Palestinian–Kashmiri Solidarity Affirmed at High-Level Meeting in Pretoria

PRESS RELEASE

16 February 2026 Pretoria, South Africa

A historic and symbolically significant meeting took place at the Palestinian Embassy between Hana Jarar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to South Africa, and Salman Khan T.I., Founder and Chairman of the South Africa Kashmir Action Group and the Kashmir Global Movement and representing Kashmiri Diaspora Coalition as an executive member.

Presenting Kashmir Book " Nelson Mandela on Kashmir: Kashmir quagmire and South Africa Foreign Policy Position? and Kashmir-Palestine solidarity scarf to Hon. Ambassador Hana Jarar at Palestinian Embassy Pretoria, South Africa

During the meeting, Mr. Khan formally presented his book on Kashmir alongside a dual Nakba solidarity scarf, symbolising shared histories of dispossession, resistance, and the enduring struggle for self-determination. The exchange stood as a powerful gesture of solidarity and cooperation between the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir.

Ambassador Jarar expressed grave concern over the persistent absence of Kashmir from mainstream international media discourse. She questioned why a conflict of such magnitude—marked by prolonged occupation, widespread human-rights violations, and humanitarian suffering—remains largely invisible in global news narratives. She emphasised the urgent need for sustained awareness, credible reporting, and principled international engagement.

Mr. Khan concurred, acknowledging a profound vacuum in both local and international media coverage of Kashmir. He noted that global information flows are often dominated by powerful media conglomerates driven by geopolitical and commercial interests, resulting in selective attention to crises aligned with Western strategic priorities. He stressed that this imbalance necessitates intensified advocacy, scholarly engagement, and transnational solidarity.

Drawing from her extensive diplomatic experience and deep understanding of geopolitics, Ambassador Jarar reflected on Palestine’s own 78-year-long struggle, observing that despite decades of international diplomacy, a just and lasting peace remains elusive. She expressed empathy with the Kashmiri people’s aspirations for peace, dignity, and their internationally recognised right to self-determination. She further underscored the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people and reiterated the urgent need for a credible peace process that enables people to live free from occupation and fear.

On behalf of the more than 17 million people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Khan conveyed unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. He reaffirmed Kashmir’s continued moral, political, and humanitarian support, along with prayers for peace, justice, and freedom for the Palestinian people.

Ambassador Jarar reciprocated these sentiments, offering her sincere prayers for the people of Kashmir—particularly its children, mothers, and sisters—who bear a disproportionate burden of conflict and repression.

Both Ambassador Jarar and Mr. Khan jointly affirmed that in the 21st century, there is no legitimate space for illegal occupation, systematic human-rights violations, or the denial of self-determination—whether in Palestine, Kashmir, or elsewhere in the world. The meeting concluded with a collective prayer for peace, justice, and dignity for their respective peoples and for all communities living under occupation globally.

End

Released by:

Salman Khan. Paul Harris Fellow, T.I

Chairman SAKAG & KCAU

South African Kashmir Action Group

Kashmir Centre for African Union

Excecutive member Kashmir Diaspora Coalition KDC