Gilgit-Baltistan, #Pakistan
Apricot trees in bloom in the Ghanche district of the Pakistan-administered disputed region in #Kashmir

Photograph: Manzoor Balti/AFP/Getty Images

#photography
#mountains
#children
#blossoms

Urdu

#FalconSquad #FS #Kashmir #IOK #IIOJK

English

#FalconSquad #FS #Kashmir #IOK #IIOJK

Kashmir Solidarity Day: Does it matter?

Why do Pakistanis and Kashmiris mark Kashmir Solidarity Day on 5th February each year? Does it matter?

Watch this episode of “Q & A from Islamabad” where Ahmed Quraishi says that Pakistanis must let go of the defeatist mind-set in order to achieve any real success in Kashmir conflict. Pakistanis must also recognize the achievement of Pakistan that for the first time, International Community is ready to take decisive action on Kashmir.

Watch Pakistan’s award winning journalist Ahmed Quraishi give his expert analyses on Current Affairs and Geopolitics with Syeda Qudsiya Mashhadi, Activist and Editor of  Voice of East in a different kind of show “Q & A from Islamabad”

Voice of East (پیام ِ مشرق) is Pakistan’s number one ideological online media platform in English and Urdu, focusing on issues related to Pakistan and the Muslim World. Watch strategic and geopolitical analysis, and discussions on spirituality, religion, culture, society and ideologies.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for great videos.

India faces worst international isolation on Kashmir

Kashmiris Warn Indian Government Against Indian Settlements

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD—India faces the worst international isolation on Kashmir in seven decades. The United States, China, the United Nations, and the OIC have put India in the spotlight, and the international media refuses to implement Government of India’s decisions on Kashmir, insisting on referring to the region as disputed territory, said a group of Kashmiri lobbyists, activists and lawyers during a briefing at National Press Club, Islamabad on Wednesday.

Kashmiris warn India against creating Indian settlements in Kashmir, which could lead to frictions and violence, said the speakers at a special briefing for Pakistani and international media organized by YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group, a rights organization active in Islamabad and Geneva.

“Kashmiri nation will resist through all legal means under international law any attempts to create foreign Indian settlements on the territories of the State of Jammu & Kashmir,” said Altaf Hussain Wani, a political activist and rights defender from Indian-occupied Kashmir. He added: “Kashmiri people are confident that Pakistan, peace-loving nations of the world, international media, and rights defenders will stand by the people of Kashmir.”

Barrister Shoaib Razzaq explained the options to challenge India on Kashmir at International Court of Justice and laid out options before Indian civil society to challenge the illegal actions by the Government of India in the Supreme Court of India.

Ahmed Quraishi, Executive Director of YFK, gave a briefing on the growing international diplomacy on Kashmir. He said India’s mishandling of Kashmir has ensured the biggest internationalization of Kashmir Conflict since the UN passed its resolutions.

“Let’s make it very clear: The Government of India, and the Indian media, are internationally isolated in their position on Kashmir. This level of Indian isolation on Kashmir is unprecedented in the seven decades of this conflict,” he said.

Altaf Wani welcomed the positions of the Governments of the United States and China on India’s illegal actions in Kashmir. We welcome OIC’s appointment of a Special Envoy on Jammu & Kashmir. We are looking forward to UN Security Council and UN Secretary General mandating the creation of a Special Envoy on Jammu & Kashmir.

“We welcome Preside Trump’s offer of mediation in the conflict. This is the time for the United States to play a historic role in resolving this conflict and bringing peace to Pakistan, India, and Kashmiris,” Altaf Wani said.

“The Government of India is pushing the situation inside Kashmir toward a civil war. We warn Government of India against embarking on creating Indian settlements in Kashmir and transferring Indian citizens to change Kashmir demographics,” Quraishi said.

