Kashmir is one of the most beautiful yet most troubled regions in the world. Known for its mountains, rivers, and valleys, it has also become a place of grief, curfews, and broken promises. For Pakistan, Kashmir is not just land. It is about people, brothers and sisters who deserve justice, dignity, and the right to decide their future.
The Oldest Dispute at the United Nations
The Kashmir conflict is the oldest unresolved issue on the UN agenda. Since 1947, the question of Kashmir has remained at the heart of tensions between Pakistan and India.
India claims Kashmir through the Instrument of Accession, allegedly signed by the Maharaja under pressure in October 1947. Pakistan and much of the international community have never accepted this claim.
Why? Because the partition of British India was based on religious and geographic lines. Kashmir, with its Muslim majority population, cultural ties, and shared borders, was expected to join Pakistan by its people. Instead, through the narratives of Kashmiris, it was occupied by force.
The United Nations recognised Kashmir as a disputed territory. Its resolutions promised the people of Kashmir the right to a plebiscite – a vote to choose between independence, Pakistan and India. That vote has never taken place.
A History Written in Struggle
Kashmir’s past shows why its people yearn for freedom:
- Ancient empires – From the Maurya dynasty to the Mughal era, Kashmir often shifted rulers but retained a unique identity.
- 1846 Treaty of Amritsar – The British sold Kashmir to Gulab Singh, beginning decades of oppressive Dogra rule.
- 1931 Uprising – Muslims rose against tyranny, marking the start of organised political struggle.
- 1947 Partition – The subcontinent divided. Kashmir’s people demanded Pakistan, but India moved in militarily.
By 1948, war had broken out. India turned to the UN, which called for a ceasefire and a plebiscite. The ceasefire came. The plebiscite never did.
The UN Resolutions
The UN Security Council laid down a clear path:
- April 1948 – Resolution called for a plebiscite.
- 1949 UNCIP Resolutions – Reaffirmed that Kashmiris must choose their destiny.
- Ceasefire Line (later LoC) – Defined but not recognised as an international border.
These resolutions remain valid. India’s claim of permanent sovereignty was rejected. The world acknowledged Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
The Simla Agreement
After the 1971 war, Pakistan and India signed the Simla Agreement in 1972. It confirmed two important points:
- The Line of Control is not a border.
- Kashmir remains unresolved.
For Pakistan, Simla did not cancel the UN resolutions. Instead, it reinforced that Kashmir’s future must be decided peacefully, not by force.
Kashmir Today: A Humanitarian Crisis
Decades later, the conflict is not just political. It is humanitarian.
- Protests and crackdowns – Ordinary Kashmiris demanding freedom face bullets and pellet guns.
- Disappeared loved ones – Families still wait for sons and fathers who never returned.
- Poverty and trauma – Curfews, lockdowns, and military presence cripple daily life.
- Education denied – Children lose school years due to unrest and closures.
These struggles are not created by outsiders. They are indigenous movements led by Kashmiris who want the right to decide their future.
Pakistan continues to raise the issue at the UN, reminding the world that resolutions must be honoured.
Why Kashmir Matters Globally
Kashmir is not just a local dispute. It is a flashpoint between two nuclear-armed states. Peace in South Asia depends on justice in Kashmir.
Beyond geopolitics, it matters because of human rights. If the world ignores the cries of Kashmiris, it undermines the principles of justice and self-determination everywhere.
The Human Face of the Struggle
Behind the headlines are human stories:
- A widow trying to feed her children after her husband disappeared.
- A boy blinded by pellets, robbed of his childhood.
- A girl walking miles to fetch water because her village well ran dry.
These stories show why the Kashmir issue is not only about territory but about life, dignity, and hope.
The Path Forward
A just resolution requires:
- Respecting UN Resolutions – Honour the plebiscite promise.
- Diplomatic Dialogue – India and Pakistan must return to talks.
- Humanitarian Action – While politics stalls, people must not be abandoned.
- Global Pressure – The world must hold India accountable to international law.
Only when Kashmiris can freely decide their future will true peace come.
From Conflict to Compassion
Kashmir is the story of a paradise turned into a battlefield. For Pakistan, it is unfinished business of partition and a fight for justice. For the world, it is a test of whether human rights and international law have meaning.
Until the plebiscite is held, Kashmir will remain disputed. But while politicians argue, ordinary families face hunger, sickness, and despair.
🌍 How You Can Help
At Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we believe compassion cannot wait. While the political struggle continues, you can support the humanitarian struggle:
- Food packs for families trapped in poverty.
- Medical camps for villages with no hospitals.
- Water wells for communities cut off from clean water.
- Education projects for children who deserve a future.
💚 Kashmir’s conflict is long, but your kindness can bring immediate relief.
👉 Donate Now to Support Kashmir Relief and Empowerment
