Biography

Amanullah Khan, born in Gilgit in 1934, emerged as a key figure in Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination. Educated in law at Karachi University, his early career as a lawyer was profoundly influenced by the unresolved trauma of Kashmir's partition. Determined to champion the rights of the Kashmiri people, he co-founded the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in 1976 alongside Maqbool Bhat. Their seminal manifesto rejected both Indian and Pakistani sovereignty, advocating for a UN-supervised plebiscite to determine Kashmir’s future.

Khan’s strategy skillfully merged militant resistance with diplomatic outreach. While Maqbool Bhat became the face of grassroots rebellion, Khan worked tirelessly on the international stage—lobbying at the UN, the European Parliament, and other global forums—to frame Kashmir as a decolonization struggle. Following Bhat’s execution in 1984, Khan pivoted the JKLF towards non-violent activism, emphasizing political mobilization and human rights advocacy. Despite controversy surrounding his militant past, his legacy endures as a symbol of Kashmiri resilience and the relentless pursuit of Azadi (freedom).

A prolific writer, Khan authored seminal works such as Kashmir: The Wounded Paradise and The Nation That Lost Its Soul, books that critically examine the colonial legacies and geopolitical maneuverings in Kashmir. His writings continue to inspire new generations in the fight for an independent and united Kashmir.

Select Publications

• Kashmir: The Wounded Paradise (1991) – A critical history framing Kashmir as a nation betrayed by international promises.
• Kashmir: Behind the White Curtain (2005) – A memoir detailing his journey from militancy to global advocacy.
• The Nation That Lost Its Soul (2012) – A scathing critique of political manipulation by regional powers.
• Letters from Prison (2016) – A posthumous collection of writings that capture his resilience and hope.

Legacy & Global Advocacy

Amanullah Khan's vision transformed the political discourse in Kashmir. By internationalizing the Kashmiri plight and advocating for a UN-mandated plebiscite, he ensured that the struggle for self-determination received global attention. His blend of militancy and diplomacy not only challenged the dominant state narratives of India and Pakistan but also inspired countless activists, scholars, and political leaders towards a common goal of genuine Kashmiri independence.