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The Other Kashmiris: Forgotten Voices of Kotli, Rajouri & Beyond. (Part-2)

The Invisible Soldiers: Paharis and the Kashmir Jihad. By AbuBakar Irfan. The Kashmir conflict is often painted with a narrow brush, one that almost exclusively highlights the Valley and its struggle. Terms like "Kashmiri resistance" or "freedom fighters" usually conjure up images of Srinagar youth with stones in hand or insurgents operating in the dense forests of Kupwara. But this portrayal omits a crucial, often ignored truth: that Pahari-origin Kashmiris, particularly from Kotli, Mirpur, Poonch, Rajouri, and Bagh have made immense sacrifices in the Kashmir Jihad. Since the onset of the insurgency in 1989, the Kashmir Jihad has drawn thousands of volunteers, supporters, and sympathizers from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC). Among them, a significant number belonged not to the Valley, but to the mountainous and linguistically distinct regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). These Pahari-speaking populations, often mocked or marginalized as "not real ...

Jammu & Kashmir: A History Bigger Than Just the Valley... Explained by AbuBakar Irfan. (Part-1)

  Title: The Other Kashmiris: Forgotten Voices of Kotli, Rajouri & Beyond. By AbuBakar Irfan. When the world speaks of Kashmir, it often conjures the image of the snow-covered valley of Srinagar, Dal Lake shimmering beneath the sky, and people caught in decades of conflict. But beyond this romanticized and media-centralized narrative lies a deeper, more complex truth, one that involves millions of people whose stories rarely get told. These are the people of Kotli, Rajouri, Mirpur, Poonch, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and other regions that were once part of the undivided princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite their shared history and suffering, many of these communities today face marginalization, not only politically but also in identity. The Kashmir conflict, as it is known globally, has come to mean "the Valley conflict." This has inadvertently excluded voices from Jammu, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), who continue to grapple with displacement...

Understanding the Structure and Function of the Pakistan Parliament Explained by AbuBakar Irfam...

 Title: Understanding the Structure and Function of the Pakistan Parliament The Pakistan Parliament stands as the cornerstone of the country's democratic framework, embodying the aspirations and voices of its diverse populace. Comprising two chambers – the National Assembly and the Senate – the Parliament plays a vital role in legislation, governance, and representation. Let's delve deeper into the structure and functions of this integral institution. Structure of the Pakistan Parliament  1. National Assembly:    - The lower house of the Parliament, the National Assembly, consists of a maximum of 342 members.    - Members are elected through direct adult suffrage and represent constituencies across the country.    - The Speaker, elected from among the members, presides over the sessions of the National Assembly.  2. Senate:    - The upper house, the Senate, is a symbol of the federation's unity, representing each of Pakistan's provi...

Why Pakistan's Economy Struggles to Develop? Explained By Abubakar Irfan...

Title : Why Pakistan's Economy Struggles to Develop... Introduction: Pakistan, a country with a rich cultural heritage and strategic geopolitical significance, has faced persistent challenges in achieving sustained economic development. Despite its potential, the nation has grappled with various impediments that have hindered its economic progress over the years. This article aims to explore the multifaceted reasons behind Pakistan's economic struggles, examining historical, political, social, and economic factors that have contributed to the nation's inability to achieve robust and sustainable development. Historical Perspective: Understanding the historical context is crucial to unravelling the complexities of Pakistan's economic situation. The partition of British India in 1947 led to the creation of Pakistan, setting the stage for challenges in establishing a stable economic foundation. Post-independence, the country faced the arduous task of nation-building, dealin...

Understanding Pakistan as a Rentier State Explained By Abubakar Irfan...

 Title: Understanding Pakistan as a Rentier State Introduction Pakistan, a country rich in culture and history, is often described as a "rentier state." In this article, we will explore the concept of a rentier state and delve into how it applies to Pakistan's economic structure. Understanding the dynamics of a rentier state is crucial for comprehending the challenges and opportunities that shape Pakistan's development. What is a Rentier State? Breaking Down the Term A rentier state is a nation whose economy is heavily dependent on external rents, such as revenue from natural resources or foreign aid. In the case of Pakistan, these external rents play a significant role in shaping the country's economic policies and development strategies. Historical Context Pakistan's Journey Towards Rentierism To understand Pakistan's status as a rentier state, it's essential to explore its historical context. The discovery of significant natural resources and geopol...

The Controversial Legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah Explained by Abubakar Irfan...

 Title: The Controversial Legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah Introduction Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, is a figure of great historical significance. He played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan, a nation that emerged as a separate entity from India in 1947. While Jinnah is celebrated as a hero and a visionary leader by many, his legacy is not without controversy. This article aims to explore the dark side of Muhammad Ali Jinnah's role in history, shedding light on some of the less-acknowledged aspects of his life and political career. 1. Early Life and Conversion Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in 1876 into a Shia Muslim family. In his early life, he belonged to a religious minority, which was a significant part of his identity. However, one dark aspect of Jinnah's life is his conversion to Sunni Islam. He embraced Sunni Islam as his faith, a move that was controversial at the time and raised questions about the sincerity of his conversion. 2. Role in D...

Pakistan's Role in the Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Historical Perspective Explained By Abubakar Irfan...

 Title: Pakistan's Role in the Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Historical Perspective Abstract The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a persistent and contentious issue in international politics for decades. As countries around the world navigate their positions on this matter, Pakistan has played a significant and complex role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. This article delves into Pakistan's involvement in the Israel-Palestine war, tracing its historical development and examining the role of prominent figures like Brigadier Zia-ul-Haq in the Jordan-Palestine war. Through a detailed analysis of Pakistan's diplomatic, political, and military engagement, this article aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of Pakistan's influence on the conflict. **Page 1: Introduction** The Israel-Palestine conflict is a protracted and deeply rooted dispute with far-reaching consequences. Various countries and actors across the globe have been involved in the conflict, eith...