Islamabad – If India proceeds with restoring the statehood of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K), it would be a clear admission that its 2019 move to revoke Article 370 has failed. This was the key consensus among security, diplomatic, and legal experts at a session organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in Islamabad.
The session, titled “Restoring Statehood of IOJ&K: A Step Forward or Political Mirage?”, featured several prominent speakers, including IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman, ex-diplomats, security analysts, and international law experts.
Keynote speaker Dr. Sheikh Waleed Rasool emphasized that India’s actions since 1947 have been built on military control, legal manipulation, and disregard for international obligations. He said the abrogation of Article 370 violated the Indian Independence Act, UN resolutions, and constitutional guarantees. He urged Pakistan to highlight these legal violations on global platforms.
Brig (r) Khurshid Khan said the conflict resurfaced strongly in the international spotlight following the May 2024 border flare-up between Pakistan and India. He added that global powers are now more aware of the Indo-Pak tensions as a serious threat to regional peace.
Brig (r) Shozeb warned of India’s potential attempt to impose a ‘Palestine-style’ occupation model in Kashmir but said recent events had weakened India’s claim to regional supremacy. He proposed seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice and using digital platforms to highlight human rights abuses.
Brig (r) Said Nazir emphasized Pakistan’s restored deterrence after recent confrontations, cautioning India against assuming such tensions as the new normal.
Ambassador Abrar Hussain stated that India had wrongly believed Kashmiris would surrender after the revocation of Article 370. However, resistance and global awareness have only intensified, renewing international calls for resolution.
Summing up, Khalid Rahman said that India’s diplomatic exposure is deepening. Whether the region sees a return to statehood or remains fragmented, Pakistan must seize the moment to amplify its support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination.