The Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir and the Friends of Kashmir organization have launched a new partnership aimed at strengthening international advocacy for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to coordinate efforts in raising awareness and mobilizing support at the global level.
In a meeting held at the National Assembly, Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon met with Ms. Ghazala Habib, Chairperson of Friends of Kashmir. The discussions centered on strategies to intensify parliamentary diplomacy, engage with civil society, and foster cooperation with the Kashmiri diaspora. Key parliamentarians and officials joined the exchange, underlining the significance attached to the Kashmir issue within Pakistan’s political leadership.
Ms. Ghazala Habib invited the Parliamentary Committee to visit the United States, underscoring the importance of face-to-face engagement with international lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the Kashmiri community abroad. She stressed that such visits would not only have symbolic value but would also enhance practical advocacy for the cause of Kashmiris, whose voices she said are often marginalized on the world stage.
Participants highlighted ongoing human rights violations, concerns about demographic changes in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and the situation of prominent Kashmiri prisoners such as Yasin Malik, Syed Shabbir Shah, Dr. Qasim Faktoo, and Asiya Andrabi. There was consensus on the urgent need to counter disinformation and ensure that the global narrative on Kashmir upholds the principles of justice, international law, and human rights.
The MoU signed between the two organizations establishes a structured framework for collaboration. This includes joint advocacy campaigns, information exchange, organization of international conferences and delegations, coordinated media outreach, and initiatives to empower youth voices on the Kashmir issue.
Federal Minister Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and moral support for the people of Kashmir. He called for the international community to recognize Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Minister Noon also referenced recent remarks by the Chinese Foreign Minister expressing continued support for Kashmir, noting that China’s stance further strengthens Pakistan’s position and contributes to regional stability.
Ms. Ghazala Habib praised the initiative by the Parliamentary Committee and renewed her commitment to mobilizing global support through diaspora communities, legislators, and human rights activists worldwide.
The newly formalized cooperation between Pakistan’s parliamentary institutions and civil society marks a significant step in advocating for Kashmir’s right to self-determination and presenting a united front at international forums.
