Embassy of Pakistan in Cairo highlights Kashmir struggle on Exploitation Day

English , Kashmir - آزاد جموں کشمیر , Snippets , / Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Khaled Elshamy Egyptian journalist

Cairo, Egypt – Monday, August 5: The Embassy of Pakistan organized a grand ceremony in Cairo to commemorate Kashmir Exploitation Day. During the event, renowned Egyptian journalist Khalid Elshamy shared his thoughts on this important occasion.

In his address, Elshamy highlighted that the Kashmir issue has been a significant concern for the Islamic world for the past 77 years. However, it has often been overshadowed by the plight of Palestine, which has faced injustice and aggression since 1948. The ongoing atrocities in Gaza, where the Israeli occupation is waging a criminal war of genocide, mirror the oppression, injustice, killings, and blatant violations of human rights that Kashmir endures under the watch of an international community that has turned a blind eye to the freedoms and beliefs of the true Islamic religion.

Elshamy noted that since the British Parliament issued the Indian Independence Act on July 17, 1947, ending British rule over the region, and subsequently partitioned the Indian subcontinent, the Kashmir issue has remained a point of contention between India and Pakistan. He pointed out that Britain’s continued intervention and hegemony, similar to its stance on Palestine, has left Kashmir vulnerable to oppression and violations.

Historically, efforts have been made to resolve the conflict, such as the Soviet Union’s attempt to organize a reconciliation conference in Tashkent in January 1966, which ultimately failed. Elshamy suggested that Russia could potentially play a role in resolving this conflict in the future, particularly after the conclusion of the ongoing war in Ukraine, given the current trend towards multipolarity. He also mentioned that China might intervene through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes both Pakistan and India as members. The SCO has successfully facilitated reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and is working towards Palestinian unity, as Elshamy observed during his recent visit to China.

Elshamy emphasized that Pakistan’s steadfast support, through successive governments and its military, has been crucial in maintaining the struggle for Kashmir’s independence, whether through self-rule or accession to Pakistan. He argued that without this unwavering support, Kashmir would have likely been fully absorbed into India. However, the continued resistance will eventually compel India to reconsider its policies towards the brave men and women of Kashmir.

The presence of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, Elshamy noted, acts as a deterrent, forcing India to carefully consider any escalatory actions that could further inflame the conflict. While military strength is a factor, he stressed that the ultimate solution lies in negotiations, preceded by adequate preparation, much like the Palestinian resistance’s ongoing efforts.

In conclusion, Elshamy expressed hope that the international community would once again turn its attention to Palestine, a cause that has nearly been lost amid global power struggles. Despite the sorrow for the martyrs of Gaza—leaders, citizens, children, women, and the elderly—Gaza, like Kashmir, remains a powerful symbol of resilience for those who hold fast to their land and faith.