The Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Syedal Khan Nasir, has described Kashmir as the “jugular vein of Pakistan,” stressing the need for a resolution in line with United Nations mandates during a high-level meeting with British Member of Parliament Imran Hussain at Parliament House. The discussions also focused on bilateral relations and the critical need for development in Pakistan”s underprivileged areas, especially Balochistan.
The session was attended by Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, who joined a 15-member delegation accompanying the British MP, according to official information today.
The UK contingent included Mr Hussain’s father, a former British parliamentarian, alongside representatives from the welfare organisation Orphans in Need, including its Country Director, Muhammad Faisal Ishaq, and Head of Fundraising.
During the comprehensive talks, Mr Hussain confirmed that he and other Kashmiri leaders consistently raise the Kashmir issue across all significant forums in the United Kingdom. He remarked that these efforts have increased global awareness of what he termed “the true face of India.”
Mr Nasir used the opportunity to highlight the severe challenges faced by Balochistan, noting that 17 of the nation”s 24 underdeveloped districts are located within the province. He cited terrorism, law and order, and security as significant hurdles but described the province as the “Central Gateway of Asia,” rich in minerals and natural resources that could be harnessed through collective effort.
The Deputy Chairman informed the delegation that the current government is prioritising these marginalised regions, pointing to significant improvements in communication infrastructure that have drastically reduced travel times. He identified CPEC and the Gwadar projects as pivotal initiatives poised to benefit not only the local populace but the entire region and neighbouring countries.
He also reiterated the stance of Pakistan’s leadership, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on consistently advocating for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination on the international stage.
Representatives from Orphans in Need briefed the gathering on their organisation”s extensive welfare initiatives, which currently support over 120,000 orphan children across 14 countries. Their work in Pakistan focuses on education, community development, and social welfare in underdeveloped regions.
The organisation detailed the establishment of centres in Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad, the provision of 1,200 educational scholarships, and notable success stories, including one supported student pursuing a PhD and another who has become a lady doctor. Further initiatives include monthly ration support and housing construction for widows.
Commending the humanitarian services, Mr Nasir termed the work for orphans and widows as praiseworthy and urged for such projects to be expanded into more underdeveloped areas to assist a greater number of deserving people.
He also acknowledged overseas Pakistanis as a “valuable national asset,” recognising their crucial role in the country’s prosperity and calling on expatriate philanthropists to actively contribute to the development of Pakistan”s deprived regions.
Concluding the formal discussions, MP Imran Hussain extended an invitation to the Deputy Chairman Senate to visit the United Kingdom. The visiting delegation also expressed their heartfelt condolences to Mr Nasir on the recent passing of his sister-in-law.