committing atrocities in Kashmir and praised Pakistan’s armed forces for responding firmly to Indian aggression.
He said Pakistan’s recent military successes demonstrated national unity and thanked Allah for granting victory. Taj Khan also referred to regional developments involving Iran and the United States, stating that Pakistan continued to play an important role during difficult international circumstances.
Speaking during the conference, Mustafa Diwan echoed similar concerns, saying Pakistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan are passing through difficult times. He urged the community to stand united against forces attempting to destabilize the country.
Diwan praised Pakistan’s armed forces for defending the country against external threats and emphasized that the nation must remain united in support of Pakistan’s security institutions. He also referred to regional tensions and called for continued unity among Pakistanis and Kashmiris.
In his address, Shams Zaman began with religious praise and invoked blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He emphasized the importance of wisdom, faith, and unity, urging participants to remain steadfast during challenging times facing the Muslim world.
Raja Razaq criticized anti-Pakistan slogans allegedly raised during a recent protest outside the Pakistani Consulate. While supporting the right to peaceful protest, he said insulting Pakistan or its armed forces hurts the sentiments of Pakistanis.
He compared economic conditions between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, arguing that Kashmir receives significant support from Pakistan. Raja Razaq stated that if Pakistan’s economy improves, it would be able to provide even greater assistance to Kashmir.
Discussing recent regional developments, he praised Pakistan’s military for what he described as a decisive response against India, saying he personally witnessed public sentiment during his visit to Pakistan. He credited Pakistan’s victory to divine support and argued that India’s subsequent actions were aimed at creating instability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Raja Razaq also claimed Pakistan played an important diplomatic role in reducing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad became the center of international attention after successfully encouraging dialogue involving U.S. President Donald Trump.
Pakistan Peoples Party leader Chaudhry Javed Akhtar acknowledged that political disagreements are natural but warned against rhetoric targeting Pakistan and its institutions.
Recalling his own imprisonment in the past, he said every country requires a strong military for its security. He urged people to stand with Pakistan’s armed forces regardless of political differences and praised Raja Razaq’s remarks on national unity.
Among those who also addressed the gathering were Qaiser Bhutta, Mian Azeem , Khalid Awan , Sardar Sarwar , and Mukhtar , who expressed support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, solidarity with Kashmir, and the need for unity in the face of regional and international challenges.
The conference concluded with participants reiterating that Pakistan’s strength remains essential for the security, stability, and future of Kashmir. Speakers collectively called upon overseas Pakistanis and Kashmiris to remain united, reject divisive narratives, support national institutions, and work together for peace, stability, and the protection of Pakistan and Kashmir.
Qaiser Bhutta said Pakistan’s recent successes demonstrated the country’s resilience and national strength. He emphasized that unity among the people remains essential for overcoming internal and external challenges and called on overseas Pakistanis to continue supporting their homeland.
Mian Azeem said he was in Pakistan during the recent conflict and witnessed the public response firsthand. He praised Pakistan’s armed forces, saying they responded decisively to Indian aggression, and described the outcome as a blessing from Allah. He urged the nation to remain united in support of Pakistan.
Khalid Awan*m thanked community members for attending the conference and stressed the importance of maintaining unity among Pakistanis and Kashmiris abroad. He said collective efforts are needed to counter misinformation, strengthen community ties, and continue raising awareness about the Kashmir issue.
Sardar Sarwar urged overseas Pakistanis and Kashmiris to remain committed to the Kashmir cause. He said international awareness and community engagement are essential to highlighting the challenges faced by the people of Kashmir and reaffirmed his support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mr. Mukhtar Urges the Community to Stand Together
Mukhtar called on members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities to set aside their differences and work together for the greater national interest. He emphasized that unity, mutual respect, and cooperation are vital in addressing the challenges facing Pakistan and Kashmir while promoting a positive image of the community abroad.
