THE second National Security Workshop on Kashmir was held in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, under the auspices of the 10 Corps Headquarters in collaboration with the Kashmir Institute of Management (KIM).
Esteemed speakers included former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan, renowned diplomat Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, distinguished intellectual Dr. Maqsood Jafari, human rights activist and wife of APHC leader Yasin Malik, Mushaal Malik, as well as defence experts Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz, General Officer Commanding Murree, Major General Muhammad Irfan, Brigadier Qaiser Iqbal and Brigadier Amir. Their presence and insightful talks on various dimensions of national security enriched the event.
The workshop was excellently organized by the team at KIM, led by Brigadier Akhtar Gardezi and Director Tariq Butt. The ISPR also played a key coordination role in the successful execution of the event. Pakistan’s national security is deeply intertwined with its unique geopolitical circumstances, particularly the Kashmir issue. In this context, the following are considered essential pillars of Pakistan’s security policy: Protection of Sovereignty: Defending territorial integrity, especially in Kashmir, which remains a highly disputed region. Internal Stability: Ensuring law and order across the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to prevent internal discord and external interference.
Economic Security: Strengthening the national economy to reduce reliance on foreign aid and bolster Pakistan’s global standing. Military Strength: Maintaining a strong and credible military to deter potential threats, especially from India. Diplomatic Relations: Fostering strategic partnerships, particularly with China, to counterbalance regional dynamics. Ideological Identity: Preserving Pakistan’s Islamic identity, which shapes its national vision and external engagements. Kashmiri Self-Determination: Supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions. Regional Cooperation: Engaging neighboring states to address mutual concerns, such as terrorism and border disputes.
In Pakistan’s case, the military plays a vital role in safeguarding national interests, especially regarding Kashmir. The armed forces are seen as protectors of the Kashmiri people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and guardians of Pakistan’s ideological and territorial commitments. The workshop featured a series of informative presentations and thought-provoking discussions. Extensive Q&A sessions further deepened participants’ understanding of the complexities of the Kashmir issue and broader national security themes. Participants also visited the AJK Legislative Assembly and the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Kaleem Abbasi respectively briefed them on the institutions’ roles. Masood Mir, Managing Director of the Power Development Organization, also delivered a detailed presentation.
Sardar Masood Khan shared his extensive diplomatic experience, offering valuable insights into international dimensions of the Kashmir dispute, including emerging opportunities and ongoing challenges. Dr. Maleeha Lodhi reaffirmed her strong commitment to the Kashmiri cause. Her address resonated with conviction and strategic clarity. Mushaal Malik delivered a moving account of her personal ordeal, highlighting the emotional toll of her husband’s imprisonment and the broader silence of the international community in the face of Indian repression. Despite the pain, she expressed unwavering hope in the righteousness of her husband’s cause. This four-day workshop was a significant achievement in fostering meaningful dialogue on the Kashmir issue and advancing understanding of Pakistan’s enduring relationship with the Kashmiri people.
Discussions emphasized mutual solidarity, shared concerns and the key national security challenges facing Pakistan. In his concluding remarks, Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz eloquently emphasized the ideological and intellectual unity between Pakistan and Kashmir. His articulate, philosophical address captivated the audience, making the three-hour session feel remarkably engaging and concise. Major General Irfan also contributed significantly, sharing insightful observations with clarity and depth. The conference remained anchored in the core issue of Kashmir—a matter central to regional stability. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as recognized by the United Nations.
For Pakistan, Kashmir is not merely a territorial dispute but a question of the Kashmiri people’s future. Pakistan’s unwavering stance on Kashmir is grounded in principle, and the bond between the Pakistani military and the Kashmiri people continues to be defined by mutual trust and shared values. While India pursues strategic regional dominance and control over water resources, Pakistan must respond with enhanced military readiness and proactive diplomacy. The path forward lies in sustained international engagement, national unity and strategic resilience. As envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at Pakistan’s inception, the relationship between Pakistan and India was hoped to mirror the peaceful ties between Canada and the United States. However, following India’s military intervention in Kashmir in 1948, Pakistan responded firmly. The continuing conflict—rooted in the Kashmiri people’s demand for self-determination—underscores Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to advocating their cause politically, morally and diplomatically.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
