ISLAMABAD: Leaders of the Kashmir Youth Alliance (KYA) and the Muslim Youth League (MYL) held a powerful joint press conference at the National Press Club, where they vowed unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom.
They stressed that the youth of Pakistan would never forget the sacrifices made by their Kashmiri brethren, pledging to continue the struggle until Kashmir is free from Indian occupation.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Mujahid Gilani, President of Kashmir Youth Alliance and nephew of prominent Hurriyat leader Asiya Andrabi, highlighted the severe injustices faced by Kashmiris. “Since 2019, over 25,000 Kashmiris have been illegally detained by occupying Indian forces,” he revealed. He shared personal accounts of his family’s enduring sacrifices, mentioning that his uncle, Dr. Qasim Fakhtu, has been imprisoned for 31 years without compromising on principles, while his aunt Asiya Andrabi has been behind bars since 2017.
Gilani emphasized that despite relentless oppression, the resolve of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. “Indian forces have violated the sanctity of Kashmiri homes over 20,000 times since 2019,” he said, condemning the so-called search operations that have made life unbearable for residents of the occupied valley.
Engineer Haris Dar, President of the Muslim Youth League, reiterated Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s statement that “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan.” He assured the youth of occupied Kashmir that Pakistan’s youth stand in solidarity with them, ready to offer any sacrifice needed to achieve freedom.
The alliance leaders announced that February 5, observed annually as Kashmir Solidarity Day, would see nationwide expressions of support for Kashmir. Youth from across Pakistan will rise above all differences to show unity with the oppressed people of Kashmir.
As part of their awareness campaign, KYA and MYL plan to organize bike rallies at the district level and All-Party Youth Conferences in provincial capitals on February 4. These events aim to inspire greater youth involvement in the Kashmir cause and create a sense of shared responsibility in the struggle for liberation.
The conference concluded with a resolute pledge by the youth leaders to continue supporting the Kashmiri people until their right to self-determination is realized. “The era of slavery is over,” Haris Dar asserted. “India cannot suppress the spirit of freedom in Kashmir for much longer.”