“The Government of India has been unable to secure Indian soldiers and camps inside Kashmir. It cannot Indian settlers in Kashmir. Indian citizens are welcomed by Kashmiris as neighbors, but Indian settlers are and will always be foreigners in Kashmir. Forcible creation of Indian settlements could lead to friction and violence. India should desist from creating these conditions,” Quraishi added.

Kashmiri And International Journalists Discuss Lock-down Restrictions In Kashmir

Kashmiri And International Journalists Discuss Lock-down Restrictions In Kashmir

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD– Journalists from several countries came together in a webinar that discussed lockdown restrictions and the future of journalism in varied countries and conflict zones, including Iraq, Israel and Palestinian territories, Azerbaijan, and Kashmir.

An international nongovernmental organization, YFK-International Kashmir Lobby Group, which works with the United Nations mechanisms and human rights organizations, brought together international journalists to talk about the future of journalism and human rights. YFK is based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The webinar was also a rare occasion to have journalists working in different conflict zones to sit on one table and learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences. Award-winning Iraqi photojournalist Ali Arkady, the whistleblower who uncovered torture cells run by security forces in Iraq, joined Nelofar Abdullah, a journalist who lives and works under the world’s longest lockdown in Indian-occupied Kashmir, and Daniela Donges, who works with journalists and activists as Country Director Israel and Palestinian territories for German Voices for Peace.

Journalist Efsane Elesgerli, a correspondent for the Voice of Karabakh newspaper, described to the participants the circumstances under which journalists and civilians are coping with renewed clashes with Armenia over the Karabakh region, where residents are opposed Armenian presence.

Nelofar Abdullah described incidents where Indian occupation soldiers harassed her at checkpoints during her normal media coverage work. She explained in detail how Kashmiris are coping with the ban on fast-speed internet and are adjusting their lives around 2G speed. Kashmir has around eight million people who have to live with 2G. This has affected I.T. industry, online education, and some medical services.

Daniela Donges, Country Director Israel and Palestinian territories for German Voices for Peace, just completed her two-year stay at the city of Bethlehem, which is part of occupied Palestinian lands in dispute between Israel and the Palestinians.

She described how the health emergency, the lockdowns, and the occupation have combined to create an economic crisis that could explode in the face of both Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

To one question, Ali Arkady declined to reveal where he is living in asylum in Europe due to security and safety reasons. Arkady said that some security officials in Iraq have affiliations to extremist militias and are covertly working for other countries. He said he is optimistic that the coverage his work has received in international media will act as an instrument of accountability for everyone involved in human rights violations in Iraq.

Sumaira Khan, a correspondent for Indus World television was full of praise for the Pakistani government for its handling of the pandemic. She called for regulation to stem disinformation in a health crisis.

The situation for the media in the Gulf region is different in that there is a mushrooming of modern digital and broadcast media but not as much difficulties for journalists under lockdown thanks to the availability of high-speed internet, said Shahad Al-Matrouk, the Kuwait correspondent for the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya. She explained in detail her experience working under lockdown.

YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group (Youth Forum For Kashmir) is a non-partisan INGO, working for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir Conflict in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Kashmir Issue: A Volcano in South Asia

Kashmir Issue: A Volcano in South Asia

By Dr. Maqsood Jafri

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, the Kashmiris were not allowed to offer Eid Prayers in the Grand Mosque of Srinagar and all over Indian Occupied Kashmir. If there is calm and peace in Kashmir as asserted by Indian Premier Narendra Modi, then why ban on prayer?

The APHC General Secretary, Moulvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani, the Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Youth Social Forum Umer Adil Dar and the Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Peace Forum advocate Devender Singh Behl in their press statements expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed of the Kashmiris by the colonial occupation of Indian forces. The ban imposed on Eid congressional prayers in mosques has unmasked the gruesome face of Indian so called secularism.

Modi in his frantic tempo is committing mistake after mistake. He has banned the study of Chinese language as an optional subject in Indian schools and colleges. It is the height of stupidity. His spite even with a language shows his idiotic mind-set. I call it the apex of deflected, deranged and degenerated mind-set.

