An impressive discussion on Kashmir took place in Washington … Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai
It was exceptionally remarkable to see the leadership of Americans of Azad Kashmir heritage meeting at the residence of Sardar Zarif Khan in Springfield, the suburban of Washington, D.C. after a long time. Reason: Sardar Sawar Khan Sahib, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir was experiencing some health issues and was not able to travel to Washington for the last two years. Likewise, Sardar Zarif Khan Sahib, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir was not feeling well either and did not travel to New York for more than a year. Both, Sardar Sawar Khan and Sardar Zarif Khan continue to be making gradual progress, Alhamdulillah.
Sardar Zarif Khan and his family were delighted to see the friends who came from Saudi Arabia, Canada, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and of course from Washington metropolitan area as well.
It was underscored that the people in Azad Kashmir appreciate the dedication and selfless contribution of the Kashmiri diaspora towards highlighting the cause of Kashmir at the international level.
It was observed that Kashmir cause needs professional experts to put forth the Kashmiri perspectives at important corridors of power. Kashmiri diaspora must work for the common good of the people of Indian occupied Kashmir, irrespective of party affiliations and political beliefs. They must become ambassadors of all people of Kashmir, irrespective of their religious background as well.
It was said that the people of Indian occupied Kashmir have given unprecedented sacrifices, and our responsibility is to come to rescue them in their hour of need. Therefore, it was reinforced that the leadership of various political parties in Azad Kashmir have an important role to play in this regard.
It was pointed out that Kashmiri Americans are positioned at one of the most important capitals of the world – Washington, DC. The youth and students, irrespective of their political affiliations and country of origin, must be motivated to volunteer in various activities, be it social media, organizing seminars, symposium, lectures on university campuses and elsewhere.
It was also decided that an extensive use of social media, especially videos, should become a vehicle in highlighting the struggle of people of Kashmir. And an effective outreach campaign on Kashmir dispute towards the peace-loving sections of the American civil society is the need of the time.
As usual, the guests discussed the possibility of renting digital led trucks on January 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. which is the day when the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) passed a resolution on Kashmir on January 5, 1948. The guests said that it is vital to have digital trucks which has proved quite effective to remind the United Nations and the United Nations Administration that Kashmir continues to be an unresolved issue until today.
Hamid Malik Sahib, well-known community leader presented gifts to each participant as a token of appreciation.
Those who attended today’s get together 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 Sahib, Kabir Khan Sahib, Sardar Iftikhar Khan, Sardar Zeeshan Khan.
Du’a was made for the martyrs of Kashmir, and in particular for Haleema Malik, the paternal aunt of Yassin Malik, incarcerated leader of Kashmir freedom struggle, who passed in Srinagar on December 21, 2024.
Special Dua was made for Sardar Zarif Khan, Sardar Sawar Khan, and Sardar Taj Khan for their early recovery! Ameen.
Sardar Zeeshan Zarif Khan offered the guests delicious dinner, prepared by his mom.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai is the Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice.
He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435. Or. gnfai2003@yahoo.com
www.kashjirawareness.org