Kashmir unites Pakistani American diaspora beyond political differences
Communities unite at reception for Sardar Shoaib Irshad in Virginia
Washington : Kashmiri American and Pakistani American community leaders gathered in Springfield, Virginia, to honor Sardar Shoaib Irshad following his appointment as Advisor and Coordinator for North America by Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Rathore.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the reception at Des Pardes Restaurant was organized by Sardar Zarif Khan and brought together leaders from across the Washington metropolitan area. Speakers praised Irshad’s decades of advocacy in Washington and at the United Nations, and his role as General Secretary of the Kashmiri American Welfare Association for three consecutive terms.
Representatives of PTI, PPP, PML-N, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam attended, with participants stressing that Kashmir remains a unifying cause for the Pakistani American diaspora despite political differences.
The event concluded with a Du’a led by Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace & Justice, who said such gatherings in Washington send a message to Kashmiris that they are not alone.
He reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia requires granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination in line with international commitments. Certificates of appreciation were also presented by Insaniyat Foundation Chairman Akram Butt to community members for their contributions.
