Seminars

1) Seminar on the occasion of the Solidarity Day, Institute of Kashmir Studies, UAJK

A seminar was organized by the Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI) and the Institute of Kashmir Studies, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day and discuss the current demands of the Kashmir Freedom Movement. The seminar was attended by Senior Additional Secretary of Education, Syed Saleem Gardezi, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan, Director of KPRI, chaired the event.

In his speech, Syed Saleem Gardezi emphasized that the real message of Kashmir Solidarity Day is for the people of Kashmir to continue their struggle for freedom with unity and determination. He mentioned that freedom movements face challenges, but perseverance leads to success. He also pointed out that ideological differences among Kashmiris can harm the freedom struggle, and when the vision is clear, no power can defeat them. He stressed the importance of presenting a factual narrative about Kashmir to the world and reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as the sole advocate for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan, in his address, reflected on Pakistan’s long history of solidarity with the Kashmiris. He highlighted that even before the creation of Pakistan, there were expressions of solidarity with the Kashmiris. He mentioned the formation of the Kashmir Committee in Lahore after the 1931 tragedy, the Kashmir March by the Ahrar Movement, and the observance of Kashmir Day in 1990. Dr. Khan emphasized the need to focus on the constitutional, legal, political, and diplomatic aspects of the Kashmir issue, stressing that unity among Pakistanis is key to making their voice heard globally. He also mentioned that the primary goal of Kashmir Solidarity Day is to assure the people of occupied Kashmir that the entire nation stands with them.

Several other speakers, including Dr. Sameera Shafiq, Professor Dr. Ambarin Khawaja, Sadaf Zahra Fatima, Abira Fatima, Osama Shabbir, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Atiq Ahmed Khan, Tamanna Masood, Laiba Abid, and Hussnain Shafiq, also addressed the seminar. They discussed the ongoing oppression of Kashmiris, particularly after India’s actions on August 5, 2019, and the presence of 900,000 Indian troops in the region. The speakers reiterated that freedom movements are long and challenging but ultimately succeed when rooted in truth. They emphasized that India’s actions cannot change the status of Kashmir as a disputed territory, and urged for continued unity in the struggle for freedom.

2) Seminar “Women in IIOJK: Weapon of War” Khursheed National Library Muzaffarabad

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Kashmir Policy and Research Institute organized a seminar titled “Women of Occupied Kashmir as Weapons of War” at the Khurshid National Library Auditorium. The seminar featured speeches from several prominent figures, including Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell, Wajahat Rashid Baig; President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Women’s Wing Azad Kashmir, Maryam Kashmiri; Principal of Girls Higher Secondary School, Madam Abida Khan; Principal Madam Fauzia Khan; Representative of Kashmiri Refugees, Mehnaz Qureshi; and other notable speakers, such as Shaista Iftikhar, Saira Chishti, Fatima Ghazali, Zainab Shafiq, Saleha Salahuddin, Muqaddisa Naqvi, Iqra Iman, and more.

Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell, Wajahat Rashid Baig, stated that the main purpose of celebrating International Women’s Day is to raise awareness about women’s rights. On this occasion, he expressed full solidarity with the helpless, oppressed Kashmiri women in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who are victims of Indian military brutality. He emphasized that despite the immense oppression, Kashmiri women remain steadfast in their struggle for freedom. He highlighted that the Indian military is using women as weapons of war in an attempt to suppress the freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir. He also pointed out the alarming statistics: over 11,000 women have been raped, 23,000 women have been widowed, and thousands have been injured or blinded by pellet guns in the last three decades.

He further mentioned that media censorship in occupied Kashmir prevents the world from fully understanding the extent of the violence, especially against women. He called on international organizations, including human rights bodies, to investigate the atrocities committed by the Indian military, particularly the widespread cases of sexual violence, and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The speakers also emphasized that Islam grants women significant rights and dignity, which are unmatched by any other religion. They condemned the severe human rights violations faced by women in Palestine and occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where women are subjected to violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse by Indian forces. The speakers criticized international organizations for their silence and double standards on women’s rights, especially in conflict zones like Kashmir. They called on the people of Azad Kashmir to raise their voices in support of the women of occupied Kashmir, using social media and other platforms to expose the brutalities faced by these women.

The speakers also demanded the withdrawal of Indian forces from occupied Kashmir and the repeal of oppressive laws. They stressed the need for an international investigation into the human rights violations, particularly the sexual violence against women, to expose India’s brutal tactics and bring justice to the victims.

3) Death Anniversary of Ghazi-e-Millat Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan

An important seminar was held at the Kashmir Policy Institute to highlight the national and patriotic contributions of Ghazi-e-Millat Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. The purpose of the seminar was to shed light on his historic services and convey his ideas and contributions to the younger generation. His political vision and dedication to national interests were praised with great admiration.

