Diaspora’s impressive discussion on Kashmir held in Washington
Plan to rent Digital LED trucks on Jan 5 to highlight UNCIP resolution
Washington: A significant gathering of Americans of Kashmir heritage took place at the residence of Sardar Zarif Khan in Springfield, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., after a long hiatus.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the event was notable for the attendance of key figures such as Sardar Sawar Khan, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, and Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir, both of whom have been facing health challenges.
Sardar Sawar Khan had been unable to travel to Washington for two years, and Sardar Zarif Khan had not visited New York for over a year. However, both are gradually recovering.
The gathering brought together participants from Saudi Arabia, Canada, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Washington metropolitan area. The hosts expressed gratitude for the support and camaraderie displayed by the Kashmiri diaspora.
The discussion underscored the appreciation of Azad Kashmir’s people for the diaspora’s tireless efforts in championing the Kashmir cause on the international stage. It was emphasized that the Kashmir issue requires professional advocacy to present the Kashmiri perspective effectively in influential global forums.
Participants called on the Kashmiri diaspora to unite beyond party lines and political beliefs, acting as ambassadors for all Kashmiris regardless of religion. The group highlighted the need for solidarity in supporting the people of Indian occupied Kashmir, who have made tremendous sacrifices for their freedom.
Recognizing the strategic position of Kashmiri Americans in Washington, D.C., attendees urged the youth and students to engage in activities such as social media campaigns, organizing events, and raising awareness on university campuses. An emphasis was placed on using videos and social media extensively to highlight the struggle of Kashmiris and conducting outreach campaigns to engage American civil society.
A plan was discussed to rent digital LED trucks on January 5, 2025, to commemorate the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution on Kashmir, passed on January 5, 1948. The participants agreed that such visual campaigns have proven effective in reminding the United Nations and its leadership of Kashmir’s unresolved status.
Hamid Malik, a respected community leader, presented gifts to the attendees as a gesture of appreciation.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Sardar Sawar Khan, Aftab Shah, Sardar Imtiaz Khan (New Jersey), Sardar Sajid Sawar, Sardar Zubair Khan, Sadaqat Hayat, Sardar Shoaib Irshad, Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan, Hamid Malik, Kabir Khan, Sardar Iftikhar Khan, and Sardar Zeeshan Khan.
The gathering concluded with prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir and for Haleema Malik, the paternal aunt of Yasin Malik, the incarcerated leader of the Kashmir freedom movement, who passed away in Srinagar on December 21, 2024. Special prayers were also offered for the speedy recovery of Sardar Zarif Khan, Sardar Sawar Khan, and Sardar Taj Khan.
A dinner prepared by the host’s family was served, with Sardar Zeeshan Zarif Khan offering warm hospitality to all attendees.
