A webinar  was held today to observe Kashmir Exploitation Day, marking six years since the Indian government's revocation of Article 370 of its Constitution, an act that stripped Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. The webinar was organised by Kashmir Media Service and members concerned of academia, civil society, legal fraternity and media professionals joined the session.

Moderated by senior anchor and journalist Yasir Rehman, the session opened with a tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri population. Participants expressed grave concern over the ongoing human rights violations, demographic alterations, media blackouts, and the political disempowerment of the region's native population. Ms. Sidra Sadozai, a social commentator and law expert, drew attention to the mental and physical toll faced not only by Kashmiris under occupation but also by those actively campaigning for their rights.

She stressed the role of awareness, discipline, and strategic advocacy in maintaining focus on Kashmir amid global distractions. Chairperson of Kashmir Institute of International Relations Altaf Hussain Wani, speaking informally, lauded the commitment of the attendees and called for broader unity among Pakistani voices for Kashmir. A detailed geopolitical and media analysis was provided by Dr Raja Zahid Khan, who described India's actions as a long-term strategic gamble that has yet to yield any meaningful socio-political integration.

“The world must see through the propaganda. Kashmir’s voice is being silenced, and we have a responsibility to amplify it,” he stated. He also underlined the potential role of the Pakistani diaspora in shaping international discourse. In a powerful legal and moral address, Advocate Rehana Ali condemned the Indian Government’s unilateral move as unconstitutional, illegitimate, and internationally objectionable. She questioned what India had truly gained after six years of what she termed as “illegal annexation, military excesses, and cultural erasure.”

She called on international legal bodies and human rights organizations to take concrete action. The session concluded with a collective pledge to continue mobilizing support through legal, academic, media, and digital channels. Attendees agreed that Kashmir Exploitation Day must not only be a day of remembrance but a global call to conscience.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)