Kashmiri diaspora urged to highlight IIOJK issue

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry on Thursday stated that the Kashmiri diaspora community had an important role to expose the Indian government's nefarious designs in the region.

"The Kashmiri community settled abroad should unite and raise their voices to highlight the issue of Kashmir at the global level," he said.

President Chaudhry made these remarks in a meeting with International Kashmir Peace Forum (IKPF) Europe President Zahid Iqbal Hashmi who called on him at Kashmir House Islamabad.

Chaudhry noted that the sham polls in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) cannot substitute for the Kashmiris' right to self-determination.

He maintained that the people of Kashmir, who have made unparalleled sacrifices for the noble cause of freedom, would never compromise on their rights.

"Nothing short of the right to self-determination can satisfy their political aspirations," the president said, adding that India should know it cannot suppress the Kashmiris' spirit and their passion for freedom.

Chaudhry said the Modi government had unleashed a reign of terror in IIOJK. "Indian government was hell bent on to elect a Hindu chief minister in occupied Kashmir to push forward its Hindutva agenda in the region."

President IKPF Hashmi enquired about the health of President Chaudhry and hailed his service for the promotion of Kashmir cause.

Hashmi noted that Pakistanis and AJK residents living in Europe greatly respect the president's service for the Kashmir cause, adding that his role in promoting Kashmiris' right to self-determination would be remembered for generations.

He maintained that there is no divide among the Pakistani community in Europe, and they wish to invest in Pakistan to contribute to the economic stability of their homeland.

People living in Europe and France have great respect for the Pakistan Army, which, in addition to safeguarding international borders and working boundaries, is making unmatched sacrifices along the 740km LoC, Hashmi said.