BIRMINGHAM (Kashmir English): Asia Hussain, Chairperson of the Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI) West Midlands, hosted a special meeting at her residence with Birmingham Member of Parliament Tahir Ali, Senior Vice Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir.
The gathering aimed to thank MP Ali for his continued support on the Kashmir issue.
The meeting was attended by JKSDMI Founding Chairman Raja Najabat Hussain Sitara-e-Pakistan, Former Lord Mayor of Leeds Councilor Aghar Khan Qureshi, President Youth Council Pakistan Muhammad Shehzad Khan, and other distinguished guests from Birmingham.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of JKSDMI, Raja Najabat Hussain briefed them on the organisation’s ongoing activities across the UK, including work within the British Parliament.
He praised the APPG on Kashmir, led by Barrister Imran Hussain MP, for its vital role in amplifying the voices of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “For the past 40 years, we have worked with parliamentarians from all parties, who have consistently supported our right to self-determination and the protection of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
MP Tahir Ali expressed his gratitude to Asia Hussain for hosting the meeting to plan future initiatives.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting JKSDMI’s activities in Birmingham, London, and at the upcoming party conference in September.
Human rights situation in IIOJK
Commending the work of the JKSDMI team, he acknowledged the leadership of Raja Najabat Hussain and Former Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Yasmine Dar, Chairperson of the International Lobby on Kashmir. “Since 2019, British parliamentarians have raised serious concerns with the UK Government regarding the human rights situation in IIOJK, particularly during the conflict between India and Pakistan. We will continue to speak out against these violations,” he said.
Councillor Aghar Khan Qureshi reflected on his long-standing association with JKSDMI since its inception in 2009. He spoke about his work alongside Raja Najabat Hussain in Yorkshire, the House of Commons, the European Parliament, and in Pakistan, pledging to remain active until the goal of self-determination for Kashmir is achieved.
Muhammad Shehzad Khan, President of Youth Council Pakistan, highlighted his mission to engage with universities across the UK to raise awareness about Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and create opportunities for youth in Pakistan and Kashmir.
