EU’s photo-journalist Cedric’s book “Kashmir: Wait and See” will have its introductory ceremonies in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir
Kashmir Council EU Brussels/Islamabad: 22 Jan, 2026
Brussels: Noted EU’s photo-journalist Cedric’s book “Kashmir: Wait and See” will have its introductory ceremonies in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir: Seven-member EU to attend the events
Brussels/Islamabad (PR): The ceremonies for introduction and exhibitions of the pictorial book “Kashmir: Wait and See” by internationally renowned Belgian photojournalist Cedric Gerbehaye on Jammu and Kashmir will be held in various cities of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir during the last week of January and the first week of February this year.
These events are being organized by “Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU),” the organization active in highlighting the Kashmir issue and the rights of Kashmiris in Europe. Along with the book’s author Cedric Gerbehaye, a seven-member European delegation will also participate in the events.
Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) Ali Raza Syed, who is currently visiting Pakistan in connection with these ceremonies, stated that this impactful pictorial book is the result of eight years of dedicated work and efforts by Mr. Cedric Gerbehaye. This book is an important documentary record about the lives, struggles, resilience, and culture of the Kashmiri people. This historic book has previously been exhibited at a major international festival “Visa pour l’Image: Festival international du Photojournalisme” held last year in Perpignan in France, where thousands of people became aware of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the rights and culture of Kashmiris.
According to the program about upcoming event, the first launch ceremony and exhibition of the book in Pakistan will be held on January 26, 27, and 28, 2026, at the Pakistan National Council of Arts Auditorium in the capital, Islamabad. Other introductory events and exhibitions of the book will be held in Muzaffarabad (capital of Azad Kashmir) on January 29, 30, and 31; in Mirpur (Azad Kashmir) on February 1 and 2; and in Lahore (capital of Punjab) on February 5, 6, 7, and 8.
The book features convincing photographs and detailed accounts from Indian-Illegal occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The book also includes pictorial narratives ranging from pellet gun victims in the Indian occupied Kashmir to the inhabitants of villages along the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir who frequently become targets of Indian army bullets.
Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU) Ali Raza Syed stated that the book is a crucial tool to globally highlight the Kashmir issue, with a particular focus on the fundamental right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. He said the objective of these launch ceremonies and exhibitions is to bring the human dimension of the Kashmir issue and the human rights of Kashmiris to the forefront to inform and influence international public circles and policymakers.
He expressed hope that a large number of Pakistani intellectuals, journalists, and influential figures would attend to view the book’s exhibitions. He said he expects the participation of Senate Chairman Yosuf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore in the book launch ceremonies and exhibitions. He added that diplomatic representatives from various countries, Pakistani and Kashmiri intellectuals, and other influential political and social circles have also been invited to the events.
Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU) has played a pivotal role from the initiation to the completion of this book project over the past eight years. Furthermore, for a long time, KCEU has stood at the forefront of advocacy for the rights of Kashmiris across Europe. The Council consistently engages with European officials, parliamentarians, influential think tanks, and civil society. Through dialogue, discussions, seminars, conferences, and peaceful demonstrations, the Council has worked tirelessly and effectively to keep the Kashmir issue alive in European circles.
Ali Raza Syed stated that the launch of this book is a cornerstone of our ongoing campaign to seek a just and peaceful resolution to the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
He said that we reject the baseless charges against prominent Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, imprisoned in an Indian jail, and demand his immediate release. The untrue charges against Yasin Malik aim to suppress the effective political voice of Kashmiris and cover up the ongoing atrocities against them. He said India’s claim that there is peace and tranquility in Kashmir is completely false and baseless. In reality, by claiming peace in occupied Kashmir, India wants to divert attention from its atrocities against Kashmiris and the grave human rights situation in the occupied territory.
Ali Raza Syed called upon the international community to stop Indian atrocities against Kashmiris and play its role for a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir issue. Major powers, in particular, will have to play a significant role in this regard.
Email: secretariat@kashmircouncil.eu Address: Kashmir Council EU, Brussels, Belgium.
