Muzaffarabad, October 27, 2025 — The Center for International Strategic Studies Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS-AJK) organized an international webinar titled “The Illegitimate Occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and the Unyielding Spirit of Resistance” to mark Kashmir Black Day — observed annually to commemorate October 27, 1947, when Indian forces illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, violating the will of its people and international norms.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director CISS-AJK, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause, emphasizing the shared historical, cultural, and emotional identity between Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She underscored that October 27 serves as a painful reminder of India’s illegitimate occupation and the resilience of the Kashmiri people in their ongoing struggle for self-determination. Dr. Khawaja also reflected on the recent Pakistan–India crisis of May 2025, highlighting the role of nuclear deterrence in preserving strategic stability in South Asia and reiterating that lasting regional peace remains impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.
The panel discussion brought together Ms. Farzana Yaqoob, former Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development, AJK; Ms. Shamim Shawl, Executive Member, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC); Advocate Rehana Ali, Information Secretary, Tehreek-e-Kashmir, and UN Women UK CSW-68 Delegate; and Mr. Abdul Rehman, Research Officer, CISS-AJK.
Mr. Abdul Rehman presented a critical analysis of the so-called Instrument of Accession, asserting that it lacks both moral and legal legitimacy due to coercion and fraud on India’s part. His presentation revisited the historical and legal foundations of India’s occupation, linking it to the continued human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) and emphasizing the need for international accountability.
Ms. Farzana Yaqoob underscored the importance of challenging India’s distorted historical narrative on Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people. Ms. Shamim Shawl explored India’s demographic engineering and settler colonial project, arguing that these measures aim to systematically alter the region’s Muslim-majority character. Advocate Rehana Ali examined the role of external actors, including Britain, in shaping the Kashmir conflict, offering a legal analysis of international responsibilities and the need for stronger advocacy at multilateral forums.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Syeda Tahreem Bukhari, Associate Director CISS-AJK, commended the speakers for their scholarly insights and reiterated the significance of continued academic and policy-oriented engagement on Kashmir. She emphasized that research-driven advocacy is essential for sustaining international attention on the conflict and amplifying the voices of the oppressed Kashmiri people.
The session was moderated by Mr. Abdul Basit, Associate Research Officer CISS-AJK, who guided the discussion and facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session, ensuring a productive exchange of ideas and perspectives.
The webinar concluded with a collective reaffirmation of CISS-AJK’s commitment to promoting research-based dialogue, strategic analysis, and international awareness for the peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of its people and the principles of international law.
