Islamabad. December 6, 2025 (Report by Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai) __ An extraordinary cultural program was organized by the NUML Kashmir Council at the Punjab Arts Council, Rawalpindi, on Saturday, December 6. It was a five-hour event showcasing a vibrant mix of cultural performances, documentaries on the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, drama, poetry, traditional Lok dance, speeches, and ethnic cuisine. I have attended numerous such events before, but this one was truly exceptional. The passion, discipline, and dedication displayed by every participant were admirable. The Arts Council auditorium, with its 500-seat capacity, was packed to the brim, and the students were jubilant.

The NUML Kashmir Council — representing students of Jammu & Kashmir studying at NUML Islamabad — has emerged as one of the most active, forward-looking, and responsible student bodies on campus. Its initiatives — whether academic seminars, social awareness efforts, or cultural engagements — reflect a genuine commitment to representing students’ voices. Their transparency, teamwork, and eagerness to contribute to positive change set an impressive example of student leadership. I look forward to even more impactful initiatives in the future.

The Kashur-25 Festival (Kashur means Kashmiri) brought together talented poets, folk dancers, and brilliant singers. One such artist was Ms. Natasha Khan, who migrated from Lolab, Indian-occupied Kashmir, and grew up in the Manik Paian Muhajir Camp in Muzaffarabad. Her melodious voice reminded me of Raj Begum, known as the Nightingale of Kashmir. When Natasha sang the soulful Kashmiri song “Katau chukh nunbani wala mashooq myani,” the entire hall was spellbound. It was unbelievable to see a young woman, raised in a refugee camp, reach such heights of artistic expression. She proves that with an enabling environment, one can overcome any circumstance. Her story reminded me of Dr. Omar Yaghi, born to refugee parents in Amman, Jordan, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Natasha — you made Kashmir proud.

During the speech session, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Group CEO at Centaurus, shared powerful insights with the students. He not only offered guidance but also instilled strength in the youth to pursue their academic aspirations. Yasir Ilyas did not merely address the audience — he touched their hearts, ignited their dreams, and strengthened their resolve. His emphasis on focusing on their motherland — to learn and study abroad, return, and become the future of their country — was both timely and powerful. Such encouragement is vital in this day and age. Having himself built a multinational enterprise of high repute, he urged the youth never to underestimate their potential. He emphasized that while acquiring skills abroad is important, success holds its true meaning when one returns to serve their own nation. His motivational address received a standing ovation.

Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, stressed that the Kashmir cause can only gain the world’s attention if student leaders and the youth recognize their responsibility and amplify the voice of the oppressed people of Kashmir. He shared his experiences as Ambassador in China, Geneva, New York, and Washington, and noted that the international community is receptive — but only when we present facts with credibility and updated information.

Muzammil Ayub Thakur, President of the World Kashmir Freedom Movement (London), spoke passionately about ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir. He highlighted incidents where the dignity of Kashmiri women was targeted — such as the case of Mubeena in Shopian who was gang-raped on her wedding night, and the mass rape of over 40 women in Kunan-Poshpora in 1991, where even a newborn was found with a broken arm. Though he cannot lift his own arm, Muzammil said he still raises it to call out “Azadi! Azadi!” — freedom — demonstrating that India has failed to break the will of Kashmiris.

Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Pakistan Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, reminded students that 60% of Pakistan’s population consists of youth — the architects of the nation’s future. Pakistan has faced countless challenges, but after May 10, the strategic scenario has changed, and Pakistan has emerged stronger. He announced that the Kashmir Committee is planning outreach visits to several Western parliaments in early 2026 to build support for the rightful cause of Kashmir.

Representing the World Forum for Peace and Justice, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai expressed deep concern that not only Kashmiri culture, but Kashmiri identity and language are being systematically erased to force Kashmir into a Hindutva ideological mold. He said that it is essential to speak about Kashmir here, because people inside Kashmir are silenced. If they dare to raise their voice, they are picked up and jailed thousands of miles away in India. He cited the case of Khurram Parvez, globally recognized for documenting state torture in a 500-page report, and included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. He was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and labeled a “terrorist,” and has now spent more than four years in prison.

He also mentioned Muhammad Yasin Malik, once invited by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to support peace efforts between India and Pakistan, but now sentenced to life imprisonment — with the Indian government pushing for the death penalty. Shabir Ahmed Shah, declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International, has spent 39 years in prisons. Masarat Aalam, whose only demand is implementation of UN resolutions, has been booked under the Public Safety Act 35 times. Dr. Fai reminded the audience that no matter what New Delhi designs, Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute — proven by the fact that President Donald Trump offered mediation more than half a dozen times to help resolve it.

Abdul Hameed Lone, Hurriyat leader welcomed the participants to this historic Kashur-25 event and expressed his sincere gratitude to the leadership of the NUML Kashmir Council for organizing such an impressive cultural program. He has been deeply involved in this initiative and many other significant activities related to Kashmir.

The NUML Kashmir Committee leadership included Sardar Husahn Baig, Chair; Atif Khan, President; Sajid Khan Afridi, Vice Chair; Syeeda Mudatha,Vice Chair; Danial Sadozai; Umar Majid; Choudhary Abdullah Jaat; Subhan Saeed; Asif Mughal; Muhammad Zaman Sadozai; Amaan; Laiba and others.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai is also the Secretary General,
Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness Forum.
He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435
gnfai2003@yahoo.com
www.kashmirawareness.org