RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Pakistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri underscored the historic relationship between the two nations and urged greater international focus on the humanitarian situation in Kashmir during a public forum in Jakarta on Thursday, February 5, 2026. He emphasized the importance of peaceful advocacy through diplomacy and civil society.

Speaking at the Kashmir Solidarity Day commemoration at Darunnajah University, Zahid recalled Pakistan’s early support for Indonesia following its independence, including the deployment of Pakistani forces in 1948 to help maintain stability.

“In 1948, when Indonesia was in its early days of independence, Pakistan itself was only one year old, yet we sent aircraft and deployed personnel to help safeguard our brothers and sisters in Indonesia,” he said.

Zahid noted that Indonesia holds a strategic role in raising the Kashmir issue globally, citing its position as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and its moral influence in promoting peace. He stressed that the conflict should be recognized as a humanitarian and human rights crisis rather than simply a territorial dispute, pointing to the suffering endured by civilians, particularly women and children.

“We believe Southeast Asia can play a role in helping resolve this issue. We do not want war with India, but circumstances forced conflict in the past, and Alhamdulillah we prevailed. Still, a peaceful and just solution is the priority,” he added.

The ambassador encouraged Indonesian students to raise awareness, describing youth as future leaders and opinion shapers. He warned that unresolved tensions in Kashmir continue to threaten stability in South Asia and called for a fair resolution in line with United Nations resolutions.

Darunnajah University Rector Much. Hasan Darojat echoed the call for dialogue, highlighting the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, often referred to as track two diplomacy, through academics, religious leaders, and civil society groups.

“Meaningful bilateral engagement must resume. All parties need to sit together at the negotiation table,” Hasan said.

He added that informal dialogue could sustain communication when official negotiations stall, urging greater academic research and public education on Kashmir. Hasan compared the conflict to Palestine, describing it as a humanitarian crisis that has persisted since 1947.

“This issue is similar to Palestine. It has continued since 1947 and remains unresolved after 77 years, with victims continuing to grow in number,” he noted.

The Kashmir Solidarity Day event in Jakarta formed part of Pakistan’s broader public diplomacy efforts to foster global understanding and encourage international solidarity with the people of Kashmir. ***