University of Karachi (KU) observed Black Day on Monday, standing in solidarity with Kashmiris under Indian rule, and organized a seminar aimed at raising awareness about the Kashmir issue. The event, held at KU’s Audio Visual Centre, was coordinated by the Students Advisor Office and included insights from prominent academics on the importance of mobilizing global support. Dr. Syed Jafar Ahmed, KU’s former Director of the Pakistan Study Centre, underscored the need to engage global opinion to address international conflicts like Kashmir. Drawing historical parallels, he noted how public opinion, especially within universities in the United States and Europe, played a pivotal role in ending the Vietnam War. Dr. Ahmed also referenced ongoing international discourse on Palestine, expressing optimism that similar global pressure could aid in addressing the Kashmir conflict. He stressed the importance of a strong, proactive stance, advocating for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. “Unfortunately, instead of playing an active role, we have often adopted a defensive stance on the Kashmir issue. To resolve the Kashmir conflict, we must be proactive globally. We need to convince the world that the Kashmir issue is not just about human rights but the right of self-determination for the Kashmiris,” he emphasized. Dr. Ahmed added that Pakistan’s response to the Kashmir crisis must go beyond speeches at the United Nations. While India has extensively lobbied on the issue, Pakistan must adopt a more assertive approach, advocating diplomatically and peacefully to garner international backing. Professor Dr. Shaista Tabassum, KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, pointed to the situation in Palestine as evidence that public opinion alone does not always drive political change. She emphasized that while political powers may act independently, sustained dialogue remains essential. Reflecting on the restrictions in Indian-administered Kashmir, she noted that media access is limited and often controlled to fit certain narratives.
Professor Tabassum highlighted Kashmir’s strategic importance to both Pakistan and India due to its water resources, cautioning that efforts to alter the region’s demographics infringe on Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. KU Students Advisor Dr. Nausheen Raza reinforced that the path to resolving conflicts lies in dialogue rather than warfare.
