News Broadcasting
Musharraf: Pakistan against independence of Kashmir
MUMBAI : In a landmark interview on NDTV Pak President Pervez Mushrraf has for the first time said that Pakistan is prepared to give up its claim to Kashmir if India and Pakistan agree on the ‘four-point solution’
(a solution in which boundaries are not changed and India does not have to give up any territory).
Musharraf, when asked by NDTV’s Dr Pronnoy Roy, “so you are prepared to give up your claim to Kashmir”? replied: “We will have to … Yes … if this solution comes up”. The excerpts of the interview will be telecast on News on Tuesday night, an NDTV press statement said.
Musharraf also says that Pakistan would give up its demand for a plebiscite in the region and give up on the UN resolutions, under this solution. He added that that self-governance or autonomy is not independence -saying that Pakistan is against independence for Kashmir.
It may be remembered that last year, Musharraf had hinted that the solution to the Kashmir problem could be possible “within Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh and my tenures”, and the latest startling statement on NDTV seems to be a well-planned one, following a calculated roadmap.
When Roy repeated his question: “You are letting them self govern and you have no claim on Kashmir” … Musharraf retorted: “Why are you going on … I have said, at the moment, both India and Pakistan … We are on the same position as we were since 1948. But we both … I am saying … we both ought to be prepared to give up all that we have been saying. And this includes all this … If we reach an agreement where we are giving self governance, yes indeed…”
In the interview President Musharraf also makes it clear that if the four-point solution (no change in boundaries of Kashmir; borders and the LoC to be made irrelevant; staggered demilitarisation; and autonomy or self-governance with a joint supervision mechanism) is agreed upon … Pakistan would also give up on the UN resolutions and its long-standing demand for a plebiscite.
Roy further asked, “One thing in your solution… I will just be very clear so that the people of India can know this clearly. You are being, in a way, extremely bold, because it means that you are giving up plebiscite and giving up the UN resolution?”
The wily general replied “One is giving up that clearly and I say, yes am giving up…There is a provision in that. One is prepared to give up, in case India leaves its stated position also…”
The Pakistani President also said: “I believe when you are negotiating and you go for peace, it means what? It means compromise … otherwise you can’t… go for a solution of a problem … What do you mean by compromise? Compromise can never take place if you don’t step back. Compromise inherently means stepping back by both sides. So inherently, both sides have to give up their positions … and step back. If one of us is not prepared to step back, we will not reach a solution.”
Musharraf also made it clear that once Pakistan gives up its claim to Kashmir, this four-point solution would not be a negotiating step towards getting independence for Kashmir and that self-governance or autonomy is not the first step to Kashmir’s independence.
Roy asked: “Are you then saying, No independence for Kashmir?” and the general said: “Absolutely, we are against independence… and so is India.”
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
