Abstract:
Kashmir Conflict remains one of the longest ongoing conflicts in the world. The lack of
positive developments has kept the conflict protracted and frozen. This research aims to
provide new dimensions towards the conflict resolution process by bringing forward the
indigenous narrative. The research studies Pakistan’s narrative on the Kashmir issue, drawing
its parallel with the political reality in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) i.e., legal, and political
framework in AJK. Qualitative exploratory research was conducted. And to make the data more
inclusive and representative, elite interviews were conducted with a sample of 30 experts from
6 different fields. The categories included law experts, politicians, academics, think tanks,
journalists, and bureaucrats. Three main findings of the research suggested a greatly felt need
for inclusion of people of AJK in conflict resolution and peace process on Kashmir conflict.
The people of Kashmir should be empowered, and the 1974 interim constitution should be
revisited. And Pakistan needs to revisit its strategies and Kashmir policy to strengthen its
narrative.
