General Zia-ul-Haq, envisioning the liberation of Kashmir, was poised to support both the Kashmir and Khalistan movements. However, his untimely demise in 1988 shifted the dynamics. The Kashmiris continued their struggle against brutal Indian forces, facing atrocities and human rights abuses.
The political landscape in Pakistan witnessed significant shifts, with various regimes adopting different approaches toward Kashmir. Benazir Bhutto’s era saw a reversal of gains in Afghanistan and Kashmir, while Nawaz Sharif pursued diplomatic initiatives with various Indian leaders. The post-9/11 era brought new challenges, as Pakistan faced allegations of supporting terrorism.