Waqas Khaliq
MUZAFFARABAD
The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) on Thursday commemorated the 78th Foundation Day of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir with a seminar reaffirming the resolve to continue the struggle for the complete liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Titled “From Liberated AJK We Vow: Until Every Inch of IIOJK is Free, Our Struggle Continues,” the seminar was jointly organized by UAJK and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) at the Education Hall, Chella Campus. The event,hosted by the Directorate of Students Affairs, brought together Hurriyat leaders, academics, and students to reflect on the ongoing freedom movement.
Addressing the gathering, APHC Convenor Ghulam Muhammad Safi said the day reminded Kashmiris of the mission for which the Azad Government was created. “Even after 78 years, our struggle remains unfinished — it is not about territory, but the rights, identity, and dignity of millions,” he said. He urged Pakistan and AJK’s leadership to evolve a unified and pragmatic strategy to engage global powers and counter India’s rigid policies.
Veteran leader Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, highlighted the contrast between progress in AJK and the suppression in IIOJK since 1947.He praised Pakistan’s consistent support, saying AJK’s complete governance structure reflects its autonomy, while the occupied territory remains under New Delhi’s control.
Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone encouraged youth and researchers to document the history of the Kashmir movement and present their narrative globally. Registrar Prof. Dr. Saadat Hanif Dar emphasized that universities have a moral duty to produce informed citizens who can advocate for the rights of their people.
Earlier, Dr. Sumaira Shafique, Director of the Institute of Kashmir Studies, stressed the role of research in strengthening understanding of the Kashmir issue.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dean Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rafique, reaffirming UAJK’s commitment to the cause. Souvenirs were presented to APHC leaders by Prof. Dr. Rafiq Ahmed, Prof. Dr. Dar, and Dr. Rehana Kousar. The session was moderated by Mr. Aamir Jhangir, Lecturer, Department of Kashmir Studies.
