Kashmir at crossroads

2026-02-07 - 23:36

THE Kashmir conflict, which has persisted for more than seven decades, remains one of the most protracted and contentious territorial disputes in modern history. At its core lies the fundamental question of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a question that Pakistan has consistently championed at both regional and international forums. The future of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir is inextricably linked to the realization of right of self- determination, the alleviation of human suffering under Indian occupation and the international community’s active intervention to uphold justice and law. Since the illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India When peace is targeted FRIDAY prayers in Islamabad were shattered when a suicide bomber struck an Imambargah, killing at least thirty-two people and injuring dozens more. Families, elders and children were inside the mosque when the explosion tore through the entrance, sending worshippers fleeing in panic. Ambulances rushed through the capital, hospitals struggled to cope with the wounded and the streets around the mosque were filled with chaos and fear. The attack was not only a brutal act of violence but also carefully timed and calculated to make a statement at a moment when Pakistan was advancing on multiple fronts. Moments like these feel senseless, almost incomprehensible, yet Pakistan has learned a hard truth that such attacks are rarely random. They are planned, staged and timed with cold precision. Imambargah was chosen because it symbolizes peace and community and Friday prayers were chosen to maximize the human cost. The timing reflected Pakistan’s growing prominence on the national and regional stage. The city was hosting high-level diplomatic visits from the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, highlighting Pakistan’s centrality in Central Asia and its role as a trade and transit hub, while security forces were conducting sweeping operations in Balochistan against militant networks. The attack came a day after Kashmir Solidarity Day, coincided with Lahore preparing for Basant and arrived as Pakistan quietly strengthened its influence in Middle East diplomacy, including Iran-US channels. It also struck at a moment when the economy, after years of turbulence, was showing signs of stability, markets were steady and growth and reform were being pursued. Every element of this violence was designed to disrupt momentum and test the nation’s confidence. Terrorism relies not only on violence but on symbolism, aiming to show that progress is fragile, stability is fleeting and the state cannot protect its citizens. By attacking a mosque in the capital during Friday prayers at a moment of diplomatic activity and economic recovery, the perpetrators sought to signal that nothing is secure. Yet for more than two decades, Pakistan has faced relentless extremism, enduring tens of thousands of deaths, billions in economic losses and communities left scarred. A few nations have confronted such sustained internal and regional pressures while navigating political and economic turbulence and yet Pakistan has endured and remained intact. Over the past two decades, Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities have grown significantly. Intelligence is better coordinated, surveillance more advanced and response teams faster and more professional than ever before. The state is now equipped to manage shocks and restore order, yet resilience does not mean invulnerability. Security forces can stop attackers, but they cannot alone dismantle the broader ecosystem that fuels extremism, which thrives on poverty, sectarian propaganda, disinformation, political division and governance gaps. A suicide bomber is only the final, visible expression of these deeper fractures. Beyond the immediate tragedy, the attack highlights the vulnerabilities that allow extremism to persist. Militants exploit local grievances, weak institutions and regional tensions, aiming to create fear and instability. Pakistan’s resilience depends not only on security forces but on the collective response of its citizens and institutions. Hospitals treating the wounded, emergency teams mobilizing swiftly and communities supporting one another form a shield that terrorists cannot break. Strength comes from this coordination, courage and unity across society. Militant networks take advantage of porous borders, instability in Afghanistan, proxy actors backed by external powers and the turbulence of regional politics to spread violence beyond Pakistan’s control. Security in South Asia is closely interconnected and lasting stability depends on intelligence sharing, diplomatic coordination and practical cooperation rather than empty rhetoric or blame. Pakistan’s growing global relevance, its increasing diplomatic influence and signs of economic recovery have made it a target for those who fear an independent and resilient nation. Attempts to destabilize the country today are driven as much by envy and strategic rivalry as by ideology and the timing of such attacks reveals desperation more than strength. Amid this tragedy, the true measure of Pakistan’s strength is profoundly human. Doctors work through the night in overflowing wards, paramedics lift the wounded without hesitation, police guard grieving families and citizens grieve alongside them while refusing to give terrorists the satisfaction of fear. These quiet acts of courage deny terrorists their ultimate aim and that is to paralyze a nation. Islamabad attack is a deep national tragedy, claiming lives, shattering families and testing communities. Yet it is also a reminder of Pakistan’s enduring strength and spirit. Violence targets schools, places of worship and public spaces because it fears a nation that is learning, evolving and refusing to