Engineer Rohan Chaudhary
Umar Shehzaad Jarral, President of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mirpur, asserted that only a robust and stable Pakistan can guarantee freedom for the people of Kashmir. Speaking at a special ceremony commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day, Jeral stressed that the economic unity and progress of both Pakistani and Kashmiri citizens are essential to liberating Kashmir from what he described as India’s oppressive rule.
“An economically strong Pakistan is the only guarantor of Kashmiri freedom,” Jeral said, adding that a united effort toward strengthening the nation’s economic framework would transform Pakistan into an invincible force on the global stage and secure its place among developed nations.
The event also featured remarks from former Chamber President and ex-government minister Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, as well as Zafar Mughal, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee and Kashmir Press Club Mirpur. A delegation from the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur—including Senior Vice President Faisal Gulzar Chaudhry, former President and Senior Journalist Altaf Hameed Rao, and Kashmir Committee Chairman Zafar Mughal—participated actively in the flag-hoisting ceremony. The proceedings paid tribute to the relentless sacrifices of the people of occupied Kashmir and honored the Kashmiri martyrs.
In his address, Jeral emphasized the urgent need to resolve the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations resolutions. He proposed practical measures such as reopening bilateral trade and launching bus services on both sides of the Line of Control. “In addition to these initiatives, it is crucial to provide a platform for the Kashmiri leadership on both sides to meet and engage in dialogue,” he explained. “This will help all stakeholders move forward collectively to achieve self-determination for Jammu and Kashmir, as mandated by the UN resolution of January 5, 1949.”
The gathering underscored a shared commitment among Pakistani and Kashmiri leaders to work together in pursuit of economic strength and political resolution, reaffirming the belief that sustainable development is central to achieving lasting freedom in Kashmir.