ISLAMABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President and veteran diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has called on Pakistanis and Kashmiris living abroad — especially in the UK, Europe, and North America — to unify their advocacy efforts and capitalize on renewed global focus on the Kashmir conflict.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in Islamabad, Khan addressed members of the diaspora community, urging them to act cohesively and strategically at this critical moment.
“The recent India-Pakistan confrontations have reminded the world that Kashmir remains a dangerous flashpoint between two nuclear powers,” he said, emphasizing that renewed international interest offers an opportunity to press for a peaceful resolution.
Khan praised the diaspora’s previous successes, particularly after India revoked Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. “That move galvanized the global community. The diaspora’s efforts led to two human rights resolutions being passed in the European Parliament in 2020,” he noted.
However, he lamented the loss of momentum in recent years, blaming factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and internal disunity within the diaspora. “We now have another opportunity, following the recent armed confrontation between India and Pakistan on May 10. But we must act as one,” he said.
He commended grassroots activists like Faheem Kiani, Muhammad Ghalib, and Zafar Qureshi, as well as organizations such as Tehreek-e-Kashmir, for their tireless work. “These are individuals who work without seeking fame or financial reward. They set an example,” he added.
But he also criticized factionalism and political rivalries among diaspora groups, calling it a major obstacle. “This disunity weakens our cause and benefits those who want Kashmir to be forgotten,” he warned.
Khan urged second- and third-generation Kashmiris and Pakistanis in the West to actively participate in local politics, advocacy, and media. “These young people understand how the systems work in their countries. Their engagement is vital to building influence and changing narratives,” he said.
The event concluded with a call for coordinated, strategic efforts across diaspora communities to ensure Kashmir remains on the international agenda.
