Mubashir Iqbal
On January 5, 1949, the United Nations made a historic resolution that promised the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) the fundamental right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite. This was a significant moment, as it acknowledged the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, allowing them the opportunity to decide their future. Seventy-six years later, however, this promise remains unfulfilled, and the people of Kashmir continue to endure a relentless cycle of violence, occupation, and systemic oppression. As Pakistan observed Occupied Kashmir’s Right to Self-Determination Day on Sunday, the country’s leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reiterated their unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom.
The long-standing plight of the Kashmiri people is a tragic reminder of the failure of the international community to enforce its own resolutions and safeguard human rights. India’s unilateral revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019, further compounded decades of injustice and has sparked an intensification of oppressive policies in the region. India’s actions—stripping the region of its autonomy, changing its demographic makeup, and suppressing Kashmiri identity—have intensified the suffering of the people. Yet, despite these efforts, the resilience and spirit of the Kashmiri people remain unbroken.
The Kashmir dispute is not just a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India; it is a matter of human rights and international law. At its core, it is a struggle for the fundamental right to self-determination, a right enshrined in the United Nations Charter. While Pakistan continues to highlight the issue on international platforms, the global response has been notably muted. Apart from Pakistan, few nations have actively voiced support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle, leaving the issue largely neglected on the world stage. This global indifference has emboldened India to continue its oppressive policies, which include widespread human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, curfews, and the use of pellet guns that have caused life-altering injuries to innocent civilians, including children.
The international community’s failure to address these issues has allowed India to pursue policies aimed at forcibly altering the demographic landscape of the region. By encouraging non-Kashmiri populations to settle in Jammu and Kashmir and undermining the region’s autonomous status, India is attempting to erase the distinct identity of the Kashmiri people. The situation has created an atmosphere where the rights of the Kashmiri people are disregarded, and their aspirations are sidelined. Despite the international community’s silence, the Kashmiri people continue to display immense courage and resilience in the face of unrelenting adversity.
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The responsibility to address the Kashmir issue does not rest solely with Pakistan. While Pakistan remains steadfast in its moral and diplomatic support for Kashmir, the resolution of this decades-long conflict requires a collective effort from the global community. Countries and international organizations must acknowledge that peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute. The continuing suffering of the Kashmiri people is a significant barrier to regional peace and prosperity, and it cannot be ignored any longer.
India’s position on Kashmir remains unwavering. Its actions in the region have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, but India has refused to reverse its policies or engage in meaningful dialogue with Pakistan or Kashmiris. India’s actions in Occupied Kashmir are not only a violation of international law but also an affront to human dignity. In many ways, Kashmir mirrors other global struggles for independence and self-determination, especially in regions where colonial legacies continue to impact the rights and freedoms of the local populations. The Kashmir issue is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of injustices faced by indigenous and oppressed peoples around the world.
Pakistan’s leadership must explore innovative ways to garner international support for Kashmir’s cause and expose India’s ongoing transgressions. Beyond rhetoric, it is crucial to build diplomatic alliances that place pressure on India to adhere to international laws and respect the rights of Kashmiris. The global community must hold India accountable for its actions in Kashmir and take concrete steps to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. This is not just a regional issue; it is a global issue that requires the collective action of the international community to resolve.
The struggle for self-determination is a universal one. Kashmir’s fight is not solely for independence or autonomy—it is part of a broader global fight against oppression. It is a call to uphold the dignity and rights of every individual, especially those who have been systematically denied their voice. The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law, and it is enshrined in various United Nations resolutions, including Resolution 47, which promised a plebiscite for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, the promise made in 1949 remains unfulfilled, and Kashmiris continue to endure oppression under foreign occupation.
Pakistan’s role in advocating for Kashmir’s self-determination must not be underestimated. While Pakistan grapples with its own challenges, it cannot abandon its moral and diplomatic responsibility to advocate for the people of Kashmir. The situation demands a renewed commitment to the Kashmir cause, not just from Pakistan, but from the global community as well. The world must recognize that the continued denial of the Kashmiri people’s rights undermines the principles of justice and human rights that many countries claim to uphold.
As Pakistan’s leadership reiterated on January 5, the time has come for the world to act. The Kashmiri people have waited long enough for the justice they were promised. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to their suffering any longer. The promise of a plebiscite in Kashmir was a commitment made by the international community, and it is imperative that this promise be honored. The world must not allow another year to pass without taking concrete steps to address the injustice in Kashmir and support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
The struggle for Kashmir’s self-determination is a fight for justice, freedom, and human rights. It is a call for the international community to live up to its commitments and stand by the people of Kashmir in their quest for liberty. Kashmir’s struggle is not a forgotten promise—it is a call to action that demands the world’s attention and support. The time for decisive action is now. Kashmir’s right to self-determination must not be deferred any longer, and the international community must step up to fulfill its obligations and ensure justice for the people of Kashmir.
