A strategy meeting to advance the Kashmir cause was held at Bamian Restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia—part of the Washington metropolitan area. The session brought together leading Kashmiri American activists and community leaders to chart upcoming advocacy actions in the United States.  Attendees included Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice; Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir; Raja Liaqat Kiyani, President, Kashmir House Maryland.

Sardar Zubair Khan, Director of Community Affairs, Voice of Justice in Kashmir; Sardar Shoaib Irshad, General Secretary, Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA); and Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan, a prominent community figure in the Washington area.  Dr. Fai emphasized that uncertainty and anxiety dominate life in Indian occupied Kashmir, shaped by ongoing insecurity and repression.

He urged the diaspora to remain active in highlighting grave human rights violations and the denial of Kashmiris' right to self-determination. “A peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute is key to lasting peace in South Asia,” he said.  Sardar Zarif Khan proposed holding two major events: one on August 5, 2025, to mark the anniversary of India’s abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, and another on August 13, 2025, to observe UN Kashmir Resolution Day.   

Raja Liaqat Kiyani suggested renting digital trucks in Washington, D.C. and New York City on those respective dates to raise awareness and express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Sardar Shoaib Irshad underlined the strategic role Kashmiri Americans can play from Washington, D.C., noting the United States' historical involvement in the UN Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) and its support for Kashmiris' right to self-determination.   

Meanwhile, Sardar Zubair Khan shared that he would visit Azad Kashmir soon to coordinate plans for an International Kashmir Conference in Muzaffarabad or Islamabad, in consultation with Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan and Professor Waris Ali.  Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan called for early preparations for a strong peaceful protest in front of the United Nations in September 2025, timed with the UN General Assembly session. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)