Youth delegation expresses concern over abrogation of Articles 370, 35A in IIOJK
London: The Youth Parliament of Pakistan (YPP) embarked on a significant tour of the United Kingdom, engaging in a series of high-profile meetings aimed at strengthening ties and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the week-long visit began with a distinguished event hosted by Khalid Mahmood, MP, and Afzal Khan, CBE, aimed at deepening the engagement with the overseas Pakistani community and UK Members of Parliament.
The Deputy Speaker, Dame Rosie Winterton, graced the occasion as the chief guest, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in bridging communities and fostering dialogue.
The members of the delegation also expressed concern over the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by the Modi government.
Following this, the delegation engaged with the Westminster Youth Council in an event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Westminster. This meeting highlighted the role of young leaders in shaping the future and underscored the importance of cross-cultural exchanges.
The YPP President, Ubaid Qureshi, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and insightful discussions with their UK counterparts.
The delegation then traveled to Cardiff, where they visited the Wales Parliament. This visit provided a unique opportunity for the YPP delegates to observe the Welsh legislative process and discuss shared challenges and solutions with Welsh parliamentarians.
A highlight of the visit was a luncheon hosted by Councillor Uzma Rasool, Chair of the Vocal Community Organisation, where the delegates interacted with the overseas Pakistani community. This event facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, further solidifying the bond between the diaspora and the homeland.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, the YPP delegation spent a day at the UK Parliament, participating in the Prime Minister’s Question Hour and observing the proceedings of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. This visit, part of their engagement with the Commonwealth, also included sideline meetings with various Members of the UK Parliament, providing a platform for discussing bilateral issues and exploring avenues for cooperation.