The army chief of Pakistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Line of Control in Khoei Rata, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir on Eid and addressed the soldiers who are valiantly defending the sacred soil of motherland. Army Chief reiterated his unshakable stance that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan and soon Kashmir will be the part of Pakistan.

He warned India to remain in shirts and refrain from aggression and befitting response will be given to Indian assaults. The whole nation appreciated the address of our dynamic, brave and patriotic General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Bravo: Hurrah.

The Indian Defence Minister blabbered a few days ago that the Indian army is very brave and will face valiantly the Chinese army. What a bluffing. Indian army cannot face Pakistani army, the hell it will face the Chinese army. The bravery of the Indian army can be gauged from the recently given interview of a former Indian Major General Mr. Bakhshi. He said that in 1991 skirmishes at Kargil, Pakistani army fought with great commitment, bravery and courage and thrashed out Indian Army. Indian 50 Punjab regiment was badly beaten and was intimidated. The then government hid our shameful defeat. Pakistani army made us to rub the nose. This interview is a slap on the face of Indian Defence Minister.

Kashmir is a test case for UN. Kashmir is like a volcano that can erupt any time and its eruption will destroy and devastate the fabric of the South Asia. The devilish and devious designs of Modi will turn both the countries into debris. India is a big country and needs sober and sane leadership. It needs a debonair leader. It does not need a deceitful and debilitated dullard.

I appeal to the saner Indian element to resist the policies of Modi if they want to avert the nuclear strike in the Sub-continent. Pakistan will go to any extent to save its solidarity and identity. Let us save our coming generations from the hazards of nuclear war.

The president of the USA, Donald Trump in his electioneering campaign had enthusiastically announced to mediate to resolving Kashmir issue. India claims to be the buddy of America. For the last seven decades, it was a “Maid “of America and now has become the “Mistress” of America. These coquetries of a whore will not last long. This friendship is unnatural and is based to damage China. India is very adroitly playing double game.

Why India refused the offer of Trump as an arbitrator. Simply, because India has no legal base and stand on Kashmir Issue. On the coming American election Mr. Joe Biden of Democratic Party is assessing and weighing the scales and jockeying between Indian- American and Pakistani- American vote bank. It is imperative for overseas Pakistanis to take part in the local politics of the countries they live in and fight for the cause of Pakistan and Kashmir and nullify Indian plans against Pakistan. Neither America nor any other Western country is serious about the plight of Kashmiris as it is not their cup of tea. They drink coffee and wine and we can only provide them a cup of tea. They boast on being democratic countries but support monarchies in Arab world to grind the axe. Petrol is dearer to them than human blood.

The high handedness and foolhardiness of Modi resulted in the tarnished image of India worldwide. One of its fallouts is that on July 15, 2020, much awaited signing of a high profile economic partnership agreement between the European Union and India could not materialize. Iran has also cancelled its pact on Chabahar Port with India and signed an economic pact with China. It is a way forward to opening new economic and strategic vistas between China, Iran and Pakistan. It is a happy omen for us and will strengthen our hands against India.

These two fallouts are the outcome of the hawkish policies of Modi on international front. Indian on-going border tensions with China have locked them in a military conflict in Eastern Ladakh. This is the right and ripe time that China, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and SAARC countries should unite to contain Indian expansionist designs.

The inhuman treatment of Modi with the Indian Muslims also established him a racist and religious extremist in the world community. The president of European Council Charles Michal severely criticized India and protested against the “Citizenship Amendment Act” which discriminated the legislation of the Muslims. The European Union also expressed deep concern on the Indian illegal and undemocratic step in Kashmir and voiced against the violations of human rights in Kashmir. Shamelessly, the Indian Home Minister bragged rather brayed that India will conquer the territories comprising Azad Kashmiri, Gilgat-Baltistan and Aksai Chin. This statement is a warning to Pakistan and China.

