ISLAMABAD: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) on Sunday warned that lasting peace in South Asia would remain a distant dream unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In a statement issued in Srinagar and reported by the Kashmir Media Service, APHC Vice Chairman Ghulam Ahmad Gulzar called the lingering Kashmir issue the “oldest unresolved dispute” on the UN agenda and a major stumbling block to regional peace and progress. He cautioned that the continuing stalemate not only endangers bilateral relations between India and Pakistan but also exposes the region to the risk of a full-scale conflict.
“This issue is a volcano,” Gulzar said, “and if ignored any longer, it could erupt into a nuclear confrontation with devastating consequences for the entire region.” He said that the Kashmir conflict was not merely a territorial dispute, but a human rights crisis affecting millions of Kashmiris who have suffered under Indian occupation for decades.
Gulzar emphasized that the Kashmiri people are not war-mongers, but peace-loving individuals who are being denied their fundamental rights. He demanded an immediate end to what he termed as Indian state violence, including arbitrary detentions, suppression of dissent, and the imposition of draconian laws.
Urging India and Pakistan to initiate a meaningful and time-bound dialogue, the APHC leader reiterated the call for the inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in any peace process. “Without the participation of the genuine representatives of the Kashmiri people, no talks can lead to a just and lasting solution,” he said.
He also welcomed international mediation efforts, including offers made by US President Donald Trump, UN Secretary General António Guterres, and leaders from Turkey and Iran. He stressed that third-party facilitation could play a constructive role in ending the impasse and helping the parties arrive at an amicable resolution.
Reaffirming the APHC’s longstanding position, Gulzar said the resolution of the Kashmir dispute must be rooted in justice and reflect the will of the Kashmiri people. He appealed to the global community to step in and ensure the implementation of UN resolutions that recognize Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
“No force can suppress a nation’s longing for freedom forever,” he added. “History has shown that empires fall, but the spirit of resistance endures. The resilience of the Kashmiri people will outlast every attempt by India to crush it.”
Gulzar concluded by urging the international community to break its silence and act before the region is plunged into yet another catastrophic conflict.
