On February 5, 2025, during Pakistan’s annual observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, a significant event unfolded in Rawalakot, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). High-profile leaders from Hamas, including spokespersons Dr. Khalid Qaddoumi and Dr. Naji Zaheer, as well as Mufti Azam and Bilal Alsallat, shared the stage with prominent figures from Pakistan-based militant organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Notable attendees from these groups included Talha Saif, brother of JeM leader Masood Azhar, launching commander Asghar Khan Kashmiri, Masood Ilyas, and top LeT commanders.
The conference, titled “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation Al Aqsa Flood,” was orchestrated to draw parallels between the situations in Kashmir and Palestine, portraying both as causes warranting a unified Islamic response. This alignment seeks to frame the Kashmir issue within a broader narrative of religious solidarity, urging the Muslim Ummah to unite against perceived injustices in both regions.
Pakistan has a documented history of supporting insurgent activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Initiatives such as Operation Tupac, launched in the late 1980s by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), were designed to provide covert support to anti-India militants in the region. The operation aimed to incite insurgency and destabilize Indian-administered Kashmir.
In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in Pakistan’s strategy. Reports indicate an increased infiltration of highly trained foreign militants into Jammu and Kashmir. These individuals, often equipped with advanced weaponry and communication tools, have been involved in sophisticated attacks against Indian security forces. The Jammu region, previously less affected by such activities, has witnessed a surge in militant incidents, suggesting a deliberate attempt to expand the theater of conflict.
The presence of Hamas leaders in PoK underscores Pakistan’s efforts to internationalize the Kashmir issue by linking it with the Palestinian cause. This association aims to garner broader support from the Muslim world by framing the Kashmir conflict within the context of global Islamic struggles. However, this strategy also highlights Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with organizations recognized internationally as terrorist entities to further its geopolitical objectives.
India has consistently maintained that Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir is a form of state-sponsored terrorism. Indian officials have accused Pakistan of providing training, financial support, and logistical assistance to militant groups operating in the region. The recent activities, including the congregation of Hamas and Pakistani militant leaders in PoK, are viewed by India as further evidence of Pakistan’s ongoing interference in its internal affairs.
The international community remains watchful of these developments. The collaboration between Pakistan and groups like Hamas raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence in Kashmir and the broader implications for regional stability. As Pakistan continues to navigate its alliances and strategies, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains a focal point of South Asian geopolitics.
In conclusion, the recent events in PoK, marked by the convergence of Hamas leaders and Pakistani militant figures, shed light on Pakistan’s evolving approach to the Kashmir issue. By aligning itself with international militant organizations, Pakistan appears to be intensifying its efforts to challenge India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, thereby adding a complex layer to an already intricate conflict.
