Kashmiri Diaspora Meets in Washington, DC
A productive and useful get-together of likeminded friends and colleagues was hosted by Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir at his Washington residence on November 21, 2023. Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan who is visiting his family in Washington metropolitan area was the chief guest. Mr Shafi Khan, a well-known community leader presided over the meeting.
Sardar Zarif Khan said that it is a fact that the leadership of all political parties in Azad Kashmir has exhibited strong sensitivity to the cause of Kashmir, however, the contemptible plan of Modi Administration to change the demographic character of Kashmir needs a serious strategic planning by Azad Kashmir leadership at this crucial stage in the history of Kashmir.
Sardar Zarif added that we may belong to different political parties in Azad Kashmir but in Washington we belong only to the nation and people of Kashmir. We want to be the voice of the voiceless people of occupied Kashmir in the corridors of power, be it Washington, New York, or elsewhere.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice, speaking on the occasion observed that it is a fact that the situation in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has dramatically changed, particularly since August 5, 2019, and it will not be an exaggeration to say that the people of occupied land are facing an existential threat. Indian colonialist rulers have put their machinery in motion which is fast moving to accelerate the process of genocide they have systematically put in place through their proxies since October 27, 1947.
Dr Fai added that the Kashmiri Diaspora leadership has not only to maintain its narrative, but the narrative should be equally coherent. We do not need to invent it. It is already there with international sanctity. In approaching a Kashmir resolution, the sole non-negotiable issue should be respecting the consensus of the people of all five regions of the state of Jammu & Kashmir with whom sovereignty resides.
Dr Fai pleaded that the global Kashmiri diaspora leadership is a bouquet of flowers. It’s time to see all the flowers in a bouquet together, working together, gleaming brightly in the sunlight of Kashmiri beauty. It’s time that we fill that vase with all the flowers that Kashmir has to offer the people. It’s time that the global Kashmiri leadership gives all that flows from its heart, because it is only then that the people will respond and demonstrate the power of their love for their country, Kashmir – the paradise on earth.
Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan spoke next. Upon his return to Azad Kashmir, he informed, he will try to contact intellectuals, scholars, journalists, and academics of Azad Kashmir, who have a deep and thorough understanding of the Kashmir issue and who should keep themselves well acquainted about the day-to-day happenings in occupied Kashmir. Their job will be to mobilize the public opinion among the civil society and the foreign diplomatic corps in Islamabad.
Sardar Zulfiqar added that soon after the election in Pakistan, a person will be appointed to be the Chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee. The function of this committee and the framework under which they function has always been highly ambiguous. Its role needs to be clearly defined. Sardar Zulfiqar remarked that he will lobby that the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Kashmir committee should be an individual who has a strong understanding about Kashmir’s history and the current situation in the context of the present international scenario. This person should be very energetic, endowed with excellent communication skills and have freedom to induct former well reputed diplomats in the committee as advisors.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Sardar Zubair Khan, Shoaib Irshad, Joint Secretary, Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA), Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan, Maqsood Chughtai, and Hamid Malik.
Finally, the participants demanded the release of all political prisoners in Indian occupied Kashmir, including Yasin Malik, Masart Aalam, Shabir Ahmed Shah, Aasia Andrabi, Khurram Parvez, Irfan Mehraj, Fahad Shah, Sajad Gul, Asif Sultan, and others. They also demanded the repeal of various special repressive laws; and asked India to restore the rights of peaceful association, assembly and demonstrations.
The meeting concluded with Du’s for the martyrs of Kashmir.
Others present in the meeting included: Tariq Khan; Zeeshan khan; Tariq Nazir: Mustafa Khan, Tariq Chughtai, Hayat Khan, and Farooq Khan. Raja Liaqat Kiyani, President Kashmir House, could not attend due to prior commitment.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai is the President, World Forum for Peace & Justice - gnfai2003@yahoo.com
