A Visionary For The State: Why Dr. Maqsood Jafri Is The Ideal Choice For President Of Azad Kashmir

By Khawaja Shafaat Hussain

The proposal to appoint Dr Maqsood Jafri as the President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir is a welcome step. Dr Jafri belongs to a noble and distinguished family where traditions of dignity and refinement have always been preserved. Previously, I had written an article about his respected father, the late Tahseen Jafri, which was published in various newspapers of Azad Kashmir. That article is also included in a book written about my elder brother, Khawaja Zulfiqar Jafri (founder of Sajjadia Lab). Furthermore, the scholarly, literary, and intellectual contributions of the late Tahseen Jafri have also been mentioned in Volume 2 of a book published by Srinagar Publishing House, authored by Justice Hakim Imtiaz Hussain of Srinagar, in occupied Kashmir. The late Tahseen Jafri himself was a distinguished poet.

The development of any country largely depends on its literacy rate. In this regard, Azad Kashmir has a higher literacy rate compared to all provinces of Pakistan. For the effective functioning of state affairs, it is essential that a governmental structure includes highly educated individuals. A scholarly and literary personality like Dr Maqsood Jafri is well known to all. Appointing such a figure as President of the state would be most appropriate. Under the present circumstances, Dr Maqsood Jafri is the most suitable candidate for the presidency. Individuals of such calibre are rare in this era.

He is not only highly educated but also an international scholar, philosopher, intellectual, columnist, and an accomplished poet. Many of his books have been published, serving as a rich source of knowledge and awareness. He is not merely a writer but also a profound thinker. Through knowledge and research, he has played a significant role in promoting the unity of humanity. His valuable works in English and Urdu prose have guided and benefited many national and international writers and poets. His poetry contains deep intellectual insights as well as a clear and comprehensive message expressed through literary excellence. His contributions are a priceless treasure for the promotion of humanity and literature. To date, approximately 35 of his books have been published in Urdu, English, and Persian.

Dr Maqsood Jafri has also played a prominent role in the politics of Azad Kashmir. In the past, he served as an advisor to the former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan, and also as an advisor to the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. In the political circles of Azad Kashmir, he is regarded as a seasoned leader and an active politician. He has worked tirelessly to present the Kashmir movement effectively at the international level. For this reason, he is considered a standard-bearer of freedom, peace, and justice.

To highlight the Kashmir issue globally, Dr Jafri has published two books in English. In recognition of his outstanding services in literature and philosophy, the President of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Ibrahim Khan, honoured him with a Presidential Award. His academic journey includes seven M.Phil. degrees and two Ph.D. degrees. Moreover, he has raised his voice worldwide for the promotion of knowledge, literature, history, philosophy, and the Kashmir cause, and has participated in numerous international seminars and conferences. Dr Jafri is a herald of the movement for freedom and a champion of humanity and justice. He considers opposition to oppression and support for the oppressed as the true essence of faith.

Therefore, for the development and progress of the country and for the political resolution of the Kashmir issue (which is our lifeline), it is essential to benefit from the scholarly, literary, and intellectual contributions of Dr Maqsood Jafri by appointing him to the highest office of the state. This will enable the country to advance and ensure continued progress toward a just resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Categories: Current Affairs, Kashmir, Opinion

Tags: Azad Kashmir, Kashmir, Pakistan