A CONDOLENCE REFERENCE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO SYED ALI SHAH GEELANI ORGANIZED BY IRD
A condolence reference titled “Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistani Hamara hay” was organized by Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) at Faisal Masjid Campus in which speakers paid tributes to Syed Ali Shah Geelani lifelong struggle for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
The participants opined that Syed Ali Shah Geelani was a towering personality who spearheaded the freedom struggle of Jammu and Kashmir from Indian occupation and he spent his entire life working for this sacred cause. Participants maintained that Syed Ali Shah Geelani bravely and courageously led the innocent unarmed Kashmiris and fought Indian barbarism. Heads of Pakistani Universities, prominent figures of society, Academicians and intellectuals paid homage to Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Former Prime Minister AJ&K, Sardar Attique Ahmed said that universities must take responsibility to conduct debates and research on the Kashmir issue so that a counter-narrative can be built to portray the atrocities by the Indian Army. Paying tribute to the late Freedom leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Sardar Attique said that he was the strongest voice of freedom. He said this tribute is an expression of solidarity with Kashmiris. He added that the Kashmir issue is a matter of life and death for 20 million people and the future of the region is linked to it. He hailed the establishment of the Kashmir Desk in the IIUI terming it as a commendable effort. He also thanked the Pakistani government and people for their unconditional and unflinching support to the political movement launched by the people of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, IIU Rector said that nation pays tribute to Syed Ali Shah Geelani for his lifelong struggle for justice and freedom. He said his services will be remembered forever. He said the hearts of Pakistanis beat with Kashmiris. Talking about the role of International Islamic University, he said the university has been conducting debates and seminars for the cause of Kashmir. He said India’s brutal actions in Kashmir have embarrassed human history. He told that after August 5, International Islamic University established a Kashmir desk to take steps to promote the Kashmir cause and conduct research on the Kashmir issue. He urged the students to use technology positively to expose the tyranny prevailing in Kashmir. “It is our national and religious duty to contribute to the liberation of Kashmir,” he said.
Prof Dr. Muhammd Kaleem Abbasi Vice-Chancellor Azad Jammu and Kashmir University said that the world has recognized the untiring struggle of Syed Ali Shah Geelani for the Kashmir cause. Talking about the mounting aggression of Indian forces, he said that India will keep facing Wani and Geelani till the freedom of Kashmir as such torture and killings have always encouraged Kashmiris to raise more voice for their right. He said every Kashmiri is a true soldier of Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice-Chancellor, Quaid-e-Azam University, said that Syed Ali Shah Geelani will be mentioned whenever it comes to freedom fighters across the world. He said Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s whole life is a great example of determination and selfless struggle.
Dr. Husnul Amin, Executive Director, IRD said that the condolence reference is a tribute to the uncompromising struggle of the late leader who devoted his every moment to the Kashmir cause. He apprised that the reference was being attended by Vice-Chancellors and academicians of around 10 universities across the country.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Idrees, Vice Chancellor , Peshawar University said that demise of the late Hurriyat leader is an irreparable loss as he was an omen of agitation against illegal and Illegitimate occupation by Indian forces.
Professor Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman, Vice Chancellor, Balochistan University expressed his views saying that jails, house arrests and torture could not change the true commitment of Syed Ali Shah Geelani that is message for us to keep struggling for the cause until Kashmir gets freedom.
Professor Dr. Saleem Mazhar Pro Vice Chancellor , University of Punjab highlighted the educational affiliation of Syed Ali Shah Geelani with the Punjab university and stressed that his works must be introduced to youth so that we may inculcate true love of the Kashmir cause in hearts of youth.
Professor Dr. Safeer Awan, Pro Rector NUML discussed contributions of Syed Ali Shah Geelani in form of books, his uncompromising struggle and his immense love for Pakistan. He said his resilience against the brutalities gave this soil sons like Burhan Wani. Professor Dr. Mansoor Kundi said in his remarks that Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s services are matchless and will be remembered always. He also discussed his books and love for Pakistan.
IIU Vice President Academics, Professor Dr. Ayaz Afsar paid tribute to unwavering and untiring services of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He called upon academia to conduct more research on Kashmir issue and role of Syed Ali Geelnai in Kashmir movement. On the occasion, Dean Social Sciences Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal paid tributes to Syed Ali Shah Geelani and termed his death a great loss for the nation. He also highlighted the importance of media in Kashmir movement. Dr. Muhammad Khan, Head of the Kashmir Desk IIU gave a historic glimpse of Kashmir Movement and discussed contributions of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Dr. Noor Fatima Chairperson Politics and IR and Syed Akmal Hussain Shah , Head of the Department of History also expressed views on the occasion and paid homage to the late leader. On the occasion, Dr. Zaheer ud din Behram led the dua for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
