Washington, D.C. May 9, 2025. (TW) __ World Kashmir Awareness forum (WKAF), an advocacy organization rented mobile digital advertising trucks flashing crystal-clear images around Washington DC, the Capital City. It is now known to everybody that traditional protests, while impactful, are often limited by time, location, and audience reach. In contrast, digital mobile billboards offer extended reach: They traverse multiple high-traffic areas daily, ensuring the message reaches a broader audience. By leveraging these mobile platforms, we can ensure that the Kashmiri narrative remains visible, persistent, and influential in key decision-making centers.
The electronic screens on the trucks carried messages such as “Modi Government Exhibit Some Sanity: Nuclear Clash Will Threaten Half the Humanity;” “International Probe of Pahalgham Needs to be Conducted with Sincerity: Only Answer for Indian Absurdity;” “Indian Inquiry is a Delusion: Just an Attempt to Spread Deceit, Hatred and Confusion;” “War Hysteria Not a Solution: United Nations Wake Up and Implement the Resolution;” “Kashmiris Condemn Pahalgham Fatality: India Escalating Hatred and Hostility;” “Tension Between Nuclear Neighbors on Ascension: Kashmir Demands World Attention;” “Kashmiris Condemn Killings and Yearn for Tranquility: President Trump Urge Parties to Exhibit Rationality;” “Pahalgham killings Brought World Condemnation: Kashmir Issue Needs Acceptable Solution;” “Indian Democracy Ends at the Gates of Kashmir;” “Plebiscite in Kashmir is not a Dream: It is an International Law.”
Dr. Imtiaz Khan, Kashmiri American scholar said that killings of 26 tourists in Pahalgam region of Indian occupied Kashmir is condemnable and the act has been unequivocally castigated both by the people living there and Pakistan. It is astounding that within hours of this incident, India initiated the blame game and without presenting a shred of evidence started to put onus on Pakistani intelligence agencies for this carnage. This has been ongoing pattern on the part of India and even if the cracker bursts in the country the culpability is linked to Pakistan.
Dr. Khan added that the economic prowess and lucrative business opportunities does not provide India a “license to kill”. The world especially UN should not demur to condone these beastly acts and the hubris and tyrannical attitude of India towards its neighbors needs to be bridled. The efforts of world leaders like President Donald Trump, President Erdogan of Turkey and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammad Bin Salman to diffuse the situation should be highly appreciated. But these leaders need to take into account that genesis of Indo-Pak conflict is the protracted and unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Unless this conflict is solved in accordance with the accepted UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of Kashmir the threat of nuclear war in the region will not be subdued.
Dr. Khan asserted that it is humble but fervent appeal of the people of Kashmir to President Trump and other prominent leaders of the world to impress upon India to embark in the halted negotiation process so that the region and half of the human race is spared from unmitigated disaster. Diplomatic parleys without addressing the issue of Kashmir may result in temporary truce and will be like applying a scotch tape to a gaping wound. That will not last and within no time situation will come back to square one with nuclear clouds hovering over the region and all adjoining areas.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice said that” No one knows better than Washington foreign policy experts that India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the disputed territory of Kashmir and the potential for a more devastating third is imminent, especially in view of the Indian attacks on the civilian’s population in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan during Pahalgam crisis.
Dr. Fai added that we demand an independent international investigation into the Pahalgam attack. The world must not look away. Truth, not propaganda, must prevail. The United Nations and global human rights bodies must step in before another tragedy is buried under bulldozers and silence. Kashmir deserves justice, not as a favor, but as a right long denied. The United Nations and world powers need to realize, Dr. Fai emphasized that the tension between India and Pakatan are very high which can temporarily be diffused but if they do not address the bone of contention of this tension – Kashmir – it can intensify again. Therefore, empowering the people of Kashmir with right of self-determination is the most effective option available.
“It is in the interest of world peace that India and Pakistan need to resolve the Kashmir dispute to the satisfaction of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The final and durable settlement of the Kashmir dispute will undoubtedly guarantee peace and stability in the region of South Asia,” Dr. Fai pleaded.
Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir said history repeats! During President Clinton’s visit to India in 2000, 37 Sikhs were massacred. Now, during JD Vance’s visit to India, 26 innocent tourists murdered in Pahalgam. Too many coincides. We demand an international investigation. Speak the truth. Hold plebiscite in Kashmir. Despite the heavy cost, the people of Kashmir are not likely to give up their demand to right of self-determination, Sardar Zarif continued.
Sardar Zarif khan pointed out that Pahalgam massacre testifies to the fact that Kashmir is not forgotten. We are not going to let it happen. Why? Because as human beings we cannot afford ignoring basic right of self-determination.
Shakeel Anjum, a well-known human rights activist said that Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris. It is they who have the right to decide its future. Shakeel Anjum emphasized that as per specific UN Resolutions on Kashmir it does not need to be defined as to what is the solution of the Kashmir issue. The referendum should give the people of Kashmir all choices: whether to be the part of India or Pakistan or to remain independent.
Raja Liaqat Kayani, President, Kashmir House, Washington said that both India and Pakistan are racing like thoroughbreds to bolster their nuclear arsenals and advanced delivery vehicles. Their defense budgets are climbing despite widespread misery amongst their populations. Resolution of Kashmir will save the budgetary expenses of both nations which could be utilized in education, health and other amenities
Sardar Sawar Khan, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir suggested that all sides of the conflict – India, Pakistan and Kashmiris – should talk to each other with respect. World powers do not need to tell the Kashmiris what they want. They should be provided the full opportunity to decide their future without any intimidation, coercion or external pressure.
Hamid Malik, prominent community leader pleaded for a third-party mediation to help bring all parties concerned to the negotiating table. Malik added that the international community needs to realize her responsibility to help urge both India and Pakistan to set a stage for the settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
Sardar Zubair Khan, representative of Voices of Justice in Kashmir mentioned the atrocities are being committed by Indian army on the civilian population day in and day out. It is the responsibility of Kashmiri diaspora to become ambassadors ot the people of Kashmir in internationalizing the Kashmir conflict.
Dr. Fai is also the Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum.
He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435. Or. [email protected]
www.kashmirawareness.org