AJK Minister highlights global awareness mission to break Gaza siege and draw attention to Kashmir cause
Muzaffarabad: Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah, Minister for Information of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, held a press conference at the Central Press Club today upon his return from the Global Steadfastness Flotilla, urging continued international support for Gaza and expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir. He was joined by members of the Pakistani delegation, including Dr. Muhammad Usama, Uzair Nizami, and Muhammad Ismail Khan.
The minister said the flotilla’s objectives were to break the siege of Gaza, halt the killing of unarmed civilians, restore humanitarian corridors, and expose the true face of Zionism to the world. He described the mission as a moral and humanitarian initiative that helped raise global awareness; as a result, six countries had recognized Palestine as a state following the flotilla’s efforts. He added that participants also briefed international human rights activists about Kashmir and received commitments from some to visit the territory.
Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah said the Global Steadfastness Flotilla comprised four coordinated contingents and about 500 volunteers from 44 countries, roughly 60 percent of whom were non-Muslims. He stressed that the convoy carried only food and medicines and contained no prohibited items. Highlighting bonds of shared suffering, he said the pain of Kashmir and Palestine is one and pledged to stand with international partners to break the blockade of occupied Kashmir in a manner similar to the flotilla’s efforts for Gaza.
Speakers at the press conference praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people and recounted solidarity gestures during the voyage. Dr. Usama noted that the Kashmir flag accompanied the Palestinian flag aboard the flotilla and said delegates from 45 countries pledged to visit Kashmir. Azeer Nizami lauded the courage of Kashmiris and commended the minister’s personal humility during the mission, recalling that Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah even helped prepare meals and wash dishes, an example of leadership and service to many. The minister also expressed sorrow over recent loss of lives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and welcomed government measures to restore order, urging unity to prevent a recurrence.