Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of the Kashmir Council EU, presented a photographic book titled “Kashmir: Wait and See” by renowned Belgian-European Photo journalist Cédric Gerbehaye to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The book documents the history, culture, and current situation of entire Jammu and Kashmir through powerful imagery and narratives.

The meeting between Chairman KCEU Ali Raza Syed and Pak’s Army Chief Field Marshal Munir took place during the latter’s recent visit to Brussels, where he engaged with the Pakistani diaspora and held discussions with key Pakistani and Kashmiri political and social figures.

The Army Chief expressed gratitude and commended Chairman of the Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed, for presenting this significant pictorial book on Kashmir. Photojournalist Cedric Gerbehaye has also previously showcased his photographs on Kashmir at various international exhibitions in Europe, including the European Parliament. Cedric stated that the purpose of sharing these images with the world is to amplify the voice of oppressed Kashmiris on humanitarian grounds. For the written content accompanying the photographs in this book, the contributions of two experts, Sultan Ali and Nathalene Reynolds, were sought.

Ali Raza Syed explained that the book was the result of seven years of meticulous work, during which Gerbehaye—with the support of the Kashmir Council EU—visited Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan six times. However, due to India’s ban on his entry, the European photo journalist could only visit Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) three times. He last time visited Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir in 2017. Despite his desire to return to IIOJK for further documentation, restrictions prevented a fourth visit.

The book features striking photographs and detailed accounts of all regions of Kashmir, including IIOJK, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, shedding light on the territory’s historical struggles, cultural richness, and contemporary realities. It is set to be showcased at the international photo fair in Perpignan, France, starting September 2, where 100 photojournalists from around the world will present their work on global issues.

Chairman KCEU Ali Raza Syed emphasized that the exhibition will amplify global awareness of the Kashmir conflict. The book’s content—highlighting Kashmiris’ struggle, geopolitical significance, and human rights violations—will educate European and international audiences about the region’s plight.

“This visual narrative speaks various dimensions of Kashmir,” said Ali Raza Syed as emphasizing, “The photographs expose the reality of paradise like territory of Kashmir which turned to conflict-zone, witnessing the suffering of Kashmiris. We urge the world to recognize Kashmiris’ sacrifices and stand in solidarity for a just resolution.”

It should be noted that the Kashmir dispute has been ongoing since 1947, when India occupied a large part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The remaining territory is known as Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan is also a part of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite United Nations resolutions, the Kashmiri people have yet to attain their right to self-determination.

On August 5, 2019, instead of fulfilling its promise to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination, India revoked the special status of occupied Kashmir in an attempt to erase the identity of Kashmiris and eliminate the Kashmir issue without a just resolution. This move has sparked worldwide protests among Kashmiris and their supporters. The Kashmiri people continue to struggle for their right to self-determination, and they will persist in their struggle until the Kashmir issue is resolved fairly and in accordance with their aspirations.