Engineer Rohan Chaudhary
London: Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), addressed members of the British Parliament at the House of Commons, urging the UK to play its role in resolving the Kashmir issue and ensuring the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people.
“The UK has a dual responsibility in this matter, as the Kashmir issue originated when Britain ended its 200-year rule over the subcontinent,” President Chaudhry stated. He emphasized that even after 77 years, Kashmiris are still looking toward the international community for justice and freedom.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he warned that Pakistan and India, both nuclear-armed nations, are at constant risk of conflict, where even a minor incident could escalate into a full-scale war, threatening global peace. “The key to lasting peace in South Asia lies in resolving the Kashmir dispute,” he stressed.
President Chaudhry called for international intervention, particularly from the UK, to facilitate meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan. He insisted that Kashmiri representatives must be included in peace negotiations, as they are the primary stakeholders in the conflict. Furthermore, he urged the global community to pressure India into taking confidence-building measures in the region before any talks commence.
The session saw the participation of several British MPs and Lords, including Barrister Imran Hussain, Debbie Abrahams, Neil Duncan Jordan, Jon Trickett, Tahir Ali, Grahame Morris, Matt Turmain, John McDonnell, Harpreet Uppal, Lord Qurban Hussain, Ian Lavery, Jas Atwal, Andrew Pakes, Baroness Pola Uddin, and Baroness Shaista Gohir, among others. They assured President Chaudhry that they would continue to advocate for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination at every forum, including the British Parliament and government.
British MP Barrister Imran Hussain commended President Chaudhry’s efforts in raising global awareness about Kashmir and acknowledged the urgency of the situation. “Every time he visits, he reminds us of our responsibility towards the Kashmiri people,” Hussain stated. Similarly, MP Debbie Abrahams expressed gratitude for the briefing on the latest developments in Kashmir and reiterated her commitment to championing the cause in Parliament.
President Chaudhry also criticized India’s actions in the region, accusing the Modi government of suppressing minorities and exposing the country’s claim of being the world’s largest democracy. He pointed to India’s alleged involvement in international terror activities, citing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims regarding the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Concluding his address, President Chaudhry called on Britain to acknowledge its historical responsibility and actively contribute to a resolution that ensures the Kashmiri people attain their long-denied right to self-determination.
