Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmir cause, stating that the issue remains a serious humanitarian and international concern that must not be forgotten, while praising the passion and commitment of the younger generation towards highlighting the Kashmir narrative.
Story: Addressing a special intellectual and literary event titled “The Kashmir Case: In the Voice of the Young Generation”, organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) under the National Heritage and Culture Division to mark the upcoming Kashmir Solidarity Day, the minister expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm shown by youth in raising awareness about Kashmir.
He said the event reflected PAL’s effective literary and intellectual efforts on the Kashmir issue, adding that the government continues to raise the matter forcefully at international forums, particularly the United Nations.
The event was held at the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Auditorium of PAL on Wednesday and was presided over by former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former ambassador Sardar Masood Khan. Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Kashmiri leader and scholar Dr Samiullah Malik, and Federal Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gilani attended as special guests.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran by Hassan Ahmed, a student of Punjab Group of Colleges. Jibran Haider presented Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
Federal Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gilani said the Kashmir issue is part of Pakistan’s cultural responsibility and emphasized the need for sustained intellectual and cultural efforts to keep the narrative alive.
Dr Samiullah Malik highlighted the historical background and international status of the Kashmir issue and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people. He urged youth to develop critical thinking and intellectual engagement, stressing the importance of presenting the Kashmir issue before the global conscience.
Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon said Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan’s identity. Drawing parallels between Kashmir and Palestine, he said both regions have witnessed prolonged suffering and sacrifices. He emphasized the need to incorporate the Kashmir issue into the national curriculum to educate future generations about the Kashmiri struggle.
In his presidential address, Sardar Masood Khan said the long-standing struggle of the Kashmiri people has become an integral part of history. He added that Pakistan now has an opportunity to present the Kashmir issue before the world with renewed resolve and a stronger stance.
Chairperson of PAL Dr Najeeba Arif said the purpose of the event was to provide the younger generation with a platform to express their views on the Kashmir issue, as the future of Kashmir rests with them. She emphasized that the issue should not be confined to political discourse alone but must remain alive at intellectual, literary, and cultural levels.
She described literature as a powerful medium for shaping national consciousness, preserving history, and promoting global dialogue. Dr Arif appreciated the participation of students from Punjab Group of Colleges and thanked their administration and faculty for encouraging meaningful discussions. She also acknowledged the students of Government Postgraduate College H-9 for presenting a stage drama titled “The Kashmir Case,” which artistically portrayed the suffering and struggle of the Kashmiri people.
At the conclusion of the event, PAL publications were distributed among participating students as souvenirs.
