“Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan and no nation can allow its jugular vein to be held by the enemy”
–Muhammad Ali Jinnah – 1947.
Since its inception in 1947, the Kashmir issue has taken the shape of a violent, blood-thirsty conflict. Is it often brought under questioning: what is Kashmir to us, the individuals of Pakistan? The answer has been given time and time again in the words of our leaders, be it Jinnah or Bhutto. The Kargil War is still much remembered as a sincere effort of the Pakistan army to bring the Kashmir Issue to the forefront for the world to see. In the aftermath of the recent killing of Burhan Wani, a violent Indian reaction towards protestors has once again ignited the Kashmir issue. The death toll in Kashmir has reached up to twenty-five while hundreds have been injured and physically abused by the Indian troops. Though encountering a host of problems itself, Pakistan has not turned its back towards Kashmir. It has raised an outcry in the International community, urging organisations like the EU and OIC to take immediate action against human rights abuses. As Pakistanis, we will always stand by Kashmir.