By Staff Report
Chairman of the Christian Labour Movement (CLM) Pakistan and human rights activist, Salman Khawaja, has called for an immediate and peaceful resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute, stressing that dialogue rather than military confrontation is the only viable path to lasting peace in South Asia.
Addressing a gathering in Lahore, Mr Khawaja expressed concern over the prevailing situation in the region and urged all stakeholders to avoid escalation and engage in meaningful negotiations.
“Violence and bloodshed cannot resolve the Kashmir issue. Aggression only deepens divisions, whereas dialogue and diplomacy offer a way towards sustainable peace and regional stability,” he said.
Describing Kashmir as one of South Asia’s oldest unresolved disputes, Mr Khawaja noted that the conflict has remained a source of tension between India and Pakistan since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, leading to wars, military standoffs and recurring diplomatic crises.
He emphasized that any durable settlement must place the aspirations and rights of the Kashmiri people at its centre. “The future of Kashmir should be determined through democratic and peaceful means, in accordance with the wishes of its people,” he said.
Mr Khawaja urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play a more proactive role in facilitating dialogue and advancing efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
He said the implementation of relevant UN resolutions had remained pending for decades and deserved renewed international attention.
Calling for confidence-building measures, Mr Khawaja also appealed for the release of political detainees linked to the Kashmir issue, including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik, arguing that such steps could help create a more conducive environment for dialogue and reconciliation.
Highlighting the importance of human rights, peace and coexistence, he said the welfare of ordinary Kashmiris should take precedence over political rivalries and regional tensions.
Observers note that despite decades of diplomatic initiatives, the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved, with competing historical narratives, political positions and interpretations of international commitments continuing to shape the debate.
Concluding his remarks, Mr Khawaja urged all parties to reject violence and pursue negotiations in good faith.
“Lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, mutual respect and recognition of the rights and aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” he said.
