Centre for Development and Stability Held Seminar on Kashmir’s History and Accession with Pakistan
Kashmir House — The Centre for Development and Stability held a seminar titled “The Healing Resolution: Turning the Tide from Maharaja’s Cruelty to Accession with Pakistan” on July 19, 2026, at Kashmir House.
The seminar brought together historians, policy experts, and community representatives to look at the history of Jammu and Kashmir, starting from the 1846 Treaty of Amritsar through the years of Dogra rule and the events of the 1947 Partition. The speakers included Shameem Shawl, Senior Leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC); Farhan Virk, Senior Journalist; and Dr. Irfan Ashraf, Director General of the Centre for Development and Stability (CDS), who shared their insights on the historical and political significance of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Irfan Ashraf said that the seminar was not about politics or elections but about understanding the history of Jammu and Kashmir and the sacrifices made by its people. He stressed that people should know how the state was formed and the hardships faced by Kashmiris before 1947.
He said that under the Dogra rule, the people of Jammu and Kashmir faced oppression, loss of basic rights, and violence. According to him, these experiences influenced the political leadership’s decision to adopt the Resolution of Accession to Pakistan on 19 July 1947. He described this resolution as an important step taken to secure a better future for the people of the state.
The speaker also spoke about the importance of standing for one’s beliefs despite challenges. He said that truth should be spoken even in difficult circumstances and appreciated those who attended the seminar despite pressure and threats. He thanked the participants for their courage and support.
He emphasized that people should remember the sacrifices made by earlier generations and continue to study Kashmir’s history through facts and historical records. He encouraged the audience, especially the younger generation, to understand the significance of the events that shaped the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sardar Nazir reaffirmed his support for Pakistan and said that the slogan “Kashmir Banega Pakistan” has long represented the aspirations of many people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He praised Pakistan and its armed forces for protecting the country’s security and maintaining peace.
He said that many public issues in Azad Kashmir could have been resolved through dialogue, but claimed that some individuals created obstacles and increased tensions.
The speaker appreciated the participation of people from different parts of Kashmir despite the challenges they face. He highlighted the sacrifices of families divided across the Line of Control and assured them of continued support.
He concluded by calling for peaceful dialogue, fair elections, development, and unity. He urged people to reject violence and work together for the progress and stability of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan.
Babar Khajjak said that Pakistan has always supported the people of Kashmir and has raised their cause at the international level. He urged Pakistan’s leadership to recognize and support those who continue to stand with Pakistan despite difficult circumstances. Hepraised the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir for Pakistan and said their contributions should always be remembered and respected. He further added that political disagreements should not turn into violence, saying that such conflicts could become more dangerous over time. Â The speaker urged people to promote unity, peace, and harmony.
Dr. Abid Abbasi said that the 19 July 1947 Resolution of Accession to Pakistan was a historic decision made by the elected leadership of Jammu and Kashmir after the Partition Plan gave princely states the right to choose their future. He argued that the decision reflected the wishes of the Muslim-majority population.
He stressed the importance of teaching Kashmir’s history in schools so that young people better understand the historical background of the issue. He also expressed concern over political tensions and violence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and called for peace, tolerance, and democratic dialogue.
The speaker further emphasized that the Kashmir issue should be viewed in the context of the entire former princely state and urged Pakistan, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the people of Kashmir to remain united and preserve the historical and political identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bashir Ullah said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir decided to align their future with Pakistan by adopting the 19 July 1947 Resolution and have continued their struggle ever since. He stated that the Kashmir movement would continue until the aspirations of the people are achieved.
He expressed concern that recent political tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have distracted attention from the main Kashmir issue. He emphasized that Azad Kashmir should remain focused on supporting the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and strengthening the broader Kashmir cause.
The speaker also referred to the hardships faced by people living near the Line of Control and urged everyone to remain united and committed to the Kashmir cause. He concluded by encouraging hope, resilience, and perseverance despite the challenges faced by the people of Kashmir.
Shameem Shaal, Senior Leader of the APHC, highlighted the long-standing struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized the importance of keeping the Kashmir issue alive at national and international levels. She recalled past protests and advocacy efforts in the United Kingdom and praised the role of Kashmiris in raising awareness about the issue.
She stressed that the Kashmir movement should remain peaceful and humanitarian, saying that innocent people should never be harmed. She also expressed concern for displaced Kashmiris and urged the Government of Pakistan to provide greater support and address their long-standing issues, including proper political representation and rehabilitation.
She called on the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to remain united and avoid internal divisions that could weaken the Kashmir cause. She said political differences should not distract from the larger issue of Kashmir and warned that such divisions could benefit those who oppose the Kashmiri cause. She urged political leaders and the younger generation to remember the sacrifices made for Kashmir, preserve the history of the movement, and work together to strengthen Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She said that people should remember and understand their own history. She explained that when she compares different books, she finds that many well-known international and local writers have written positively about Kashmir’s culture, beauty, people, and governance. However, she said that some Urdu books focus mainly on foreign rule and the difficulties faced during that period. She encouraged the audience to read different sources, including works written by non-Kashmiri authors, to gain a broader understanding of Kashmir’s history and culture.
 Other distinguished guests included Sardar Nazir, Senior Leader of the Muslim Conference (Azad Jammu and Kashmir), Sardar Mehtab, Sardar Ikram, Sardar Sarwer Sadozai, Sardar Qamer Rasheed, Sardar Azam Gul, Sardar Israr, and Sardar Zahoor, who also participated in the event.The seminar also looked back at the signing of the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, and the promises of self-determination that Indian leaders made at the time. The event aimed to encourage open discussion on the unresolved issues linked to this history.
The seminar was meant to raise public awareness and bring attention back to the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The programme included presentations, a panel discussion, and a question-and-answer session for the audience. Media and members of the public attended the event.
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