Ambassador Masood Khan Says Education, Youth Empowerment and Kashmir Cause Are Pillars of Pakistan’s National Strength

Mirpur, Feb 14

Ambassador Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, said that education, youth empowerment, and unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause remain the foundational pillars for Pakistan’s national strength, prosperity, and ideological cohesion.

Addressing a distinguished gathering at Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical college, Mirpur, AJK. Ambassador Khan congratulated graduating students and their parents, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifices in pursuing education. He emphasised that the primary distinction between developed and developing nations lies in educational advancement, noting that Pakistan possesses immense intellectual talent that can transform the country into a leading global nation through sustained investment in education and skill development.

Ambassador Khan expressed profound appreciation for the spiritual and philanthropic contributions of Pir Sultan-ul-Arifeen Siddiqui and his family, acknowledging their historic role in promoting spiritual enlightenment, social welfare, and educational development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled his interactions with the leadership in London, highlighting their efforts in organising international conferences and raising global awareness about the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Highlighting the role of educational institutions in national integration, Ambassador Khan commended the university for bringing together students from across Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and other regions. He said that such academic exchanges strengthen national unity, enhance mutual understanding, and foster collaborative solutions to national challenges.

Underscoring the demographic strength of Pakistan, Ambassador Khan noted that youth constitute nearly sixty percent of the country’s population, describing them as the driving force behind Pakistan’s future leadership and development. He urged students to move forward with confidence, strong faith, and commitment to making Pakistan economically prosperous, militarily strong, and socially progressive, while upholding Islamic values of compassion, service, and humanity.

Addressing graduating medical students, Ambassador Khan stressed the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals, reminding them of the Hippocratic Oath and their duty to serve humanity with integrity and compassion. He praised the institution’s contribution in addressing shortages in healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied medical staff, describing such services as essential for strengthening public health systems in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador Khan urged young people to remain steadfast in supporting the legitimate right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination. He emphasised that Kashmir and Pakistan are intrinsically linked, stating that lasting regional peace and stability depend upon a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Ambassador Masood Khan concluded by encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurship, innovation, and research-driven development, urging them not only to seek employment but also to create opportunities for others. He congratulated graduating students and expressed confidence that Pakistan’s youth will continue to serve as ambassadors of progress, resilience, and national unity.