Islamabad
\nThe portrayal of the Kashmir issue as a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan is gradually giving way to a more globalized understanding, driven in part by diaspora activism.
\nAt the same time, Pakistan\u2019s recent shift in diplomacy is characterized by compelling narratives and a more prominent presence in world media discourse.
\nHarnessing this momentum for the Kashmir cause involves articulating a coherent policy, forging closer ties between diplomatic missions and diaspora-driven advocacy, investing in policy research, and deepening engagement with academic and media platforms.
\nThese views were shared at a gathering of Kashmiri diaspora leaders, activists, and former diplomats at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Islamabad, under the theme \u2018Rejuvenated Case of Kashmir: Perspectives and Future Prospects.\u2019
\nThe delegation included Muhammad Ghalib, president Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe, Dr Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, president World Kashmir Freedom Movement, and Zaffar Nazir Quraishi, chairman Kashmir Campaign Global. Also present were Ambassador (r) Sardar Masood Khan, former president AJK, as the chief guest, Khalid Rahman, chairman, IPS, and other participants.
\nSpeakers underscored that aligning grassroots activism with state-level diplomacy through a unified, narrative-driven strategy is essential to reshaping perceptions and advancing the Kashmir cause on the international stage as a human rights concern.
\nAmbassador (r) Masood Khan said a shared ideological commitment unites all organizations working for the Kashmir cause. He said it is Pakistan\u2019s responsibility to match the diaspora\u2019s resolve and amplify the Kashmir cause on the global stage.
\nHe listed three key outcomes that have emerged after the Pakistan-India hostilities: The US has begun treating both countries as strategic equals, trade considerations are shifting toward parity, and the Kashmir issue has regained global visibility. He added that Pakistan must strengthen its diplomatic, military, and economic pillars while fostering unity.
\nMuhammad Ghalib called on Pakistan\u2019s foreign missions to more actively support diaspora initiatives aimed at raising awareness. A clear and consistent Kashmir policy is essential for advancing Pakistan\u2019s position globally, and the government should formally engage key countries and energize its diplomatic apparatus.
\nIn Europe, the prevailing view of Kashmir as a bilateral issue deters intervention. However, he said, recent events have highlighted the urgency of resolving the conflict, as the consequences could be dire.
\nZaffar Quraishi cited the lack of coordination among the Kashmiri activists and urged unifying their efforts under a broader platform. Pakistan\u2019s active and sustained support is vital to this legitimate struggle, which requires preparing a comprehensive strategic framework.
\nIt is time for Pakistan to fully own the Kashmir issue and take concrete diplomatic and strategic steps. He suggested producing credible academic research, engaging international think tanks and policymakers, and actively mobilizing the influential Kashmiri diaspora in the UK.
\nMuzzammil Thakur noted a shift in public interest in the Kashmir issue within the UK, driven by increased outreach and community-level engagement. He said perceptions about India have also changed.
\nIndia\u2019s use of bot accounts to promote pro-Israel narratives has undermined its credibility and damaged its international image. On social media, Pakistani users have successfully countered Indian disinformation, often using satire and humor to their advantage. This evolving narrative landscape now favors the Kashmiri cause and must be strategically harnessed to sustain progress.
\nIn concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman emphasized that the Kashmir issue must be understood within the broader global context. In the evolving world order, pursuing win-win strategies that protect Pakistan\u2019s national interests while advancing the Kashmir cause is essential.
\nNarrative warfare is decisive in shaping international opinion; however, narratives crafted for domestic audiences often fail to resonate globally. Pakistan must improve its communication strategy to influence global discourse, considering content, context, timing, and presentation.
\nHe reiterated that support for Kashmir will always require Pakistan\u2019s consistent engagement, clarity, cohesion, and confidence to help shape a just future for Kashmir on the world stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad The portrayal of the Kashmir issue as a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan is gradually giving way to a more globalized understanding, driven in part by diaspora activism. At the same time, Pakistan\u2019s recent shift in diplomacy is characterized by compelling narratives and a more prominent presence in world media discourse. Harnessing this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":479596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-479576","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n