This event aimed to recognize his role as a prominent leader in Kashmir’s history and ensure that his legacy inspires future generations.

4) 5th August Seminar on Yum-e- Istehsal

On August 5, 2019, India unilaterally and illegally revoked the special status of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), violating international laws, United Nations resolutions, and its own constitution. To mark Yum-e-Istehsal on August 5, 2024, and highlight the continued suffering of the Kashmiri people, the Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI) organized a series of impactful activities. A comprehensive social media campaign was launched on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, utilizing hashtags such as #Yum_e_Istehsal, #5AugustBlackDay, and #HRViolationsIIOJK to raise awareness about human rights violations in IIOJK. Custom content, including videos and posts, was shared to amplify the voices of the oppressed and draw global attention to the issue.

KPRI also engaged its interns in producing articles and opinions on the abrogation of IIOJK’s special status, enriching the discourse on the Kashmir conflict. The highlight of the day was a seminar titled “Revocation of the Special Status of Kashmir: Demographic Changes and Human Rights Violations”. The seminar featured a large audience of university students and prominent speakers, including Dr. Raja Mohammad Sajjad Khan, Director of KPRI, and Assistant Directors Khawaja Haroon Al Rasheed and Syed Usman Ali Bukhari. Speakers condemned India’s actions as deliberate and systematic attempts to maintain its illegal occupation by altering the region’s demographics, suppressing economic opportunities, and imposing Hindutva policies. They also highlighted the issuance of domiciles to non-Kashmiri Hindus and the renaming of historical places as part of India’s broader agenda.

In addition to these activities, KPRI published a report titled “5 Years of Illegal Occupation and Suppression in IIOJK (2019-2024)”, which detailed the systematic violations in the region. Interviews with youth were recorded and shared through social media to further amplify the message. Through these efforts, KPRI reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the rights of the Kashmiri people, exposing India’s vi

5) Seminar on Kashmir Conflict at University of Bhimber

The Kashmir Policy Research Institute organized a seminar at the University of Bhimber titled “The Jammu and Kashmir Conflict: Past and Present.” The seminar aimed to educate participants about the political, constitutional, legal, and geographical dimensions of the Kashmir issue.

Speakers discussed India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir and its involvement in the horrific Jammu massacre on November 6, 1947. They explained how Indian forces actively participated in the massacre, during which over 230,000 Muslims, including women and children, were killed within a week, and thousands of women were abducted.

The seminar also highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to systematically alter the demographic composition of Kashmir. The speakers strongly condemned the constitutional aggression of August 5, 2019, when India revoked Articles 35A and 370, stripping Kashmir of its special status. This move was described as an attempt to reduce the Muslim majority population to a minority in the region.

6) Seminar on Human Right Violations in IIOJ&K ON Human Rights Day at Kashmir Institute of Management

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, a seminar titled “Gross Human Rights Violations by India in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir” was held at the Kashmir Institute of Management in Muzaffarabad. The seminar was organized by the Government of Azad Kashmir, the Pakistan Army, and the Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI). The Chief Guest, Peer Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah, Minister of Information for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stated that the atrocities committed by India in occupied Jammu and Kashmir are one of the darkest chapters in human history. Since 1989, 96,000 Kashmiris have been martyred, 150,000 children orphaned, 23,000 women widowed, and 12,000 women raped. He added that efforts are being made not only to weaken Kashmiris physically but also economically. Indian forces have used pellet guns, leaving 25,000 Kashmiri youth disabled, which he described as a severe violation of human rights. Addressing the youth, Peer Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah quoted the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), saying, “Help both the oppressor and the oppressed. Help the oppressor by stopping their oppression, and help the oppressed by ending their suffering.” He urged the youth to stand up for their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and continue the struggle for their freedom. He criticized the international community, pointing out that immediate action was taken to resolve the issues of East Timor, Rwanda, and South Sudan, but Kashmir remains ignored. He further stated that the peace of Asia and the Middle East is at risk due to the issues of Kashmir and Palestine. He condemned India’s rejection of UN resolutions and stated that the world remains silent. He urged people to appreciate the blessings of freedom and peace in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of the role of Pakistan’s defenders. He added that the world has witnessed the democratic system of the Kashmiri people, and the state has fulfilled its maternal role.

