In a landmark move to bolster research and advocacy on the Kashmir issue, the Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, has announced the establishment of Kashmir Resource and Communication Centers across all universities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

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This initiative, undertaken at the directive of AJK President and Chancellor of public sector universities, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary, aims to promote empirical research, safeguard Kashmir’s cultural heritage, and spotlight the region’s plight on global platforms.

The announcement came during a consultative meeting chaired by Prof Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK). The meeting, attended by Vice Chancellors of all public sector universities in AJK, emphasized collaboration among institutions within Pakistan and with international organizations to enhance the initiative’s impact.

“These centers will serve as think tanks, preserving Kashmir’s history while documenting human rights violations through data-driven research,” said Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed in his virtual address. He expressed hope for fostering global partnerships to amplify the Kashmir cause internationally.

Prof Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi welcomed the participants and highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative. He underscored the importance of digital tools and communication channels to project a compelling narrative for Kashmir’s self-determination and human rights.

Vice Chancellors Prof Dr Abdul Hameed Pirzada (Women University Bagh), Prof Dr Rahmat Ali (University of Kotli), Brig (R) Dr Muhammad Younus Javed (Mirpur University of Science and Technology and University of Bhimber), and Prof Dr Ayesha Sohail (UAJK) actively participated in the deliberations, alongside Sardar Zafar Iqbal, Additional Registrar of UAJK.

A comprehensive draft outlining the center’s name, vision, mission, objectives, administrative structure, and research mechanisms was presented by Prof Dr Ayesha Sohail. Her meticulous work, developed in consultation with a dedicated committee, received unanimous appreciation.

After detailed discussions, the Vice Chancellors finalized the name “Center for Kashmir Resource and Communication” and ratified its vision, mission, and objectives. These align with the strategic goals set forth by AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary.

The Vice Chancellors pledged their unwavering commitment to launching these centers at their respective universities. They described the initiative as a critical platform for research, advocacy, and international engagement, reflecting a unified vision to advance the Kashmir cause.

This initiative marks a significant academic and advocacy milestone, enabling universities to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on Kashmir. With its focus on research and communication, the program seeks to bring international attention to Kashmir’s cultural identity, historical significance, and ongoing human rights challenges.

By fostering collaboration and using cutting-edge tools, the Center for Kashmir Resource and Communication is set to pave the way for impactful global engagement and action on the Kashmir issue.

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