Leadership in Practice

  The Role of Jammu and Kashmir Diaspora in Citizens' Diplomacy and International Relations By Sardar Aftab Khan Introduction The conflict surrounding the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been a long-standing issue in South Asia, with political, social, and economic implications for the people living in the region. In this background, the Jammu and Kashmir diaspora from both sides of the ceasefire line continues to play a significant role in community development, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation in the region through citizen diplomacy and international relations, advocating for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This briefing paper aims to explore the various ways in which the diaspora contributes to the socio-economic progress and peaceful coexistence in Jammu and Kashmir. By leveraging their resources, networks, and expertise, diaspora members actively engage in initiatives that promote community development, fos...

  G20 Summit 2023, Human Rights Situation, Conflict Transformation, and Climate Change in Jammu and Kashmir.  By Sardar Aftab Khan The 18th G20 Leaders' Summit, including heads of state and governments, will be held between September 9-10 in New Delhi, India. Ahead of the Summit, a range of meetings among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies are being held across India. Ironically, one such 3 rd tourism working group meeting is also scheduled to be held in Srinagar, the capital of disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir, on 22-24 May 2023. The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir is complex, longstanding and with deep historical roots and multifaceted causes. G20 Leaders and the international community need to have a nuanced understanding of the conflict and its impact on the region's people. It needs to take practical steps towards a peaceful resolution of the predicament. The international community’s engagement with this issue can significantly contribute to resolving the...

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics started the first digital Census 2023 in Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan. However, the people of Kashmir are concerned that the fundamental flaws in the #Census2023 form will make their national identity invisible. It will also seriously undermine the ability of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir living in Pakistan and its administered areas to have access to their accurate population and housing data. The people of and Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of Gilgit Baltistan wouldn't get a fair share in resources and representation at all levels. Furthermore, it will affect J&K Citizen's account in the Census data, which would not help in making arrangements to facilitate their participation in the plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nation to exercise their right to self-determination to decide the future status of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Development Foundation (KD...

 Leadership in Practice – Understanding Political Psychology of Nationalists in Jammu and Kashmir Written by: Sardar Aftab A. Khan   A political psychology behaviour change project - funnelling nationalists into a dark dungeon of historical myths and conflicting narratives is currently underway predominantly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. The core focus of this strategically initiated and social media-amplified behaviour change project is to influence and shoehorn minds, double down confusion and create political animosity and hatred within socially and politically active individuals and organisations. Furthermore, discredit civil resistance movements across all regions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. An increasing number of genuine political activists and the finest minds within the nationalist cadre are falling into the trap and trying to become detective conspiracy theorists, historians and so-called experts in political geography without any academic or...