Islamabad: A distinguished dinner reception was held in Islamabad by the Kashmiri community in honor of U.S.-based businessman and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient, Abdul Hafeez Khan, for his dedicated efforts in raising the voice of oppressed Kashmiris on global platforms.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed graced the event as the chief guest. In his keynote address, he strongly condemned the deteriorating human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), especially in light of recent incidents in Pahalgam. He criticized the Indian government's inhumane practice of forcibly separating families - compelling married Kashmiri women to return to Pakistan, thereby separating them from their children and families in Kashmir. He called these acts a serious violation of humanitarian norms.
Senior Hurriyat leader Altaf Ahmed Bhat also addressed the gathering, presenting a comprehensive account of the escalating repression in IIOJK. He revealed that Indian authorities are now actively demolishing the homes of Kashmiris, attaching properties, and targeting families to punish them for their unwavering support for Pakistan and their role in the Kashmir freedom movement. 'Despite the brutality, the people of Kashmir stand resilient and firmly aligned with Pakistan,' Bhat said.
Participants discussed the systematic campaign by Indian forces to dismantle Kashmiri identity and suppress the pro-freedom sentiment. They highlighted how India's draconian policies - including property seizures, mass arrests, and media blackouts - are part of a larger plan to silence Kashmiri voices. However, they noted with pride that the unshakable loyalty of the Kashmiri people to Pakistan continues to defeat India's narrative warfare and global disinformation campaign.
Hurriyat Leader Raja Khadim Hussain and Hurriyat Leader Abdul Hameed Lone praised the tireless efforts of Abdul Hafeez Khan and the wider Kashmiri diaspora in the United States. They lauded his commitment to the Kashmir cause and acknowledged his pivotal role in amplifying the voice of the Kashmiri people on international platforms, particularly in U.S. policy circles and human rights organizations.
In his remarks, Abdul Hafeez Khan expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to the cause. He pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Kashmiri community in the United States to continue raising global awareness about the Kashmir issue, exposing ongoing Indian human rights violations, and advocating for justice, dignity, and the right to self-determination for the people of IIOJ and K.
Senator Mushahid concluded by reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri struggle and emphasized that the country's armed forces, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, remain resolutely prepared to defend national sovereignty and stand by the oppressed people of Kashmir.
The event was attended by Shafique Ahmed Butt, Khawaja Shafiq Ahmed, Rashid Yaqoob, Tariq Ahmed, and other respected members of the community.
The evening concluded with a unified call for international accountability and continued solidarity with the people of Kashmir.