Washington d.c.: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has called for renewed global focus on the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing an event in connection with Kashmir Black Day at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington D.C, he emphasized that the global perspective on Kashmir has shifted in recent years, in the light of important regional and global developments, underscoring Pakistan’s long-held position on the disputed nature of IIOJK as recognized under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Ambassador drew parallels between the issues of Kashmir and Palestine, describing both as struggles rooted in the inalienable right to self-determination and the fulfillment of the promises enshrined in UN resolutions. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also commended the role of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration in facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the significance of dialogue between the two countries and the mediation proposition that formed part of the ceasefire facilitated by the Trump Administration.
He stated that the solution lies in discussing the dispute and seeking its peaceful resolution in accordance with UNSC resolutions, international commitments, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. A special feature of the event was the launch of the book ‘Jammu and Kashmir – The Forgotten Narrative: From Distorted Origins to Denied Freedom’ authored by Saud Sultan.
The author presented his reflections on the origins of the Kashmir dispute and how his work sought to challenge and deconstruct decades of Indian state-led propaganda on the issue. In his remarks, Ambassador Retired Tauqir Hussain lauded Saud Sultan’s book as a meticulously researched counter to decades of distorted global perceptions, proving India’s 1947 occupation as a premeditated conspiracy. He assessed that evolving geopolitics presented opportunities for Kashmir, citing Pakistan’s effective response to India’s May 2025 Pahalgam aggression that exposed both New Delhi’s recklessness and weakness.
Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai called for unconditional release of jailed leaders Yasin Malik, Shabbir Shah, and Masarrat Alam. Anwar Iqbal, Dawn’s Washington correspondent, reflected on Saud Sultan’s book as a “time machine” revealing Kashmir’s raw history.
Renowned literary figure Dr. Arif Mehmood discussed the resistance movements in literature and how these expressions had kept the flames of freedom struggles alive. Ms Noreen Talat Arooba recited a poem on Kashmir that was received by the audience with appreciation and applause.