THE CHAIRMAN OF APHC MAQBOOZA KASHMIR SYED ALI SHAH GEELANI WRITES
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN: POSTED BY:
HABIB
YOUSAFZAI, CHAIRMAN KASHMIR DIASPORA ALLIANCE
ASSALAM-O-ALAIKUM!
THE KASHMIR ISSUE AND PAKISTAN - SYED ALI SHAH
GEELANI
“We proudly proclaim that we are Pakistanis and
Pakistan is ours”.
On the basis of partition plan, the Jammu and Kashmir was to be
part of Pakistan. The global conspiracy proved to be a hindrance. The prejudice
of Radcliffe Award, aggressive ambitions of Congress, anti-Muslim stance
of Hari Singh and wrong thinking of Kashmiri leaders of the time all
contributed to the crisis. Even the leaders of nascent state of Pakistan were
warned that they must fence the way leading to Jammu or they would lose
Kashmir. Nawab Mamdot, the then Governor of Punjab’s indifference was
disappointing.
Sixty six years have passed since then and throughout
the period Kashmiris have given a lot of sacrifices. Pakistan has fought three
wars. Pakistan’s government and leadership today seem eager to find a
“solution” to the issue with India. Since 1953, more than 150 sessions of talks
have been held in vain. India is adamant on maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir
are its integral part.
Our stance on Jammu and Kashmir is very clear and firm.
Six hundred thousand people sacrificed their lives while over 10,000 are
missing, there are mass graves, 50 people have been sentenced to life
imprisonment and many held have not been released even after two decades. This
is nothing less than an asset for a nation, which is fighting for its freedom.
The Kashmiris are not ready to surrender to India.
We will never forget the sacrifices made by the
Pakistanis for the cause of Kashmir. In the face of Indian aggression, we
proudly proclaim that we are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours.
The support of 180 million people of Pakistan is a
source of inspiration. Pakistan should continue to support Kashmiris on all
levels especially on diplomatic front and Pakistani media must highlight the
atrocities committed by India in Kashmir. It is being felt that it is not
highlighting the situation as it should be. India on the other hand is very
actively painting the opposite picture, emphasizing that the use of force in
Kashmir is legitimate. Change can be brought if international community puts
pressure on the Indian government.
Since the oppressed Kashmiris do not have the platform
to attract international attention, therefore Pakistan must fill this gap. It
is the responsibility of our brethren in Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir but
they have not fulfilled it. Late Qazi Hussain Ahmed started the observance of
Kashmir Day on February 5 in Pakistan. For some years it was observed with
reverence but now it lacks the true spirit that it once had.
Earlier in his letter to the Pakistani nation Syed Ali
Geelani deplored the situation in Pakistan in general and Baluchistan in particular. “There is separatist movement underway in Balochistan. People are
openly demanding freedom. Mutilated bodies have been found. People of
Balochistan are worried. Young people are being arrested and killed.People
staged a 27-day long march from Quetta to Karachi and now are marching from
Karachi to Islamabad.The indifference of new government is not different from
those in the past.
“The situation in Karachi is turbulent. No government has been able to stop
target killings. There is widespread weaponisation. Through media reports it
has surfaced that the cases registered against the miscreants are not strong
enough to bring them to justice.
“Sectarian violence has spread across Pakistan. The
Rawalpindi sectarian tragedy shook the whole country. The ulema of Shia and
Sunni sects should meet to resolve differences. Minorities are also being
targeted. A Christian neighbourhood was burnt to ground. Why are such incidents
happening? Pakistan was made in the name of Islam and nearly 2.5 million people
sacrificed their lives for its freedom. Every citizen of Pakistan should have
protection in this country but this has turned into a far-fetched dream.
“In the 66 years, why has Pakistan not moved in the
direction on the basis of which it came into existence? The main reason is that
the rulers’ thinking and ideals have been influenced by the Western culture.
According to information reaching us Pakistani society is on decline. Alcohol,
drugs, moral degradation and films imported from India are contributing to the
nation’s decline. Racial, regional, provincial, and linguistic prejudices are
damaging the national harmony. The difference between the haves and have nots
is increasing. The feudal culture is gaining strength.
“Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan: Apparently working for
promotion of Shariah and Islam. TTP is committing acts that can in no way be
linked to Islam and humanity. Attacks on innocent civilians, Pakistan army
personnel and people to administration are not Islamic and unforgivable crimes.
We appeal to TTP to lay down weapons and start talks with Pakistan government
so that their energies can be utilised in a positive way.”
Urdu Text here: http://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/adarate-mazameen/26-Jan-2014/275762
