K. H. Khurshid: A Political Legend of Kashmir
Barrister Khurshid Hassan Khurshid, generally known as K. H. Khurshid was born in Srinagar on 3 January 1924 and died on 11 March 1988 in a road accident near Gujranwala, while proceeding to his home in Lahore. After attending a political meeting in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, he was going back to his home by a public transport, the Wagon met an accident and he died on road along with some other passengers. Some wounded persons recognized him and were astounded that this great man was K. H. Khurshid. He was the private secretary of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. He was the First elected president of Azad Kashmir from 1959 to 1964. He was also the instigator of the constitution of Azad Kashmir.
After his death, his brother- in- law, eminent journalist Khalid Hassan published his book titled” Memoirs of Jinnah”. I have read this book and found it very beneficial for the researchers on the creation of Pakistan and the admirers of Quaid- I- Azam.
He had founded “ Kashmir Liberation League.” His plea was that Kashmiris are true Pakistanis. They should be trusted and permitted to deal with Kashmir issue. He pleaded for “ Recognizing Azad Kashmir Government” as the Heir Government of Maharaja Hari Singh. He announced let the Kashmiris fight their case. He said we have made Kashmir a territory disputed between India and Pakistan, hence the world shows no interest in this case. He was of the view that let us present as the case of Freedom of Kashmiris. Once, he told me that when he discussed this matter with the Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, he retorted: “ Mr. Khurshid you are playing with flames.”
Once while disagreeing with his stance, I argued that if today, we recognize the Government of Azad Kashmir as an independent state and withdraw our troops from border, India will attack and annex Kashmir. Second, we will be violating UN Resolutions and the Kashmir case will be finished. He said that If Pakistan, China and some Muslim countries recognize Kashmir and support us, we can break the Indian shackles of subjugation. He had his own arguments. Once he said: “ Pakistani bureaucracy is absolutely incompetent to high light Kashmir case at International level as they are mercenaries; not missionaries. He felt high grieved on the disinterested attitude of our diplomatic core about this issue. He regretted that we have no Kashmir policy. We only give a casual and routine like statements which have no weight and impact.
Besides, these historical facts, I would like to write a few lines about him with my personal reference as we were good friends. In my book of Urdu articles/ columns titled “ چراغِ افکار” , published in 2015 whose second edition was published by National Book Foundation, Islamabad in 2023. There is a comprehensive article on him titled “ کے – ایچ خورشید کی باتیں”
Of course; It’s an honor to pay tribute to the late K.H. Khurshid, former President of Azad Kashmir. As a close friend, I cherish memories of our meetings in Rawalpindi. When everyone, he visited Rawalpindi, he used to informe a few friends. They were Syed Hassan Shah Gardezi of Bagh, Azad Kashmir, Khawaja Munzoor Dar, Khawaja Sharif and Khawaja Mohayyud Deen Wani. We used to gather at Silver Grill Restaurant, Sadar, Rawalpindi. What I found him as a friend; he was a towering figure, an intellectual, visionary politician, and honest leader. His integrity was unwavering, and his commitment to the Kashmir cause was inspiring.
As Private Secretary to Quaid-e-Azam, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
His presidency of Azad Kashmir was marked by dedication and passion. Despite his influential positions, he lived modestly, without owning a house or land. His tragic death in a road accident near Gujranwala was a shock to all. Once he told me that he is a great lover of poetry and in youth time, he had written some poetry but later due to his political engagements, he couldn’t give time to poetry writing. He was an eloquent speaker of English and Urdu and spoke his mother tongue Kashmiri with his Kashmiri speaking friends. On some occasions, when I felt necessary to communicate some personal information in the presence of others, I delivered my message in Kashmiri. One thing which I found in his personality was intense appreciation for beauty, truth, freedom, justice and Kashmir.
I attended his funeral ceremony in Muzaffarabad, where he was laid to rest. Our friendship allowed me to witness his unwavering commitment to Kashmir’s freedom. It is his greatness that even on my disagreement on some of his political views, the bond of our friendship was very strong. Once he told me that he had great liking for my literary, intellectual and political acumen. It was his greatness to acknowledge my humble achievements. Even today, I feel honored and humbled. Only the men of wisdom, conscience and consciousness can appreciate one’s accomplishments and God gifted talent. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen.
