(KIIR) Winter Internship Program
(KIIR) Winter Internship Program
Today on January 22, 2025, participants of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) Winter Internship Program visited the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Pakistan’s premier think tank. The delegation, led by Chairman KIIR Altaf Hussain Wani, was warmly received by Dr. Kharrum Abass, Director India Study Centre, and his dedicated team.
The visit commenced with an insightful briefing by the Director General of ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, and Dr. Kharrum Abass. They commended the role of Kashmir Institute of International Relations in research , documentation and advocacy of Kashmir issue at national and International level.
Ambassador Shohail Mahmood elaborated on various aspects of the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing its significance as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Ambassador Mahmood highlighted the critical need for young scholars to grasp the importance of Kashmir, not only for Pakistan but also for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored that the Kashmir issue transcends mere territorial disputes; it fundamentally concerns the right to self-determination for the people of the region.
During the session, Ambassador Mahmood called for the implementation of United Nations resolutions that have been accepted by both India and Pakistan. He asserted that these resolutions remain relevant and that no actions taken by India can diminish their significance. He pointed out that Indian actions are contrary to the spirit of UN resolutions and violate the principles outlined in the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Ambassador Mahmood urged the participants not to be swayed by Indian propaganda and to remain steadfast in exposing the underlying Hindutva ideology that drives many of India’s policies. He encouraged the young scholars to engage in rigorous research and advocacy to strengthen Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue.
Dr. Abass provided specific recommendations for impactful research that could enhance Pakistan’s future advocacy efforts regarding Kashmir. He stressed the importance of innovative approaches to address the complexities of the dispute and encouraged the interns to explore diverse perspectives in their research.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where both the Director General and the Director of the India Study Centre responded to thought-provoking questions from the participants. Their insights provided valuable guidance on navigating the intricacies of the Kashmir issue and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani expressed gratitude to the leadership of ISSI for their warm welcome, support, and encouragement. He acknowledged the vital role that think tanks like ISSI play in shaping discourse around critical issues like Kashmir and reiterated the commitment of KIIR to continue its research and advocacy efforts for the Kashmir cause.
This visit not only enriched the participants’ understanding of the Kashmir dispute but also reinforced the importance of academic engagement in addressing pressing international issues. The collaboration between KIIR and ISSI exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering informed dialogue and advocacy for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Past Events
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