Speaking at the seminar, Sector Commander ISPR Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Zone, Mohammad Tariq Sohail, said that the people of Azad Kashmir have kept the Kashmir issue alive for the past 75 years. He emphasized the importance of sacrifices for freedom and called for unity among the Muslim world in supporting the Kashmiri people. He stated that Pakistan is not just a country but the identity of the Muslim Ummah, and we must demonstrate unity and struggle beyond personal interests. He also highlighted the ongoing persecution of minorities in India, mentioning the killing of five Muslims in Maharashtra over the construction of a temple on a mosque site, while the international media remains silent on such issues.

Dr. Raja Mohammad Sajjad Khan, Director of KPRI, gave a detailed briefing on the inhumane treatment in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on “Lawfare as a Tool of Repression in IIOJK.” Dr. Waqar Ashraf Butt, Vice Chairman of the Young Doctors Association Azad Kashmir, Syeda Tahseen Bukhari, Assistant Director at the Center for International Strategic Studies, and Raja Abdul Basit also gave detailed briefings on the atrocities committed by Indian forces and the government in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The speakers at the seminar urged the international community and the United Nations to implement their resolutions and grant the people of occupied Kashmir their right to self-determination. The seminar was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Development Atif Rehman, Commissioner Muzaffarabad Masood ur Rehman, DIG Dr. Liaquat Hussain, journalists, civil society members, and a large number of students.

 7) Seminar on Human Right Violations in IIOJ&K ON Human Rights Day at Kashmir House Islamabad.

A seminar was held on December 10 at Jammu Kashmir House, Islamabad, to mark Human Rights Day. The event was organized by Kashmir Policy Research Institute, and All Parties Hurriyat Conference. The theme of the seminar was “Serious Human Rights Violations in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.” Participants included researchers from the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, students from Women University Bagh, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, staff from Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell, and leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Other distinguished participants included Rana Qasim Noon (Chairman, Kashmir Parliamentary Committee), Mrs. Imtiaz Naseem (Minister, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell), Mian Waheed (Minister of Law and Human Rights), Mirza Wajahat Rashid Baig (Secretary, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell), Altaf Hussain Wani (Chairman, Kashmir Institute of International Relations), and Syed Faiz Naqshbandi (Leader, All Parties Hurriyat Conference).

In the opening session, Mirza Wajahat Rashid Baig, Secretary of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell, welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of Human Rights Day. He emphasized the severe human rights violations in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and detailed the suffering of the Kashmiri people at the hands of Indian forces. He expressed concern over the silence of the United Nations and other international organizations, which have failed to address the hardships of the Kashmiri people.

Rana Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Kashmir Parliamentary Committee, stated that while Human Rights Day is celebrated worldwide, Islam granted fundamental human rights 1400 years ago. He drew a parallel between the situations in Indian-Occupied Kashmir, Gaza, and Palestine, where people are suffering and being ignored by international organizations. He highlighted that the struggle for freedom in Kashmir has never been extinguished, despite Indian oppression. He criticized India’s attempts to change the demographics of Kashmir and destroy its culture. He also emphasized the need to raise awareness about Kashmir’s issues at international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and to ensure that the sacrifices of Kashmiri people are not overlooked.

Imtiaz Naseem, Minister of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell, thanked the guests and participants for attending. She expressed that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a symbol of hope for all nations, but, unfortunately, for the past 77 years, the Kashmiri Muslims in Indian-Occupied Kashmir have been subjected to various atrocities. She mentioned the widespread sexual violence against women, killings of sons, and the plight of thousands of widows. She also referred to the imprisonment of Kashmiri heroes like Asiya Andrabi and Yasin Malik, and the use of pellet guns on children. She stressed the need for students to raise awareness through social media about the ongoing atrocities in Kashmir and urged them to research human rights issues and inform international organizations.

Mian Waheed, Minister of Law and Human Rights, emphasized that when human rights are discussed, Kashmir should be the first thought, as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and basic human rights are being violated. He praised the sacrifices of leaders like Syed Ali Geelani and Afzal Guru and stressed the need to promote their ideas and urge the international community to act.

Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, discussed the black laws imposed in Indian-Occupied Kashmir, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which have been widely condemned internationally.

The seminar concluded with prayers for the late Ijaz Lone, former Secretary of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell, and for the success of the Kashmiri freedom struggle.

8) Seminar on Right to Self-Determination Day  

A Seminar on Right to Self-Determination Day   was hosted at the Kashmir Institute of Management, organized by Kashmir Policy Research Institute in collaboration with the Pakistan Army. The event saw participation from over 100 individuals, including students, legal professionals, and community members.

In his opening remarks, Tariq Mahmood Butt, Director of KIM, expressed concern over the unfulfilled promises made by the United Nations regarding Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He identified India as the primary obstacle, accusing it of employing deceptive tactics to block the referendum and of evading the implementation of UN resolutions. He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently supported these resolutions, highlighting the 20 Security Council resolutions and two from the UN Commission on India and Pakistan that affirm Kashmir’s right to self-determination. He reinforced the notion that the struggle for freedom must persist, stating that Kashmir will achieve liberation when efforts are consolidated, emphasizing that the political and economic stability of Pakistan is vital for this goal.

