Discussions Focus on Development, Education, Employment and the Kashmir Issue
Report: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — Raja Pervez Ahmed Khan, Central Member of the Majlis-e-Amila of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Azad Kashmir and General Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Community International (JKCI), met former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan at Kashmir House, Islamabad.
The meeting covered the political situation in Azad Kashmir, development initiatives, education, employment opportunities for young people, and efforts to achieve a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Raja Pervez Ahmed Khan congratulated Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan on the formation of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government in Azad Kashmir and expressed hope that his political experience and guidance would contribute to the region’s development. He emphasized improving education and healthcare, strengthening infrastructure, ensuring merit and transparent governance, and creating more employment and vocational training opportunities for young people.
**Kashmir Issue and Right to Self-Determination**
Raja Pervez Ahmed Khan said that a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue must reflect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and be consistent with relevant United Nations resolutions.
He urged the political leadership of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir to continue coordinated diplomatic efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue internationally. He also stressed that overseas Kashmiris should play an active role in raising awareness of human rights violations and the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination before international institutions and relevant governments.
**October 27: Black Day**
Describing October 27, 1947, as a tragic day in Kashmir’s history, Raja Pervez Ahmed Khan said that Black Day serves as a reminder of the Kashmiri people's struggle for self-determination, fundamental human rights and justice.
He appealed to political parties, social organizations, students, young people and overseas Kashmiris to participate in peaceful and democratic activities to observe Black Day and express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that political stability, public welfare and development in Azad Kashmir must go hand in hand with keeping the Kashmir issue among national priorities.
Raja Pervez Ahmed Khan reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir Community International (JKCI) would continue supporting diplomatic and democratic efforts to protect the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, uphold their right to self-determination and pursue a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir issue.
He expressed hope that national unity, effective diplomacy and sustained efforts would help achieve a resolution reflecting the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and contributing to lasting peace and stability in the region.
