Staff Report

LAHORE, Nov 18: A meeting of the Jammu Kashmir Journalists Forum, chaired by President Khalid Minhas, reviewed the latest political and social developments in Kashmir and the issues confronting Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. General Secretary Muhammad Abdullah and several members of the forum attended the session.

Participants welcomed the formation of the new government in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and congratulated Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on assuming office. They expressed hope that the new leadership would hold meaningful consultations with all genuine stakeholders on matters concerning Kashmir and take effective steps to address public concerns.

Members emphasised that protecting the identity, political representation and fundamental rights of Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan is a shared responsibility of both the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. They voiced concern over attempts by certain quarters to undermine the historical identity and special status of Kashmiri refugees, terming such efforts contrary to the spirit of the Kashmir cause.

The Forum reiterated that Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan are real stakeholders in the Kashmir issue, and their status, identity and rights are internationally recognised. It reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for the protection of refugees’ rights, defending their identity and highlighting their issues at every forum.

Concluding the meeting, members expressed hope that the new government would take decisions that strengthen the Kashmir cause and fulfil the expectations of the Kashmiri people, particularly those living as refugees in Pakistan.