Speakers highlight escalating militarization and environmental damage in IIOJK

Karachi: Speakers at a seminar in Karachi condemned the ongoing illegal Indian occupation, highlighting the escalating militarization and its severe environmental challenges in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The seminar, titled “Militarization and Environmental Challenges in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” was organized by Iqra University, Karachi, in collaboration with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter. The event saw significant participation from students, faculty members, and academic staff.

The speakers highlighted how the presence of Indian occupying troops in the territory continues to escalate, causing untold suffering for the Kashmiri people. They expressed concern over militarization’s detrimental impact on the environment, particularly in terms of deforestation, pollution, and the destruction of natural resources.

Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener of APHC-AJK, reiterated Quaid-e-Azam’s statement that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. He thanked Pakistan for its political, moral, and diplomatic support of the Kashmir cause.

Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), spoke about the atrocities faced by Kashmiris and paid tribute to their steadfastness. He highlighted the presence of one million occupation forces as the cause of environmental degradation and the melting of glaciers in the disputed territory.

Advocate Parvez Shah, Secretary General of APHC-AJK, emphasized that the people of Kashmir love Pakistan and their popular slogan is “Ham Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai.” He urged students to use all mediums to promote the Kashmir cause and become the voice of the voiceless.

Dr. Huma Riaz Dar shared her personal story of migrating from IIOJK to Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to the continued atrocities by Indian troops. She thanked Pakistan for its support and generosity towards Kashmiris. She mentioned that she is a doctor because of Pakistan’s generosity towards Kashmiri students.

Vice Chancellor of Iqra University, Dr. Naseem Ikram, thanked the APHC-AJK delegation for updating the students about the latest situation in IIOJK. He emphasized that the hearts of the people of Pakistan beat with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and that students have an important role to play in promoting the Kashmir cause at the international level.