Belgian Photographer's Kashmir Book Exhibition Opens in Islamabad
The exhibition of the pictorial book "Kashmir: Wait and See" by internationally renowned Belgian photojournalist Cedric Gerbehaye is set to be inaugurated in Islamabad today, Monday. This significant event will take place at the auditorium of the National Council of Arts, drawing a distinguished audience including former Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Pervez Ashraf, former Information Minister Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, members of parliament, Kashmiri and Pakistani intellectuals, diplomats from European and other countries, as well as students from colleges and universities.
Exhibition Details and Tour Schedule
The exhibition will be on display in the galleries of the Arts Council until January 28. Following the initial launch in the capital, a series of introductory events and exhibitions are planned across various cities:
- Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, from January 29 to 31.
- Mirpur in Azad Kashmir on February 1 and 2.
- Lahore, the capital of Punjab, from February 5 to 8.
These events are being organized by Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU), an organization actively engaged in highlighting the Kashmir issue and advocating for the rights of Kashmiris across Europe. Alongside the author Cedric Gerbehaye, a seven-member European delegation will participate in the ceremonies.
Significance of the Pictorial Book
Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe, Ali Raza Syed, who is currently visiting Pakistan for these events, emphasized that this impactful book is the culmination of eight years of dedicated work by Mr. Gerbehaye. He described it as an important documentary record that captures the lives, struggles, resilience, and culture of the Kashmiri people.
The book has previously been showcased at the major international festival "Visa pour l'Image: Festival international du Photojournalisme" in Perpignan, France, last year, where it raised awareness among thousands about Jammu and Kashmir, particularly focusing on the rights and culture of Kashmiris.
Content and Advocacy Efforts
Featuring compelling photographs and detailed accounts from Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the book includes pictorial narratives ranging from pellet gun victims in Indian-occupied Kashmir to villagers along the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir who face unprovoked gunfire from Indian military forces.
Ali Raza Syed stated that the book serves as a crucial tool to globally highlight the Kashmir issue, with a particular emphasis on the fundamental right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. The objective of these launch ceremonies and exhibitions is to bring the human dimension of the Kashmir issue and the human rights of Kashmiris to the forefront, aiming to inform and influence international public circles and policymakers.
Role of Kashmir Council Europe
Kashmir Council Europe has played a pivotal role from the initiation to the completion of this book project over the past eight years. For an extended period, the Council has been at the forefront of advocacy for the rights of Kashmiris across Europe, consistently engaging with European officials, parliamentarians, influential think tanks, and civil society. Through various means such as dialogue, discussions, seminars, conferences, and peaceful demonstrations, the Council has worked tirelessly to keep the Kashmir issue alive in European circles.
Ali Raza Syed further noted that the launch of this book is a cornerstone of their ongoing campaign to seek a just and peaceful resolution to the dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
