The Unjustified Withdrawal of JKA Public Agency Lecture: A Blow to Free Speech and Legal Discourse

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By Waheeda Jammu Kashmiri

On March 5, 2025, the Kotli District Bar Association was set to host an essential lecture by JKA Public Agency on the topic “Accession, UN Template, Indian Action, and Our Response.” This lecture aimed to address the ongoing Jammu Kashmir dispute from a legal and international perspective. However, just two days before the scheduled event, on March 3, 2025, the invitation was unexpectedly revoked by Mr. Aftab Anjum, President of the District Bar Association Kotli, along with his cabinet. This last-minute withdrawal raises serious concerns about freedom of speech, legal inclusivity, and the role of the Bar Association in fostering informed discussions.

A Violation of Free Speech and Expression

The cancellation of this lecture stands in direct contradiction to the fundamental human right to freedom of expression. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees the right to express and receive ideas without interference. By barring JKA Public Agency from presenting its insights on the Jammu Kashmir dispute, the Kotli District Bar Association has not only denied a valuable perspective but has also stifled an important discussion that could have enriched legal understanding in the region.

Legal forums, especially bar associations, have historically been bastions of debate and discourse. By withdrawing this invitation, the Kotli Bar Association has taken a regressive step, limiting intellectual engagement and the opportunity for legal professionals to gain deeper insights into a critical issue.

Undermining Equality and Non-Discrimination in Legal Discourse

The reason cited for the cancellation was that only the President, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and party heads in AJK are allowed to address the Bar. This rationale is not only flawed but also discriminatory. Legal forums should not be exclusive to politicians but should be open to civil society, legal scholars, and international experts who can contribute valuable knowledge and diverse perspectives.

Denying access to a legal expert with global recognition while allowing political figures to address the Bar raises concerns about impartiality. The decision reflects an arbitrary application of authority that undermines the principles of justice and fair representation.

Failure to Fulfill the Responsibility of Legal Education

Bar associations play a pivotal role in fostering legal education, especially on matters of international significance like the Jammu Kashmir dispute. The topic of the canceled lecture—“Accession, UN Template, Indian Action, and Our Response”—was designed to provide legal professionals with insights into international law, UN resolutions, and their implications for Jammu Kashmir.

The speaker, Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, has an established reputation in international legal circles, including serving as a Jurist on the International Platform of Jurists for East Timor (IPJET) and representing the Unrepresented Peoples and Nations at the UN World Conference on Human Rights. His expertise would have provided an unparalleled opportunity for legal scholars to engage with global legal frameworks concerning the Kashmir issue. By canceling this lecture, the Kotli Bar Association has deprived its members of a significant learning experience.

Restricting Legal Forums to Politicians: A Dangerous Precedent

The assertion that only politicians and government officials can address the Bar is highly problematic. A Bar Association should not function as a politically controlled entity but rather as an impartial legal institution dedicated to fostering open discourse. Allowing only government representatives to speak limits intellectual diversity and risks transforming the Bar into a politically influenced body rather than a forum for justice and law.

Globally, legal institutions uphold the standard of open discourse, welcoming diverse voices to provide balanced perspectives. If the Kotli Bar Association continues to restrict access to political figures alone, it risks diminishing its credibility as a neutral and independent legal body.

The Way Forward: Restoring the Integrity of the Bar

The withdrawal of this invitation is a missed opportunity for legal enlightenment and informed debate. However, it is not too late for the Kotli District Bar Association to reconsider its stance and restore the tradition of free speech and open discussion.

The leadership of the Bar must reflect on this decision and ensure that such restrictions do not set a precedent for future engagements. The legal fraternity must remain committed to upholding the values of justice, impartiality, and freedom of thought.

The decision to withdraw JKA Public Agency’s lecture at the Kotli District Bar Association is a setback for legal discourse and intellectual freedom. The exclusion of independent legal experts from such forums weakens the essence of legal education and debate. To maintain its integrity and uphold its responsibility to the legal community, the Kotli Bar Association must embrace open discussion, ensure fair representation, and reaffirm its commitment to fostering an environment where diverse legal perspectives can thrive.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere—now is the time to correct this mistake and uphold the principles that define the legal profession.