The Lifeline of Kashmir: Understanding Pakistan’s Role in championing the Struggle for Right to Self Determination of Kashmiris

The disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue between India and Pakistan for decades. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been struggling for their right to self-determination, which is enshrined in international law. Pakistan, as a stakeholder in the dispute, has always played an essential role in defending the right to self-determination of the people of the occupied territory. The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law, allowing people to determine their political status, pursue economic, social and cultural development, and freely dispose of their natural resources. The United Nations recognizes this right and has repeatedly called for a fair and impartial plebiscite to determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has consistently supported the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for selfdetermination. The country has raised the issue at international forums, including the United Nations, to draw attention to the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the country has also extended moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris in their struggle for their fundamental rights. Apart from Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of the valley in their just struggle for freedom, the country’s Armed Forces have always played a significant role in defending the Kashmir issue. Pakistan Armed Forces have played a critical role in supporting the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their right to self-determination in numerous ways. The Pakistan Armed Forces have been deployed on the region’s Line of Control (LOC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to defend the country’s borders and prevent any Indian aggression besides keeping a watch on Indian atrocities on the other side of the territory. The Armed Forces have also been instrumental in providing humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people, who have been subjected to human rights violations by Indian forces. They have always been at the forefront of providing moral and political support to the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their rights. The Army of the country has fought three major wars with the Indian state, the basis of which was the unresolved issue of the protracted Kashmir dispute. In addition to its military role, the Pakistan Army has been involved in various socio-economic and development projects in the region’s independent part (AJK). These projects have included the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads, as well as the provision of clean drinking water and other basic amenities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan Army has also been involved in providing disaster relief and rescue operations in this part in 2005, after a devastating earthquake struck the region, playing a crucial role in providing relief and rescue operations and thereby saving thousands of lives. People of the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir have a deep-rooted respect and trust for the Pakistan Armed Forces and look upon the institution as a major deterrent in India’s plans to completely annihilate the people of the region to pave way for a Hindu-dominated region that could become a strategic base to destabilize Pakistan. Defending the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is not just a legal or moral obligation for Pakistan, but it is also essential for regional stability and peace. The dispute has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan, leading to several wars and armed conflicts. The continued denial of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by India has also led to human rights violations in the region. Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir has been crucial in keeping the issue alive on the international agenda. The country’s commitment to the cause has helped in creating awareness and garnering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle. Pakistan’s efforts have also helped in building regional and international pressure on India to address the issue. The importance of defending the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is not just limited to the Kashmiri people. It is a fundamental human right that must be respected and upheld. By defending the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, Pakistan is upholding the values of justice, freedom, and democracy, which are essential for a just and peaceful world. The importance of Pakistan defending the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be overstated. The right to self-determination is a fundamental human right, and Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for their rights is commendable. Pakistan’s efforts to keep the issue alive on the international agenda and garner support for the Kashmiri people are essential for regional stability and peace. The day is not far when the dream envisioned by Qaid-e-Tehreek-e-Kashmir Syed Ali Shah Geelani (RA) and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA) will come true and we the people of Jammu and Kashmir will become part of Pakistan – the country whose fragrance runs through the veins of all Kashmiris. The author hails from Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and is Currently doing Bs in English