The Kashmir Question Discussed under the Moderation of Prof. Veysel Ayhan

The Kashmir Question Discussed in Istanbul under the Moderation of Prof. Veysel Ayhan
As international diplomatic initiatives towards a resolution of the Kashmir question return to the agenda, a meeting held in Istanbul emphasised the importance of a negotiation process based on international guarantees for lasting peace.

The meeting entitled “The Kashmir Conflict: Its Past, Present and Future”, organised by the Divan Research and Education Association, Fatih Municipality and the Asia-Pacific Monitoring Centre, was held under the moderation of Prof. Veysel Ayhan, Director of the SESA Institute. Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice, and Dr Mubeen Shah took part as speakers.

The meeting assessed the historical background of the Kashmir question, the role of the United Nations, regional developments and proposals for a solution. Attention was drawn to the importance of the participation of the people of Kashmir in the peace process, and it was stated that international actors needed to play a more effective role.

The Importance of International Guarantees in the Peace Process

Publishing an assessment on 3 October 2026 after the meeting, Dr Mubeen Shah stated that the Kashmir question cannot be resolved by diplomatic statements alone, and that concrete and workable international mechanisms are needed.

Shah emphasised that in the negotiations to be conducted between India and Pakistan the different segments of the people of Kashmir should be represented, and that the talks should be tied to a specific timetable and supported by international guarantees. Shah also stated that developing economic cooperation and regional connectivity could contribute to an environment of mutual trust.

Türkiye’s Diplomatic Role

Referring to Türkiye’s diplomatic interest in the Kashmir question, Shah assessed that Türkiye could play an important role in developing regional dialogue and increasing international awareness.

The issues addressed at the meeting and the assessments published afterwards once again brought to the agenda the importance of international cooperation, inclusive negotiations and sustainable peace mechanisms in resolving the Kashmir question.

Source: Dr Mubeen Shah, Kashmir: From International Statements to a Guaranteed Peace Process, 3 October 2026.