Mushaal Malik Advocates for Kashmir at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi

By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: In a significant visit, Mushaal Malik, wife of Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, attended an event at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, accompanied by her daughter and sister. The visit was warmly welcomed by the President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, and the Chairperson of the Women Empowerment Committee, Chand Gul Shah.

During her visit, Mushaal Malik engaged in a meaningful dialogue with Ahmed Shah regarding the ongoing Kashmir freedom struggle and the life imprisonment sentence to her husband. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for international awareness and advocacy for Kashmir. 

Ahmed Shah emphasized the importance of the recent World Culture Festival, stating, "Throughout the 39-day event, we highlighted the issue of Kashmir alongside Gaza, showcasing our commitment to raising awareness on these critical matters." He noted that in addition to various cultural activities, a film festival featured “Siege in the Air,” a poignant film directed by a Burmese filmmaker residing in Kashmir.

Mushaal Malik expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in artistic dialogue, acknowledging the role of the Arts Council in portraying the realities of Kashmir. "An artist cannot tolerate oppression and injustice. The bloody line between war and peace lies in Kashmir," she asserted, emphasizing the vital importance of raising the Kashmir cause on global platforms.

She further explained her personal campaign for her husband, warning the public about the potential escalation of his life imprisonment to a death sentence on January 28, highlighting the precarious situation faced by political prisoners in Kashmir. 

In her remarks, Mushaal Malik also praised the themes of the World Culture Festival 2025, which addressed critical issues such as child abuse, women's harassment, and the need for climate action. She commended the Arts Council and Ahmed Shah's team for their efforts in organizing such a grand international cultural festival.

Criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, which she argued have exacerbated the plight of Kashmiris, she called for solidarity among Pakistanis to become the advocates for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. To support the freedom movement financially, Mushaal Malik announced she would auction her artworks, underscoring the urgent need for resources in the ongoing struggle.

Her visit served not only as a platform for raising awareness about Kashmir but also as a reminder of the interconnectedness of art, activism, and humanitarian advocacy in the face of oppression. The Arts Council pledged to continue producing dramas and films to showcase the beauty of Kashmir and the severity of its challenges to audiences worldwide.