By Syed Shamim Akhtar
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad was a vivid reminder of the enduring intensity of the Kashmir dispute and the aspirations that continue to shape Pakistan’s political narrative. Speaking at a ceremony distributing laptops on merit, he invoked the vision of the country’s founding fathers, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, framing the pursuit of Kashmir’s freedom as a core national aspiration, inseparable from Pakistan’s identity and destiny. In his remarks, the Prime Minister portrayed the people of Azad Kashmir as exemplars of sacrifice and resilience, steadfast in their long-standing commitment to Pakistan’s progress, dignity, and sovereignty. The slogan “Kashmir Banega Pakistan,” he emphasized, has long guided their collective consciousness, reflecting a determination that, according to Sharif, remains undiminished.
Central to his address was the assertion that the day of Kashmiri liberation from Indian occupation is not distant. Drawing on the narrative of historical injustice, the Prime Minister highlighted over a century of Indian control over Jammu and Kashmir, framing it as an enduring violation of international norms and of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. He invoked the metaphor famously used by Quaid-e-Azam, describing Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” a phrase that underscores the depth of emotional, strategic, and symbolic significance the region holds in Pakistan’s national imagination. In Sharif’s account, India’s insistence on asserting Kashmir as an inseparable part of its territory is neither legitimate nor sustainable, a position bolstered by decades of diplomatic and international engagement.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to recent events, notably the conflict with India in May 2025, portraying it as a demonstration of the courage, valor, and collective resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces and the general public. In his narrative, the combined response delivered a lesson that India would not easily forget, reinforcing Pakistan’s capacity to defend its interests and signaling the steadfastness with which it approaches the Kashmir issue. More than a political declaration, Sharif framed the commitment to Kashmir’s liberation as the heartfelt aspiration of every Pakistani and Kashmiri, a reflection of shared history, struggle, and enduring hope.
Sharif’s remarks were not confined to rhetoric about national pride and resistance; they were also grounded in a legal and international framework. He noted that the international community continues to recognize Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory. United Nations resolutions and statements by global organizations, he emphasized, reaffirm that the region’s status remains unresolved and that the Kashmiri people retain a right to self-determination. For the Prime Minister, this recognition provides moral and diplomatic reinforcement to Pakistan’s long-held stance that any attempts by India to consolidate control over the territory are illegitimate. He suggested that the global record of repeated resolutions and statements offers a counterweight to narratives that seek to present Kashmir as fully integrated into India, reinforcing the legitimacy of Pakistan’s position on the matter.
In framing the Kashmir issue, Sharif sought to integrate historical memory, national sentiment, and international law into a single narrative. He underscored that the Kashmir dispute remains the central cause of tension between Pakistan and India, and one that cannot be ignored or compromised. The Prime Minister’s insistence on unwavering commitment from Pakistan’s political and military leadership signals continuity in policy, and reinforces the message that the country’s engagement with the region will remain persistent, multidimensional, and resolute. It also serves as a reminder to observers that the Kashmir question is not merely a territorial dispute but a matter deeply embedded in the historical consciousness and identity of the Pakistani state and people.
Beyond the contours of the Kashmir debate, Sharif’s address touched on the potential for economic and cultural initiatives within Pakistan itself, particularly in the domain of religious tourism. He welcomed the initiative by the Punjab Chief Minister to invite Sikh leaders to invest in the hospitality and tourism sectors, framing it as a step towards leveraging Pakistan’s rich heritage for economic growth. While acknowledging the immediate benefits of foreign investment, he also stressed the potential for such engagement to foster interfaith harmony and tolerance. By positioning economic development alongside cultural outreach, Sharif highlighted a vision of Pakistan that is outward-looking and inclusive, suggesting that investment and dialogue can coexist with the pursuit of national and strategic priorities.
(The writer has diverse in knowledge and has a good omen in politics, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
