rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), April 12 – Rich tributes were paid to former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Col. (Retd) Syed Ali Ahmed Shah on his 36th death anniversary, recognizing his lifelong services to the Kashmir freedom movement, Pakistan Movement, and socio-economic development of the region.
The commemorative ceremony was held at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Sunday and was jointly organized by the university, Kashmir Liberation Center, and Syed Ali Ahmed Shah Memorial Society.
Vice Chancellor MUST Professor Dr. Muhammad Younus Javed (Sitara-e-Imtiaz Military) presided over the event, while Chairman District Council Raja Naveed Akhtar Goga and President District Bar Association Babar Ali Khan Advocate attended as guests of honor. The event was widely attended by academics, lawyers, students, and civil society members.
Speakers highlighted that Syed Ali Ahmed Shah was a symbol of honesty, courage, and sacrifice who dedicated his life to the Kashmir cause and public service. They noted that he served as a commissioned officer in the Dogra army for 22 years before resigning in protest against anti-Muslim policies and joining the freedom movement.
They said his decision to leave a prestigious military position marked the beginning of his active political and ideological struggle for Kashmir’s self-determination. His services for the implementation of Islamic laws, education, and social reform in AJK were also widely acknowledged.
Speakers further said that Shah played a key role in strengthening institutional governance in Azad Kashmir during his tenure as President. They said he promoted administrative discipline, merit-based decision-making, and efforts to align governance structures with public welfare needs.
They added that he remained actively engaged in strengthening educational institutions and encouraged youth participation in nation-building activities. His vision, they said, emphasized unity, discipline, and moral values as pillars of a strong society.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Younus Javed said Shah was a model of integrity and dedication, adding that his life remains an inspiration for younger generations. He stressed that such personalities are rare in history.
Chairman District Council Raja Naveed Akhtar Goga said Shah devoted his entire life to the Kashmir cause and described him as a leader of character and principle. He also praised Pakistan’s leadership role in regional diplomacy and peace efforts.
President Bar Association Babar Ali Khan said that nations that honor their heroes preserve their identity, adding that Shah remained committed to the right of self-determination and Islamic values.
Former Information Secretary Shaukat Majeed Malik said Shah was respected on both sides of Jammu and Kashmir and followed the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
Speakers reaffirmed their commitment to continue Shah’s mission and stressed that justice, merit, and rule of law are essential for national progress.