AJK top judge reaffirms Kashmiri bond

Justice Akram recalls Geelani's famous words at Iqbal Day event

MUZAFFARABAD:

Despite the presence of more than one million Indian troops in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the people of the disputed territory continue to demonstrate their unwavering attachment to Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan said on Sunday, reaffirming the enduring bond between Kashmiris and Pakistan.

Addressing an Iqbal Day ceremony at Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad, he recalled the famous words of veteran Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani: "Pakistan is ours and we are Pakistanis."

He also commended Pakistan Sweet Home for providing orphaned and underprivileged children with quality education and modern training, expressing confidence that their achievements would ultimately contribute to the progress and success of Pakistan.

The ceremony was organised by Pakistan Sweet Home's patron-in-chief, Zamarud Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), along with the institution's cadets and children. Major General Dilawar Khan attended as the guest of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Akram Khan said he considered himself fortunate to visit a beautiful and inspiring place and interact with its children.

"You are the eagles of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and your success will be the success of our nation and our country," he said.

He said institutions such as Pakistan Sweet Home, along with patriotic Pakistanis like Zamarud Khan, had played a significant role in strengthening the foundations of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

He expressed confidence that the country would continue to prosper and that welfare organisations would continue serving humanity and bringing honour to Pakistan internationally.

Describing November 9 as a day of great historical significance, the AJK chief justice paid tribute to national poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whose vision laid the intellectual foundation for the creation of Pakistan.

He also paid homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and all the martyrs and veterans whose sacrifices and struggles led to the establishment of Pakistan.

"We pay tribute to all those who made the creation of this great Islamic state possible, where we are living in peace and security today. May Allah keep Pakistan prosperous and flourishing forever," he said.

The AJK chief justice expressed admiration for the children's performances, saying the standard displayed by Pakistan Sweet Home students had left him almost speechless.

He said the institution was providing its students with modern education and training in accordance with contemporary requirements, with facilities comparable to those offered by leading educational institutions in the country.

Paying tribute to the students and teaching staff, he described the children as the future builders of Pakistan and the eagles of Iqbal.

He expressed hope that their aspirations and hard work would enable them to become chief justices, scientists, engineers, professors and political leaders.

Addressing orphaned and underprivileged children studying at welfare institutions across Pakistan, he said the entire nation stood behind them.

"You are as respected and important to us as our own children. We will continue to support your education, healthcare and other needs to the best of our ability," he said.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Major General Dilawar Khan said education was not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about preparing individuals to explore the universe, become responsible citizens and contribute to building a healthy and constructive society.

He said the ultimate objective of education was to strengthen an individual's sense of selfhood, referring to Iqbal's philosophy of Khudi.

Expressing his appreciation for the institution, he said he was delighted to witness the educational and character-building opportunities being provided to the children.

In his address, Pakistan Sweet Home patron-in-chief Zamarud Khan said the institution was working day and night to educate and train children in accordance with the philosophy of Allama Iqbal.

He said, by the grace of Almighty, Sweet Home students were achieving success in the armed forces as well as in various other fields of life.

He expressed confidence that the children would not only serve Pakistan in the future but also become a source of support for other disadvantaged people.