British Kashmiris Declare Full Support for the Charter of Demands by the Joint Public Action Committee of Azad Kashmir – Declaration
A gathering in support of the Joint Public Action Committee’s Charter of Demands to be held in Luton in January
London Luton (Report by Shiraz Khan): A meeting was held in Luton to discuss the situation that emerged following the strike by the Joint Public Action Committee in Azad Kashmir, the withdrawal of the presidential ordinance, and the release of workers. The meeting was attended by individuals from all walks of life. Responding to the incident at Kohala, where flags and pictures were taken down, it was asserted that those responsible for this act of sabotage should be strictly punished. However, it was also emphasized that there is no justification for mistreating passengers in Murree or forcibly placing Pakistani flags on vehicles. The demand was made that all such elements be brought to justice and given strict punishments to prevent such incidents in the future.
The meeting was hosted by Munawar Khan, Sabir Gul, Tahseen Gilani, and Sajid Shaheen. The participants reiterated their full support for the ongoing public rights movement in Azad Kashmir and stressed that the government and establishment must immediately provide basic rights to the people of the state and refrain from suppressing the movement through coercion and intimidation.
The speakers lauded the people of Azad Kashmir for participating in this movement with unity and peaceful conduct, leading to its success, calling it an unprecedented example. The entire nation deserves congratulations for this achievement, and the Joint Action Committee is to be commended for uniting and organizing the nation.
British Kashmiris emphasized that they are often told that living abroad excludes them from this movement. However, they stressed their direct connection, as any deprivation faced by their families in Azad Kashmir also impacts their own lives. They criticized the Azad Kashmir government for completely failing to secure basic rights for the public.
The speakers demanded that the government immediately implement all agreements made with the Joint Public Action Committee and take practical steps. They urged the improvement of road infrastructure in Azad Kashmir and the provision of an international airport for the Kashmiri people. Furthermore, they called for limiting governmental expenditures and ensuring transparency.
The speakers strongly condemned the presidential ordinance signed by the President of the State, deeming it anti-public. They insisted that the government should have discussed the implications of such an ordinance or law before introducing it.
It was emphasized that the Joint Public Action Committee is a non-ideological and non-political movement, comprising people from all schools of thought. It is entirely incorrect to associate it with any specific ideology or thought. The entire Kashmiri nation is connected to this movement and playing a key role in its success. British Kashmiris are also standing shoulder to shoulder with their brothers in Azad Kashmir, fully supporting and assisting this movement at all levels.
The meeting was attended by Professor Raja Zafar Khan, Malik Ejaz, Asif Sharif, Councillor Anwar Malik, Raja Azam Khan, Dr. Yaseen, former Mayor Waheed Akbar, Mehrban Malik, Raja Aslam Khan, Asif Masood Chaudhry, Tahir Malik, Shabir Malik, Aqeel Butt, Mubashar Tufail, Kashif Chaudhry, Yousuf Chaudhry, Hafiz Tariq Mahmood, Malik Latif Khan, Haji Chaudhry Qurban, Hameed Khan, Jameel Zafri, Muhammad Younis, and Councillor Amjad, who expressed their views during the session.