Islamabad, August 5, 2026: Nearly 200 young student artists from across Pakistan took part in a painting competition titled “Conflict Through Art”, organised by the Youth Forum for Kashmir in collaboration with the Institute of Home Economics and Design to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day.
The competition provided young painters an opportunity to present different dimensions of the Kashmir issue through art. Their paintings highlighted the humanitarian challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, alleged human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the situation that emerged after the revocation of the region’s special constitutional status.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Ms Wajiha Qamar was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony. The event was also attended by Kashmir Institute of International Relations Chairman Mr Altaf Hussain Wani, Youth Forum for Kashmir Executive Director Mr Zaman Bajwa, Institute of Home Economics and Design Principal Ms Rozina Faheem, Adviser to the Minister for Youth Affairs Mr Azam Gulra, and representatives from various walks of life.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Wajiha Qamar said voices could be silenced, but colours always left their mark. She appreciated the young artists for presenting the story of Kashmir with creativity and sensitivity, saying their work reflected the struggle, courage and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
She also paid tribute to late Syed Ali Gilani and described his life as a guiding light. Referring to his historic words, “We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours,” she said the statement continued to serve as a source of inspiration. Ms Qamar further said India was using fifth-generation warfare and misleading propaganda to keep young people away from facts.
In his address, Mr Altaf Hussain Wani said Pakistan had always extended strong support to the Kashmir cause. He maintained that the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status was a violation of international law. He urged the younger generation to study the historical, legal and political aspects of the Kashmir dispute seriously and promote research on the subject.
Youth Forum for Kashmir Executive Director Mr Zaman Bajwa explained the aims of the painting competition and said art and culture were strong means of creating public awareness and presenting the Kashmir issue effectively. He expressed the hope that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would one day bear fruit.
During the ceremony, Ms Wajiha Qamar inaugurated the painting exhibition and later distributed prizes among the young artists who showed outstanding performance in the competition.