break. Explosives expose weakness, not power and terror seeks to exploit fear, division and uncertainty but it consistently miscalculates the courage of a people who have faced far greater challenges. Pakistan’s response lies not in rhetoric or retaliation alone, but in unity, effective institutions and the quiet heroism of its citizens. Doctors, paramedics, security personnel and ordinary citizens act together to save lives, care for the wounded and support grieving families. These collective acts of resolve are the true defence against terror, far more powerful than any weapon. Each attack strengthens national determination and solidarity, reinforcing a simple truth that Pakistan may bend under pressure, but it will never bow. —The writer is PhD in Political Science, and visiting faculty at QAU Islamabad. (zafarkhansafdar@yahoo.com) in August 2019, the region has witnessed heightened militarization, arbitrary detentions and systemic suppression of political freedoms. Pakistan views these actions not merely as internal administrative measures but as an outright violation of international law, including United Nations resolutions that call for a plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people. The move has exacerbated the longstanding grievances of Kashmiris, leading to widespread disillusionment and deepening their resolve to achieve self-determination. The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people in their struggle for freedom cannot be overstated. Generations of Kashmiris have faced brutal military crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and the constant threat of violence. Political leaders such as Yasin Malik, who has long advocated for nonviolent resistance, are held in harsh conditions in Indian jails, including the notorious Tihar Jail, along with other Kashmiri leaders. Their personal suffering symbolizes the larger plight of the Kashmiri population, whose lives are marked by uncertainty, fear and loss. Women, children and the elderly endure curfews, restrictions on movement and a pervasive climate of oppression, yet their resilience remains unwavering. These sacrifices underscore the moral imperative for the international community to act decisively. Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir is unambiguous. The Pakistani government, along with its people, stands shoulder to shoulder with Kashmiris, offering political, diplomatic and moral support. Pakistan continues to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums, including the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and through bilateral engagements, emphasizing that the denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination is not just a regional matter but a violation of universal human rights. Pakistan’s support is rooted in the principle that peace in South Asia is unattainable unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of its people. From a strategic perspective, the future of Jammu and Kashmir is pivotal for regional stability. The continued occupation by India, coupled with repressive policies, not only fuels local unrest but also creates conditions conducive to prolonged conflict, potentially affecting the security and economic development of the broader South Asian region. Pakistan argues that a sustainable solution requires the international community, particularly the United Nations, to actively facilitate dialogue and ensure that the Kashmiris’ voices are central to any negotiation process. Without meaningful intervention, the cycle of violence, mistrust and resentment is likely to continue, perpetuating human suffering and geopolitical tension. The path forward, as envisioned by Pakistan, emphasizes several key principles. First, there must be an immediate cessation of oppressive measures, including arbitrary detentions and restrictions on civil liberties. Second, humanitarian access should be guaranteed to alleviate the hardships faced by ordinary Kashmiris. Third, the international community must reaffirm the relevance of United Nations resolutions and actively monitor the human rights situation in the region. Fourth, the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own political future should be recognized and respected, without coercion or interference. These measures, Pakistan believes, are essential not only for justice but also for long-term peace and stability. The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, from mass protests to the endurance of political imprisonment, testify to their unwavering commitment to freedom. Pakistan’s support amplifies their struggle on the international stage, advocating for justice and highlighting the humanitarian crisis under occupation. By standing in solidarity with Kashmiris, Pakistan underscores a broader principle that the legitimacy of any governance system rests on the consent of the governed and that oppression cannot extinguish the universal aspiration for freedom and dignity. The future of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) hinges on justice, self-determination and the active engagement of the international community. Pakistan envisions a Kashmir where its people can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression, making decisions about their political, social and cultural life without external coercion. The global community, particularly the United Nations, has a moral and legal responsibility to facilitate this vision. The resilience and sacrifices of Kashmiris, coupled with Pakistan’s unwavering support, remain a beacon of hope that one day, justice will prevail and the people of Jammu and Kashmir will reclaim their right to self-determination, shaping a future defined not by occupation, but by freedom and human dignity. —The writer is editor, political analyst and author of several books based in Islamabad. (naveedamankhan@hotmail.com)