By Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry
Senior Analyst
As the first light of dawn touches the valleys of Kashmir the land looks calm and eternal as if nature itself has painted a scene of paradise. Snow crowned peaks rise into the sky rivers shine like silver threads and Dal Lake reflects the clouds in stillness. Yet behind this breathtaking beauty lies a story of pain. The valley lives in fear silenced by oppression and overshadowed by the heavy presence of Indian occupation.
Today, more than ever the world must recognize and confront the unflinching truth of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Since August 5, 2019, when India unilaterally stripped the region of its special status Kashmir has been plunged into an era of suffocating darkness. By revoking Articles 370 and 35A in open defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions India dismantled the last signs of Kashmir’s autonomy.This was not only a violation of international law but a calculated assault on the identity, faith and political destiny of millions of Kashmiris.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of sitting with Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and witnessing his lifelong struggle across national and international academic and diplomatic forums. In every interaction, I have seen the clarity of his vision and the depth of his commitment to the Kashmir cause. He is far more than a political leader, he is the diplomatic shield of Kashmir. With courage and conviction he confronts India’s propaganda with undeniable truth and stirs the global conscience to the human tragedy unfolding in the IIOJK. Wherever he speaks, the silent suffering of Kashmiris finds its voice and the world is reminded of its enduring moral responsibility.
As an analyst and columnist, I can confidently say that Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry is not merely a captivating and influential figure but also one of the most distinguished and visionary political leaders of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. With or without holding a formal office, he has emerged as a dynamic and unrelenting voice for the Kashmir cause on the global stage.
On the other hand his extraordinary ability to mobilize massive public support is unmatched as he has led rallies, demonstrations and international conferences across the United Kingdom, United States, Europe and beyond. From the crowded streets of London to the policy corridors of Washington, Brussels and other global capitals Barrister Sultan has transformed public spaces into powerful arenas of peaceful campaigns.
It is notable that Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry President of the State alone is the only leader who has devoted his whole life to the noble cause, a cause of Kashmir that is Kashmiris right of self determination from Indian oppression, suppression and subjugation. When history speaks of the champions of the Kashmiris struggle for self determination Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry will be among the first names to shine.
He has carried out five historic million marches all across the World including one Million March in London to TenDowning Street in 2014, the second Million March in New York in 2015 in front of the United Nations and third million March in Belgium in the year of 2016 in front of the European Union and the European Parliaments, 4th million march in Dublin in the year of 2017 and other million march in Berlin, Germany in the year of 2018. His commitment to liberating Kashmir from Indian oppression, suppression and subjugation is not a matter of opinion but an established historical fact.
Similarly, Barrister Sultan has played a dynamic, proactive and preemptive role by visiting and formulating Kashmir Committees in World’s largest legislative fourms that is British Parliament, European Parliament, Canadian Parliament, Norwegian Parliament, Iresh Parliament, House of Lords, House of Commons and American House of Congress; thereby checkmating Indian narrative in the world practically.
For those who are genuinely interested in understanding Barrister Sultan’s relentless international campaign for Kashmir’s right to self determination they are encouraged to explore my published articles in reputable English newspapers, such as “Barrister Sultan’s Political Struggle,” “Kashmir’s Untold Story and Barrister Sultan,” among others. These writings chronicle his vision, diplomacy and tireless efforts in amplifying the voice of Kashmiris on the global stage.
Kashmir, after all is not merely a place to see or a story to read. It is a feeling, a living poem, a quiet yearning. It is Dal Lake calling for the gentle glide of wooden shikaras. It is the whispered prayer of the Yambarzal flower for the touch of spring winds and it is the dream of Gulmarg’s meadows to be wrapped once again in a quilt of pure snow. Yet the world rarely pauses to listen. The heart of Kashmir beats with a silent plea to live free from fear, to see its rivers run clear without blood and to let its children grow up with laughter instead of sorrow.
Kashmir’s soul has always been intertwined with Pakistan geographically, culturally, ideologically and spiritually. Its rivers flow into the fertile plains of Pakistan, its traditions echo the same faith and heritage and its history beats in harmony with Pakistan’s national rhythm. This unshakable and unbroken bond found its historic expression on July 19, 1947 when the people of Jammu and Kashmir before Pakistan had even formally come into being, passed a resolution to accede to the new homeland. It was a declaration born not from politics alone but from shared faith, culture and destiny.
On the global stage, Pakistan has consistently and effectively exposed India’s human rights violations and the hollowness of its claims of normalcy in the occupied region. Through principled diplomacy and the power of truth standing shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their rightful struggle for self determination, Pakistan has time and again exposed and dismantled India’s false narrative before the world. The legitimacy of the Kashmiri cause is increasingly recognized, Pakistan’s principled stance continues to earn global credibility, and India’s disinformation campaigns repeatedly collapse under the weight of undeniable facts.
The valley today resembles a vast, suffocating prison, locked behind the iron bars of military occupation and systemic oppression. The majestic mountains and shimmering lakes hide a bitter truth: the shadows of brutality, arbitrary violence, and plunder that loom over every village and town. Kashmir’s streets narrate a story of silent suffering. Playgrounds lie empty, markets are shuttered, roads are deserted, and Dal Lake, once alive with shikaras and fish, now reflects only stillness and neglect and this is not history, it is the living tragedy of today. The Muslims of the valley live a miserable life in horror and terror caused by hundreds of thousands of Indian soldiers. Surrounded by this dark and painful reality who could be so blind as to believe that peace has returned to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir?
Despite India’s campaign of military aggression and political suppression the will of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. Their resilience stands as a testament to their faith, heritage and unshakable bond with Pakistan. The time has come for the United Nations and the global community to turn words into meaningful action. Kashmir is not a forgotten tragedy. It is a test of the world’s conscience and a moral challenge humanity can no longer ignore. And when the dawn of freedom finally breaks Insha’Allah it will honor the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, the steadfast support of Pakistan and the dignity of a world that chose justice over silence.
