ISLAMABAD — The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on Monday hosted the launch of the Urdu translation of Tragedy in Kashmir, a landmark historical work by Abdul Haq Suharwardy, underscoring the continuing relevance of the Kashmir dispute and the importance of preserving its documented historical record.
Speaking at the event, Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, described the book as a rigorously researched account of events surrounding the 1947 Partition and the annexation of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the work draws on Indian and British archival sources, lending it credibility as a reference for scholars, researchers, and diplomats.
Parliamentary, academic, and diplomatic perspectives
Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, said the book serves as a reminder of historical injustices faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that its translation into Urdu would help broaden public understanding of the issue, particularly among younger audiences.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Chairperson of the Peace and Culture Organization and former adviser to the prime minister on human rights and women empowerment, emphasized that the Urdu edition highlights the human dimension of the Kashmir dispute and supports informed human rights advocacy.
Presenting an overview of the book, Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur said the work’s academic depth and use of documentary evidence make it a significant contribution, while the Urdu translation expands access for readers in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasis on historical accuracy
Syed Ali Zafar stressed the need to anchor contemporary debate on Kashmir in verified historical facts, particularly when addressing its legal and constitutional dimensions.
Former ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi highlighted the importance of historical accuracy in policymaking and diplomacy, calling the book a serious scholarly effort that helps distinguish fact from myth.
In his address, Sardar Masood Khan termed the Urdu translation an intellectual and national initiative aimed at reconnecting the public with the historical context of Kashmir.
Senior journalist and author Nasim Zehra spoke about the role of credible documentation in countering misinformation and historical distortion, while columnist Farhan Bokhari noted the book’s relevance for media narratives and public discourse.
Speakers agreed that making authoritative historical works available in Urdu is essential for informed debate, academic engagement, and sustained understanding of the Kashmir issue.
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