London: The Kashmir Parliamentary Conference, organised by the Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI) and led by Founding Chairman Raja Najabat Hussain Sitara-i-Pakistan, was successfully held at Westminster, with the support of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir. The event, attended by more than 20 British Parliamentarians and delegates, reaffirmed unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, Dr Muhammad Faisal, was the chief guest, while Tahir Ali MP, Senior Vice Chairman of the APPG on Kashmir, presided over the conference. The event brought together a powerful cross-section of British political leadership, Kashmiri activists, diplomats, and human rights advocates, all calling for an end to human rights abuses in IIOJK.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Muhammad Faisal reiterated Pakistan's firm and unwavering support for the Kashmiri people, emphasising that their struggle for justice, dignity, and self-determination is not just a regional issue but a global human rights challenge.
'The people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured decades of suffering, yet their spirit remains unbroken. Their unwavering resilience stands as a testament to the human will to resist oppression and demand the rights that are inherently theirs.'
Dr Faisal condemned India's unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, including the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, calling it a blatant violation of international law and UN resolutions. He further denounced the ongoing human rights abuses, including:
Arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings Media blackouts and restrictions on freedom of expression
Forced demographic changes aimed at altering the region's identity Use of draconian laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) The High Commissioner urged the UK Parliament to leverage its historical ties and global influence to demand:
Immediate cessation of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir Restoration of Kashmir's autonomous status and reversal of India's unilateral actions Unhindered access for international observers and media to assess the ground reality Implementation of UN resolutions guaranteeing the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination Dr Faisal reaffirmed Pakistan's moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmir cause, stating:
"The struggle of the Kashmiri people is not just their fight; it is a test of the world's collective conscience. The world cannot remain silent while their voices are stifled, their freedoms curtailed, and their dignity stripped away.'
JKSDMI Chairman Raja Najabat Hussain, in his address, expressed his gratitude to APPG on Kashmir officials, the Pakistani High Commission, and British Parliamentarians for their ongoing support. He reaffirmed JKSDMI's commitment to raising the Kashmir issue through continued advocacy, parliamentary engagement, and grassroots activism across the UK.
He highlighted the need for immediate international intervention to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in IIOJK and reiterated that Kashmir's freedom struggle is gaining momentum despite India's oppressive measures.
Raja Najabat Hussain also announced a series of future meetings and conferences, including further engagements within the British Parliament, to ensure the Kashmir cause remains on the global agenda.
'The suffering of the Kashmiri people cannot be ignored. We will continue to raise their voices, advocate for their rights, and fight for a just resolution until the day Kashmiris achieve their rightful freedom.'
British Parliamentarians Show Unwavering Support
The conference featured a strong parliamentary presence, with senior lawmakers reaffirming their support for Kashmir's self-determination. Among them were:
Barrister Imran Hussain MP, Chairman APPG on Kashmir Barrister Yasmin Qureshi MP, Chairperson APPG on Pakistan Tan Dhesi MP, Chair of the British Defence Select Committee Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary to the Treasury Dr Afzal Khan MP CBE Mohammad Yasin MP, British Trade Envoy for Pakistan
James Frith MP Abtisam Mohamed MP, Member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Lord Qurban Hussain Baroness Nosheena Mubbarak
Andrew Pakes MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Connor Rand MP
Kate Dearden MP
Barrister Mohammad Ayoub MP
Adnan Hussain MP
Anna Dixon MP
Gareth Snell MP
Dr Alison Clarkson MP
Lorraine Beavers MP
Alex Ballinger MP
Harpreet Uppal MP
The event also saw the presence of senior members of Pakistan's diplomatic mission in the UK, including Deputy High Commissioner Haseeb Bin Aziz, First Secretary Naila Israr, and First Secretary Sarfraz Khan.
Kashmiri leaders such as Professor Shahid Iqbal, Chaudhary Mohammad Azeem, Laiq Ali Khan, and Javed Tariq (General Secretary JKSDMI UK) actively participated, alongside Nadia Jahfery (Chairperson JKSDMI London Region), Fozia Hussain, Mohammad Ameen Bobby, Sadia Mir, Rehana Ali Advocate, and Sheikh Ramzi Ahmed. Representatives from Third World Solidarity, women leaders from London, and members of the Pakistani media were also in attendance.
The conference concluded with a strong collective commitment to ensuring Kashmir's struggle for self-determination remains at the forefront of international advocacy. British Parliamentarians vowed to continue lobbying within the UK Parliament and on global platforms to push for the protection of fundamental human rights in IIOJK.
As Kashmir Solidarity Week continues, JKSDMI is set to hold further engagements to amplify the voices of Kashmiris suffering under occupation and ensure the global community does not remain silent in the face of ongoing atrocities.
With growing international attention and sustained parliamentary advocacy, the Kashmir Parliamentary Conference at Westminster marked another significant step towards achieving a just and peaceful resolution for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.