Brigadier Tariq Suhail, the chief guest and Sector Commander of ISPR, reiterated the significance of unity in the fight for Kashmiris’ rights. He pointed out that the right to self-determination is enshrined in Article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Emphasizing the need for collective voice, he warned against divisions that could weaken their resolve. He urged attendees to articulate the aspirations of Kashmiris across the Line of Control to ensure their hopes do not wane, and insisted that understanding the enemy’s strategies is crucial to avoid potential setbacks.

Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan, Director of the Kashmir Policy Research Institute, elaborated on the constitutional, legal, and historical dimensions of the Kashmir dispute. He traced the concept of self-determination back to key historical events, including the U.S. declaration of independence in 1776 and the expansion of the idea following the French Revolution. He noted that the right to self-determination was prioritized in the UN Charter, culminating in a UN resolution recognizing it as a fundamental human right. He criticized the political manipulation of Kashmir’s history and emphasized that self-determination is a collective right belonging to nations.

Masood-ur-Rehman, Commissioner of   Muzaffarabad, highlighted the need for a united front in the struggle for freedom. He asserted that the UN framework for the Kashmir issue must be actively utilized, underlining that without a clear understanding of right and wrong, the quest for freedom is unlikely to succeed. He affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmir cause, stating that the legitimacy of their claims is irrefutable, particularly in light of Pakistan’s nuclear status.

Madiha Shakeel, an International Relations lecturer at the University of AJK, focused on the practical implications of self-determination, emphasizing that the people of Kashmir must determine their future. She criticized historical agreements, such as the 1846 Amritsar agreement, which she branded as a “document of slavery.” She argued that UN resolutions should take precedence over local agreements, reinforcing the international recognition of Kashmir as a disputed territory. She pointed out the troubling developments post-abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in India, which worsened the situation and sparked resistance in Jammu and Kashmir.

Zahid Mahmood from the Department of Law discussed the legalities surrounding the partition, explaining that the law granted Kashmiris the right to choose their affiliation with either Pakistan or India. He underlined that the resolutions passed by the UN, particularly Resolutions of 13th August and 5th January, affirm this right and deem any unilateral actions by India regarding Kashmir unconstitutional and illegal.

Overall, the seminar reinforced the urgency of addressing the Kashmir issue, called for continued dialogue and activism, and underscored the necessity for a unified approach to advocate for the rights and self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

09. Seminar: “International Women’s Day: Grave Violations of Women’s Rights in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”

The Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI) organized a seminar titled “International Women’s Day: Grave Violations of Women’s Rights in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir” at Musarat Shaheed Girls High School in Muzaffarabad. The event brought together speakers, officials, and activists to highlight the alleged systemic abuse of women in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Imtiaz Naseem, Minister of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell, asserted that International Women’s Day holds little significance unless tangible measures are taken against states violating women’s rights. She accused India of employing women as “weapons of war” in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, citing mass rape, enforced separations of families, and arbitrary detentions as tactics used by Indian forces. She  contrasted this with the situation in Azad Kashmir, where she claimed women live with security and equality. she referenced unresolved cases like the Kunan Poshpora mass rape and highlighted the plight of over 3,000 “half-widows” unaware of their husbands’ fates, urging the UN to act against India.

Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan, Director of KPRI, presented stark figures, alleging that 23,000 women had been widowed and 13,000 raped in the region over 35 years. He cited the arbitrary detention of activists like Asia Andrabi and the lack of legal identity for 400+ women and children, stressing that Kashmiri women bear the heaviest burden of conflict. Other speakers, including education officials and civil society representatives, echoed these concerns, calling for international accountability.

10. Seminar on The Zionist-Hindutva War on Kashmir: Threats to Regional Stability and Human Rights

The Seminar was held on May 30, 2025, focused on “The Zionist-Hindutva War on Kashmir: Threats to Regional Stability and Human Rights.” The session brought together 30 participants from diverse backgrounds and featured prominent speakers including Dr. Muzammal Ayyub Thakur (President, World Kashmir Freedom Movement), Ms. Madiha Shakeel (Lecturer, Department of International Relations, UAJK), and Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan (Director, KPRI). Notable attendees included Advocate Pervaiz Ahmed (Secretary General, APHC) and Uzair Ahmed Ghazali (Chairman, Pasban-e-Hurriyat). The discussion critically examined the Zionist-RSS hybrid war on Kashmir and its implications for regional peace and human rights.