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Islamabad: A seminar highlighting the role of women in the Kashmir freedom movement was organized in Islamabad by Friends of Kashmir in connection with International Women’s Day. The event brought together political leaders, diplomats, human rights activists and members of civil society who paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Kashmiri women.
The seminar’s chief guest was Rana Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee of Pakistan, while the session was chaired by Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Mateen. The event was organized and moderated by Abdul Hamid Lone, Vice Chairman of Friends of Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Rana Qasim Noon said the sacrifices and contributions of Kashmiri women must be recognized alongside those of prominent male leaders in the freedom movement. He specifically mentioned figures such as Asiya Andrabi, Naheeda Nasreen, and Fehmeeda Sofi, stating that their courage symbolizes the resilience of Kashmiri women. He emphasized that no freedom movement can succeed without the active participation of women and reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains central to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the people of Pakistan remain firmly committed to the Kashmir cause. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan continues to raise the issue of human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir at international forums, including the United Nations.
Hurriyat leader Muhammad Farooq Rehmani said incidents such as the Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape Incident remain painful reminders of the suffering endured by Kashmiri women and highlight the humanitarian dimension of the Kashmir dispute.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid Lone said Kashmiri women have been among the worst victims of violence in the region. He said thousands of women have suffered due to the conflict since 1989, while many have been widowed or continue to live as “half-widows” following the disappearance of their husbands.
Concluding the seminar, Sheikh Abdul Mateen urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to acknowledge the sacrifices of Kashmiri women and take meaningful steps to address human rights concerns in the region.
The seminar was attended by a large number of women and civil society representatives and concluded with a call to amplify the voices of Kashmiri women on international platforms.
