Islamabad
\nThe Kashmir movement is likely to remain an ongoing process despite the slightly changed power dynamics following the general elections in India. Although the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governs in coalition with other parties, both the BJP and the Indian National Congress share similar policies on foreign and domestic matters, including Kashmir.
\nWhile the Indian stance remains unchanged, various internal factors and shifts in the external environment will inevitably influence the situation over time and could act as catalysts for resolving the issue. Meanwhile, to effectively counter Indian policies, Pakistan must leverage its strengths, demonstrate long-term commitment, and adopt a strategic, multidimensional approach.
\nThese views were expressed during the 23rd IPS Working Group on Kashmir meeting, titled \u2018Third BJP Government: India\u2019s Kashmir Policy and its Future Outlook\u2019 organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The session, moderated by Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice-chairman IPS, was addressed by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Dr. Syed Muhammad Ali, security analyst and strategist, Dr Waleed Rasool, director Institute of Multi-Track Dialogue Development & Diplomatic Studies, Dr Raja Sajjad Muhammad Khan, director Kashmir Policy Research Institute, Iftikhar Gillani, Ankara-based Kashmiri journalist, and Farzana Yaqoob, former minister of AJK and IPS research associate.
\nThe discussion emphasized the need for sustained efforts to counter India\u2019s consistent policy of dominating occupied Kashmir, despite the BJP\u2019s apparent weakened position after the elections. Recently, the Indian government has shifted administrative powers from the chief minister to the lieutenant governor to facilitate legislative changes. This move, made in anticipation of the legislative assembly elections expected in September 2024, is part of India\u2019s strategy to secure de jure authority over Kashmir.
\nHowever, Kashmiris must remain resilient in their cause for self-determination. The significant increase in voter turnout in Kashmir \u2013 from 19.6% in 2019 to 50.86% in 2024 \u2013 reflects the use of voting as a means of survival and resistance. Additionally, the current plight of Muslims in India serves as a cautionary example for Kashmiris not to see their future with India.
\nThe speakers emphasized that the impact of the BJP\u2019s policy to assert control over occupied Kashmir has become increasingly apparent over time. Indian policies seek to manipulate the Kashmiris\u2019 goal of self-determination by making it seem unachievable, making them feel ignored internationally, and distorting their mindset toward accepting Indian dominance. Delhi also misleads Kashmiris into believing that their future lies with India and pressures pro-India Kashmiri parties to align with Indian policies. Furthermore, India fabricates media narratives to portray Pakistan as unable to support Kashmiris and to discredit the legitimacy of their struggle. Its strategy includes punishing resilience and using media to reinforce its narrative.
\nPakistan must adopt a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to counter Indian policies on all fronts, including legal, social, political, economic, security, diplomatic, diaspora, ideological, intellectual, and historical. This includes leveraging AJK\u2019s legal standing in international forums, mobilizing Kashmiri youth to build a supportive narrative, and engaging young political activists to sustain hope and unity. Highlighting Indian atrocities, utilizing multilateral forums, and mobilizing the diaspora are also essential. Additionally, Kashmir\u2019s soft power should be harnessed through literature and film, and historical data on Indian abuses should be meticulously compiled. Pakistan\u2019s strategy should address global, regional, domestic, and resistance-focused dimensions to effectively advance the Kashmir issue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad The Kashmir movement is likely to remain an ongoing process despite the slightly changed power dynamics following the general elections in India. Although the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governs in coalition with other parties, both the BJP and the Indian National Congress share similar policies on foreign and domestic matters, including Kashmir. While the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":421555,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-421521","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n