Overview

The Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD) organized a national seminar to shift the narrative around Kashmir from a conflict-ridden zone to a region with untapped socio-economic and cultural potential. The event explored future opportunities for development through tourism, handicrafts, and mineral resources, aiming to elevate Kashmir’s profile on both national and international stages.

Panel Presentations

Opening Remarks

Lt. Gen Agha M. Umer Farooq (Retd) – President, CPSD
He addressed the need for crafting and promoting a strong national narrative for Pakistan using soft power, especially in light of the India-U.S. strategic alliance. Citing Robert Kaplan’s theory of ‘coming anarchy,’ he emphasized employing ‘creative chaos’ to influence perception and stressed the importance of leveraging Kashmir’s 74% literacy rate and dynamic human resource for future development.

Ambassador Najamuddin Shaikh (Retd)

Topic: Kashmir Cause: Changing World Order and Emerging Opportunities & Challenges
He highlighted India’s diplomatic attempts to isolate Pakistan and called for a multifaceted, proactive narrative from Pakistan to keep the Kashmir issue alive in global consciousness.

Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed – Minister for Sports, Youth & Culture, Mangla Dam Affairs & MDA AJK

Topic: Creating Socio-Economic Incentives and Opportunities: Expected Role by Philanthropists
He underscored the role of philanthropy and the Kashmiri diaspora, noting the presence of 2.1 million Kashmiris in Europe as a major source of remittance and potential international advocacy. He urged Karachi’s business community to invest in Kashmir.

Ambassador Arif Kamal (Retd)

Topic: Social and Demographic Engineering in Kashmir
He condemned India’s policy of demographic change in J&K, likening it to Israel’s approach to Palestine and apartheid-era South Africa. He stressed Pakistan must confront this policy to preserve the identity and rights of Kashmiris.

Interactive Session

Participants discussed the role of entrepreneurs and the diaspora in empowering Kashmiris. Key insights included leveraging CPEC for social upliftment and encouraging investment from Karachi’s business elite to boost tourism and infrastructure.

Concluding Remarks

Lt. Gen Agha M. Umer Farooq (Retd) emphasized the strategic role Karachi can play in Kashmir’s development. He proposed initiatives in tourism, education (including student exchanges), agriculture, mining, and media to promote cultural exchange and economic growth. He concluded that Pakistan’s philanthropic and entrepreneurial spirit could serve as a catalyst for Kashmir’s socio-economic transformation. The seminar concluded with a commitment to share policy recommendations with relevant authorities for consideration.

Key Themes

• Promotion of soft power diplomacy to address the Kashmir issue

• Mobilizing the Kashmiri diaspora for advocacy and investment

• Resisting demographic reengineering in J&K

• Exploring economic development through tourism, agriculture, mining, and education