Pakistan should confront India on two fronts and like a two edged dagger pierce its pride into pieces. Its arrogance will be buried in the ditches and dykes of nonentity. First; on the diplomatic front through our embassies, we should launch a gigantic movement against India and seek the succour of our friends on diplomatic front. Second; we need to form a Block under the Leadership of China and break India as she broke Pakistan in 1971 and turned East Pakistan into Bangladesh. India is bound to disintegrate in to further two parts. Only planning is required. “Khalistan “in East Punjab for Sikhs and “Islamistan” of UP and Muslim majority areas in India. To avert the strike of nuclear war and escape from the imminent Volcano of Kashmir, it is imperative to dismember India.

Across All Continents Kashmiri Diaspora Organizations Condemn Annexation Of Kashmir

Across All Continents Kashmiri Diaspora Organizations Condemn Annexation Of Kashmir

By Our Special Correspondent

Washington, D.C. August 4, 2020: On August 5, 2019, the Government of India laid bare its naked ambition extant since partition in 1947 to brutally colonize the territories of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). On that date, it threw away any pretence of acknowledging the J&K’s right to self-determination as outlined by the United Nations’ Security Council and agreed to at that time by the Government of India 72 years earlier.

The events of August 5, 2019 are consistent with the ruthless occupation and suppression the people of Kashmir have suffered under the unpopular Indian rule. As is widely acknowledged and documented internationally, this brutal occupation has led to 150,000 civilian deaths, more than 8000 individuals missing or disappeared, and thousands of Kashmiri women raped. This does not even begin to account for the tens of thousands tortured, maimed, and permanently injured men, women and children by the Indian security forces during their 72-year reign of terror.

But despite this persistent and pernicious tyranny, the people of Kashmir never have nor ever will give up their right to be free. It is based on this internationally recognized, and principled stand the Kashmiri diaspora and its allies worldwide stand in solidarity with J&K’s people. We stand in support of their unyielding struggle to resist occupation and achieve their right to self-determination. We stand with them in their struggle to stop the Indian government from dehumanizing them and completing their settler-colonial project to remove them culturally, politically, and ethnically from the face of the earth.

Since, August 5, 2019, the Indian government, in order to crush any resistance to their illegal occupation, has instituted new draconian measures. First, they unilaterally removed any relics of initial recognition of their occupation by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, imposed a total military lockdown and complete communication blockade in anticipation of the protest and resistance these measures would inevitably cause. In a ruthless campaign they imprisoned politicians, journalists, and civil society members, to intimidate and suppress any form of dissent.

Since then, they have unleashed a well-designed imperialist plan that seeks to forever change the political nature of the Kashmir dispute through demographic changes, political manoeuvrings, and administrate machinations. These alterations to J&K’s disputed nature were recently capped by new domicile laws that would entitle people from outside of J&K to obtain domicile certificates as a first step toward granting them the right to buy land and compete for local jobs. The Indian rulers have sought to shamelessly disregard that these unilateral changes made to the UN-recognized international dispute’s status are a clear violation of International Law.

The consequences of these actions have been dire with the people of J&K being essentially forced to be locked in their homes, terrorized by the Indian military and paramilitary forces with no recourse against this oppression. According to a recent report –spanning first six months of 2020 –prepared by the J&K Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), and the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), the army action has resulted in 229 killings, including three (3) underage children and two (2) women. During the brutal Cordon and Destroy Operations (CADOs), the occupying forces have destroyed hundreds of civilian dwellings, rendering their occupants homeless. Amnesty International has reported that disappearances, torture, and rape against Kashmiri Muslims are frequent. Genocide Watch has identified the actions of the Government of India as precursor to a likely genocide of the Kashmiri people.

It is with this in mind that we appeal to all peoples of conscience and the international community to raise their voices against the brutal oppression the people of Jammu and Kashmiri are suffering under the occupying forces of the Government of India. We urge them to demand that India:

List of 56 endorsing Kashmiri diaspora organizations from five continents in an alphabetical order