Interviewee: Prof. Dr. Khurshid Ahmad
Affiliation: Institute of Policy Studies, Pakistan
Organizer/Publisher: Anadolu Agency
Date/Place: May 31, 2020/ Turkey
Type of Literature: Interview
Word Count: 2650
Link:https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/kashmir-movement-shifting-to-a-decisive-new-phase/1860144
Keywords: Kashmir, Pakistan, BDS, Right to self-determination, UN, India, Syed Ali Geelani
Brief:
In a detailed description of current situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Pakistani thinker and economist Prof Khurshid Ahmad explains the way forward for the people of the disputed region which is awaiting political settlement according to over 11 UN resolutions. Ahmad maintains Pakistan and government in Azad Kashmir must sleeve-up to make gains towards the freedom of Kashmir from Indian occupation. He insists that all parties involved must focus on right to self-determination as promised under UN charter which India is trying hard that people should forget. Calling for forming a new research group on Kashmir, the economist says there is need to establishing an international relief fund for Kashmir as people are feeling financial duress due to all-out-war launched by Indian forces in the region. Urging an intense campaign of programs, conferences and lobbying for Kashmir along with raising vast human rights violations committed by Indian forces in Kashmir, Ahmad urges launching a global campaign to enforce a political and social boycott of India on the pattern of Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. He also emphasizes on support to resistance leadership in Kashmir encapsulated with revolutionary ideas and constructive thoughts. He urges leadership not to be emotive and touchy but tolerant. ‘The movement should not only remain effective and organized on the ground, but it should also remain popular, democratic, coherent, and have a real sense of its goal,” he said.
By: Riyaz Ul Khaliq, CIGA Non-Resident Research Associate