In a powerful intervention timed for the eve of critical global diplomacy, Eliva Press today (12th August 2026) released "Justice Unboun
Jammu & Kashmir: A Story of Peace, Progress and Pride in India. By Farooq Ganderbali
Jammu & Kashmir today presents a powerful story of transformation, hope and opportunity. While Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir continues to witness serious public grievances, Jammu & Kashmir on the Indian side is moving forward with greater connectivity, development, tourism, education, healthcare, sports and economic opportunities.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir are increasingly confident about their future and proud of their association with India. Across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, people are witnessing roads, tunnels, rail connectivity, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, power projects, tourism infrastructure and sports facilities creating new opportunities for ordinary citizens and especially for the younger generation.
The constitutional changes of August 2019 marked a significant turning point. Since then, greater emphasis has been placed on development, investment, grassroots governance, tourism, employment and public service delivery. The expansion of infrastructure and connectivity has brought previously remote areas closer to markets, educational institutions, hospitals and the rest of the country.
The transformation is particularly visible in tourism. Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, including Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and the wider Himalayan region, are attracting visitors from across India and around the world. Tourism is generating employment for hoteliers, transport operators, guides, artisans, shopkeepers, houseboat owners and thousands of other families.
The recent visit of U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has added further international visibility to Kashmir’s changing tourism and security environment. During his first visit, Ambassador Gor described Kashmir as an “incredibly beautiful place” and Jammu & Kashmir as an “important part of India.” He also experienced the beauty of Srinagar through a Shikara ride on the world-famous Dal Lake.
Such a visit carries significance. It demonstrates that Kashmir is increasingly being viewed through the lens of tourism, peace, investment and development rather than only through the old narrative of conflict. The international community should recognise and encourage this positive transformation.
For the people of Jammu & Kashmir, development is not merely about statistics or infrastructure. It is about a better quality of life. It means children having better educational opportunities, patients receiving treatment closer to home, young people accessing sports and technology, women becoming economically empowered, entrepreneurs finding opportunities and families benefiting from improved connectivity.
Kashmiri youth are particularly important to this transformation. They are pursuing higher education, preparing for competitive examinations, entering technology and entrepreneurship, participating in national sports competitions and building careers across India and abroad. Their aspirations increasingly revolve around education, employment, peace and prosperity.
The revival of sports is another encouraging development. From football and cricket to athletics, martial arts and winter sports, young people are receiving greater opportunities to develop their talents. Sports provide not only careers but also discipline, confidence, teamwork and a positive alternative to drugs and violence.
Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural heritage is also witnessing renewed attention. Sufi traditions, shrines, handicrafts, music, literature and Kashmir’s centuries-old traditions of coexistence remain important elements of its identity. Development and modernisation can move forward while preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Across the Line of Control, however, people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir continue to raise serious concerns over electricity, food prices, unemployment, healthcare, education, roads, internet connectivity and political representation. Recent protests and reports of deaths and excessive force have highlighted the deep frustration among sections of the population.
The international community should not ignore these voices. Every civilian life matters. Allegations of unlawful killings or excessive use of force must be investigated through transparent and credible mechanisms, and those responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable.
The contrast is increasingly difficult to ignore. On one side, Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing expanding infrastructure, rising tourism, growing educational opportunities, improved connectivity and greater participation in sports and entrepreneurship. On the other, people across the Line of Control continue to protest for basic necessities and political rights.
Pakistan’s attempts to divert attention from its own internal challenges through anti-India propaganda cannot change this reality. The recent Mecca defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan may have regional significance, but no diplomatic arrangement can erase Pakistan’s domestic economic and political difficulties or silence legitimate public grievances in PoJK.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir do not need propaganda to define their future. Their aspirations are visible in classrooms, universities, hospitals, sports grounds, businesses, tourist destinations and development projects.
Most importantly, the people of Jammu & Kashmir have the right to choose peace and development. Many citizens today feel a stronger sense of confidence, security and pride in being part of the world’s largest democracy. Their identity, aspirations and future are increasingly connected with the opportunities available across India.
The message from Jammu & Kashmir is clear: peace creates opportunity, development creates confidence, democracy gives people a voice, and integration with India provides a wider horizon for the aspirations of its youth.
Jammu & Kashmir is not merely a story about conflict anymore. It is increasingly a story about roads and railways, universities and hospitals, tourism and technology, sports and entrepreneurship, culture and opportunity.
