Islamabad: The recent book launch of renowned journalist Iftikhar Gilani, titled “Ikkeeswi Sadi ka Bharat aur Musalman,” has ignited a critical discussion on India’s internal dynamics and its impact on Muslims, contributing significantly to the discourse on Kashmir’s advocacy. The event, held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in Islamabad, brought together prominent experts and diplomats to explore the themes presented in the book.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the panelists at the launch, including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Khalid Rahman, and Ambassador (retired) Syed Abrar Hussain, discussed the importance of understanding India’s sociopolitical environment—referred to as “Hindustan Shanasi”—for effective policymaking and advocacy on Kashmir. The discussion highlighted how Gilani’s book provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s evolving dynamics with its Muslim minority, documenting the socio-political challenges and the erosion of secular values.
Professor Khurshid Ahmad and Raja Zafar-ul-Haq commented on the setbacks for Muslims in India, emphasizing the rising influence of Hindutva ideologies and the systemic marginalization of minorities. Ambassador Abdul Basit praised the book for its detailed exploration of policy impacts over the past three decades, marking it as an essential resource for understanding and addressing the complexities of India’s policies.
The event also served as a platform for reinforcing the need for meticulous documentation of the challenges faced by Muslims in both India and Kashmir. Such records are deemed crucial for strengthening advocacy efforts and supporting Pakistan’s role in promoting the Kashmiri cause. The discussions culminated with a call for a coherent narrative on the struggles of Kashmiris and Muslims in India, based on a well-documented historical and ideological analysis.
The timing of the book launch coincides with Kashmir’s Black Day on October 27, underscoring the continued relevance of such works in the context of Pakistan’s solidarity with Kashmir and its advocacy for the right to self-determination and freedom for Kashmiris. Gilani’s book is positioned as a key resource in informing both domestic and international audiences, aiding policymakers, and enhancing global understanding of the issues at stake.
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