LAHORE: (Wednesday, February 5, 2025): In connection with Kashmir solidarity day, Punjab University Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS) organized a one-day seminar on the historical roots of the Kashmir issue. On this occasion, Assistant Professor Dr Mir Waheed Akhlaq from Karakoram International University, Gilgit was the guest speaker while faculty members and students were also present. Dr Waheed shed light on the historical roots of Kashmir issue which are linked to colonial era and Britain’s imperialistic policies. He said that the treaty of Lahore and the treaty of Amritsar are glaring examples in the context of the Kashmir issue that show how imperialistic ambitions of the British colonizers aggravated the geo-political situation in the Sub-Continent. He emphasized that Gilgit Baltistan in the context of Kashmir has a mixed development trajectory. In terms of political empowerment, the situation is gradually improving while in terms of economy the region still needs a lot of effort, he added. The speaker was of the view that an apt understanding and serious engagement with the history of the country, region, and colonial period is very much important to grasp the issues being faced by our country. He said that religious extremism in India, the rise of Hindutva and spread of narratives rooted in such movements is a serious threat which needs to be countered by the academia and especially the young researchers of Pakistani universities. The participants assured that Pakistan, as well as the people with conscience, have and will always stand with Kashmiri brothers and sisters by extending all political, diplomatic and moral support to their just and legitimate cause of self-determination.