Kashmir issue at international level: Senate body urges FO to enhance lobbying efforts

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan & SAFRON has urged the Foreign Office to enhance lobbying efforts to raise the Kashmir cause more effectively at appropriate international forums.

The Committee met hereon Tuesday with Senator Asad Qasim in the chair. The meeting deliberated on matters concerning the developments on the Kashmir issue at the international level, recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and the role, scope, and functions of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Council.

Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur expressed concern over the limited influence of politicians of Pakistani origin in the United Kingdom and emphasised the need for stronger advocacy on the Kashmir issue, highlighting the daily hardships faced by the Kashmiri people. At the direction of the Chairman, the Ministry was asked to share a list of Early Day Motions (EDMs) raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UK. The DG assured the panel that the Kashmir issue would continue to be pursued at the international level.

The Director General (Foreign Affairs), South Asia (SAARC), briefed the Committee on a motion tabled in the UK House of Commons by a Conservative Party member. Similar motions were tabled in 2014, 2021, and January 2025 but failed to gain sufficient support and did not reach the stage of debate. The motion included references to terrorism, including the Pahalgam incident, and expressed sympathy with affected families.

It was informed that only two members had signed the motion, which did not secure substantial backing. The official noted that such motions are often moved to gain visibility within certain communities.

The Committee was informed that the Pakistan High Commission actively works on Kashmir-related initiatives in the UK and submits a large number of EDMs annually. It was highlighted that Pakistan-sponsored EDMs, vetted by 44 members and moved by MP Imran Hussain (Labour Party), led to debates in Westminster Hall and Oxford University.

During the briefing on the role, scope, and functions of the GB Council, it was reiterated that Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Council comprises nominated and elected members, with nominated members selected by the Prime Minister.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025