Islamabad:The National Press Club (NPC) and Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF) Kashmir Chapter jointly organized a prestigious ceremony in honor of Friends of Kashmir Chairperson, renowned writer and poet Ghazala Habib. The event was attended by senior journalists, Hurriyat leaders, political activists, and members of civil society, including PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, NPC Secretary Nayar Ali, OPGF Kashmir Chapter Director Shafiq Ahmad Butt, senior journalist Mazhar Barlas, Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone, and others.
Speaking as chief guest, Ghazala Habib expressed gratitude to NPC, PFUJ, and OPGF Kashmir Chapter for hosting the ceremony. She said she founded Friends of Kashmir in 2001, which was registered in the United States in 2017 to highlight the Kashmir cause at the global level. “I dedicated the time of a mother meant for her children to the Kashmir cause,” she remarked, adding that her efforts led to the inclusion of an entire chapter on religious freedoms in Kashmir by the United Nations—an achievement largely ignored by Pakistani media.
She said Kashmiris’ love for Pakistan is so profound that even today, young martyrs prefer to be buried wrapped in the Pakistani flag. However, some elements are spreading hopelessness, and Kashmiri youth must stand against them.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt recalled how strong journalistic voices compelled governments and international organizations to respond on Kashmir, including the OIC and UN after incidents like the martyrdom of Burhan Wani. NPC President Azhar Jatoi said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and freeing it from Indian occupation is a national duty.
Other speakers, including Mazhar Barlas, Naila Kiani, Shafiq Ahmad Butt, and journalist Sardar Shaukat Mehmood, also emphasized international awareness, Kashmiri sacrifices, and the urgent need for active diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute.
