BY: Ms Bukhari Published by: ANI News Agency
There are moments in history that leave an imprint on the hearts of generations. As children, we grew up witnessing the brutalities and atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir, etched into our childhood memories, watching the heartbreaking images and stories emerging from Indian occupied Kashmir. I am a born Kashmiri, I remember as a speaker and debater during my teenage, I used to raise voice through speeches, hold debates and participation in gatherings for solidarity of Pakistan and Kashmir with the people of Indian occupied Kashmir. Singing taranay on every solidarity event like,
Ay dunya k munsifo dunyaaa k munsifo salamti k zamino, Kashmir ki jalti waadi mein behty hovy khoon ka shor suno
Azad Kashmir; a land of emerald valleys, snow-capped peaks, and rivers that sing through centuries of history is today echoing with a different sound: the cries of its people. What we once saw only in childhood memories from Indian-occupied Kashmir; brutality, blood on streets, bodies dragged and displaced is now unfolding around us. We always prayed that no other part of our homeland would ever witness such suffering.
Today, seeing fear, uncertainty, damaged homes, grieving families, and lives lost in Azad Kashmir is deeply painful. Streets that should have echoed with laughter now carry sorrow. Valleys that deserved to be known across the world for their breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and mystical history are instead appearing in images of tragedy. Kashmir has always been a land of extraordinary natural beauty, hospitality, and resilience. It should be celebrated through tourism, culture, education, and peace not remembered through scenes of violence and suffering.
Since early June 2026, Azad Jammu & Kashmir has been gripped by mass protests over governance, economic hardship, and political representation. There is a severe damage beyond words in clashes between protesters and security forces at both sides. Internet and mobile services remain suspended, markets are closed, and essential supplies are scarce. All of us know the situation and consequences well.
Azad Kashmir is not just a headline of pain; it is a home of beauty, resilience, and hope.
World is witnessing a painful contrast: the wounds and the will to heal.
As a nation, we all understand that the problem lies somewhere in the power corridors of political dynamics. History is witness that this is a part of political system and happens all over the world since ages; decisions made far from the ground realities ultimately impacting the innocent people the most.
In these difficult political moments, it is important to distinguish between governments, institutions, political dynamics, and ordinary people. Political circumstances will change, governments will change, and policies will change but the bond between people should never become a casualty of political disagreements.
This is a highly sensitive time seeking for a wisdom behind and we need to be sensible. Let us be very clear: Our issue is with the situation and system, not with the people of Pakistan or with Pakistan as a nation.
This is indeed a difficult time and it is important to remain thoughtful and responsible in our words. Our concern is with the situation and the decisions that have led to the present crisis not with the people of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan are our born brothers and sisters. We share far more than a border. We share history, faith, families, traditions, languages, sacrifices, and generations of social and moral bonds. Above all, we trust, as we have been inherited the belief in Quran, we have been inherited with the belief that Kashmir is a jugular vein of Pakistan, which is the strongest of all bonds, I believe. While we heard since our childhood that the letter “K” in Pakistan stands for Kashmir.
Here I would like to refer to one of the truth recently revealed in a vlog by Hamid Mir, a famous Pakistani Journalist, about the statement of Shaheed Maqbool Butt through his book Shaoor e Fardan, all of us must know this part of reality.
English Translation: “In Jammu & Kashmir there is a very popular slogan, “Pakistan is ours, we belong to Pakistan” and in Azad Kashmir there is also a very popular slogan “Kashmir is thejugular vein of Pakistan/Kashmir will become Pakistan” a part from this, some people may also say that Kashmir should become independent (a different political school of thought) ”
Referring to the book of Maqbool Butt Shaheed, the historical leader of Kashmiris, whose quotes are being shared by few people as a hatred against Pakistan. While the truth is, Maqbool Butt Shaheed did criticize certain policies of Pakistan or the political setup because of the injustice and oppression that might have happened to him, but in his writings in his books published, he mentioned in very strong words that “The real essence and reality of Kashmir lies with the common people of Pakistan.” So Kashmiris have
no fight, or feeling of hate for common people of Pakistan. Here we see, things are being manipulated using the names and credibility of our heroes in history especially at such critical times, without any research, study, facts and data and without calculating the possibility of loss and damages of assets and lives that took ages to build and grow. We may follow different political
thoughts and affiliations, but should not impose our affiliations and respect the disagreements.
The situation is today and will end up soon Insha’Allah, but it needs our wisdom more than our anger. We must ensure that our emotions do not turn into hatred. Such division only deepens wounds and weakens the collective call for justice, dignity, and peace. Our strength is in unity, not in division.
There is a huge fight of arguments and hatred speech seen on social media among the people of Pakistan and Kashmir especially during this crises. Please remember that this struggle and time needs every voice that believes innocent lives deserve protection, dignity, and peace. Let us honor those who have suffered by becoming ambassadors of wisdom rather than rage.
We need to be lenient, now the realities, raise our voice for Kashmir, for justice, and for peace but do not damage the relationship that has held us together for decades. Look around, World is witnessing, that across Pakistan, many citizens, students, journalists, artists, influencers, civil society members, political parties and ordinary families have expressed solidarity with Kashmiris. Many have raised their voices, organized peaceful demonstrations, offered humanitarian support, and stood beside grieving families in every way they could.
Let us raise our voice for Kashmiris, with Pakistanis, and for a future where no more blood is on the streets and this bond becomes way stronger than ever before.
Let us protect the centuries-old bond between Kashmiris and Pakistanis while continuing to advocate peacefully for justice, human rights, and a future where at least this part of Pakistani Administered Kashmir is remembered once again for its mountains, rivers, culture, and hope not for the suffering of its people.
At the same time, we especially appeal to the overseas Kashmiri community; your voice carries great weight on international platforms. Please continue speaking for the rights, safety, and dignity of the people of Kashmir. But let your words be guided by facts, wisdom, and responsibility. Avoid generalizing or directing hostility toward the people of Pakistan. Raise awareness with compassion rather than anger, and seek accountability without abandoning humanity.
Azad Kashmir was meant to be highlighted for its natural beauty and mystical history.
The high command of Pakistan is dealing and directing the international political dynamics and resolutions, a little focus and sympathy domestically may turn this disaster to prosperity.
This part of Kashmir known as paradise on Earth should invite the world to witness its serenity and not the suffering. We must not forget, even in this darkness, our message must remain clear: Our issue is with the situation, not with our Pakistani brothers and sisters. Today, Kashmir needs unity more than division, it needs healing more than hatred, and it needs truth more than propaganda.
Let us stand together; Kashmiris and Pakistanis for justice, peace, for our beautiful land and bonding. Let’s highlight the land of innocence out of the images of brutality to the world. And let our voices rise not in hatred, but in humanity.