The future of Jammu & Kashmir belongs to its young people. It belongs to those who want to study, work, travel, compete, innovate, build businesses and contribute to society.
Jammu & Kashmir is moving forward—and its people have every reason to hope, aspire and take pride in being part of India.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir are increasingly confident about their future and proud of their association with India. Across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, people are witnessing roads, tunnels, rail connectivity, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, power projects, tourism infrastructure and sports facilities creating new opportunities for ordinary citizens and especially for the younger generation.
The constitutional changes of August 2019 marked a significant turning point. Since then, greater emphasis has been placed on development, investment, grassroots governance, tourism, employment and public service delivery. The expansion of infrastructure and connectivity has brought previously remote areas closer to markets, educational institutions, hospitals and the rest of the country.
The transformation is particularly visible in tourism. Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, including Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and the wider Himalayan region, are attracting visitors from across India and around the world. Tourism is generating employment for hoteliers, transport operators, guides, artisans, shopkeepers, houseboat owners and thousands of other families.
The recent visit of U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has added further international visibility to Kashmir’s changing tourism and security environment. During his first visit, Ambassador Gor described Kashmir as an “incredibly beautiful place” and Jammu & Kashmir as an “important part of India.” He also experienced the beauty of Srinagar through a Shikara ride on the world-famous Dal Lake.
Such a visit carries significance. It demonstrates that Kashmir is increasingly being viewed through the lens of tourism, peace, investment and development rather than only through the old narrative of conflict. The international community should recognise and encourage this positive transformation.
For the people of Jammu & Kashmir, development is not merely about statistics or infrastructure. It is about a better quality of life. It means children having better educational opportunities, patients receiving treatment closer to home, young people accessing sports and technology, women becoming economically empowered, entrepreneurs finding opportunities and families benefiting from improved connectivity.
Kashmiri youth are particularly important to this transformation. They are pursuing higher education, preparing for competitive examinations, entering technology and entrepreneurship, participating in national sports competitions and building careers across India and abroad. Their aspirations increasingly revolve around education, employment, peace and prosperity.
The revival of sports is another encouraging development. From football and cricket to athletics, martial arts and winter sports, young people are receiving greater opportunities to develop their talents. Sports provide not only careers but also discipline, confidence, teamwork and a positive alternative to drugs and violence.
Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural heritage is also witnessing renewed attention. Sufi traditions, shrines, handicrafts, music, literature and Kashmir’s centuries-old traditions of coexistence remain important elements of its identity. Development and modernisation can move forward while preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Across the Line of Control, however, people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir continue to raise serious concerns over electricity, food prices, unemployment, healthcare, education, roads, internet connectivity and political representation. Recent protests and reports of deaths and excessive force have highlighted the deep frustration among sections of the population.
The international community should not ignore these voices. Every civilian life matters. Allegations of unlawful killings or excessive use of force must be investigated through transparent and credible mechanisms, and those responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable.
The contrast is increasingly difficult to ignore. On one side, Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing expanding infrastructure, rising tourism, growing educational opportunities, improved connectivity and greater participation in sports and entrepreneurship. On the other, people across the Line of Control continue to protest for basic necessities and political rights.
Pakistan’s attempts to divert attention from its own internal challenges through anti-India propaganda cannot change this reality. The recent Mecca defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan may have regional significance, but no diplomatic arrangement can erase Pakistan’s domestic economic and political difficulties or silence legitimate public grievances in PoJK.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir do not need propaganda to define their future. Their aspirations are visible in classrooms, universities, hospitals, sports grounds, businesses, tourist destinations and development projects.
Most importantly, the people of Jammu & Kashmir have the right to choose peace and development. Many citizens today feel a stronger sense of confidence, security and pride in being part of the world’s largest democracy. Their identity, aspirations and future are increasingly connected with the opportunities available across India.
The message from Jammu & Kashmir is clear: peace creates opportunity, development creates confidence, democracy gives people a voice, and integration with India provides a wider horizon for the aspirations of its youth.
Jammu & Kashmir is not merely a story about conflict anymore. It is increasingly a story about roads and railways, universities and hospitals, tourism and technology, sports and entrepreneurship, culture and opportunity.
The future of Jammu & Kashmir belongs to its young people. It belongs to those who want to study, work, travel, compete, innovate, build businesses and contribute to society.
Jammu & Kashmir is moving forward—and its people have every reason to hope, aspire and take pride in being part of India.
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"Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" By Nazir S Bhatti
On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.