The British Kashmiri diaspora has issued a powerful Charter for Rights and Representation, calling on the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to uphold their constitutional, political, and civic rights. With over one million British Kashmiris and millions more worldwide, the diaspora plays a vital role in advocacy, economic development, and remittances for AJK. However, they remain excluded from key decision-making processes.
The Charter prepared by Kashmir Development Foundation, submitted to the President of AJK, outlines six urgent demands to strengthen the diaspora’s connection with AJK, secure their political representation, and ensure their role in the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
1. Appointment of a Plebiscite Advisor
Under Article 5(11) of the AJK Interim Constitution 1974, the President of AJK is responsible for appointing a Plebiscite Advisor to oversee efforts toward the implementation of the United Nations Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
* The lack of an official mechanism to initiate, facilitate, and coordinate dialogue with international stakeholders has weakened AJK’s role in advocating for the right to self-determination.
* The Office of the President of AJK stands negligent in its duty to implement the AJK High Court decision (1999 YLR77) dated 02 April 1999 on the writ petition 122(1992) by Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR) V Govt. AJK concerning the appointment of the Plebiscite Advisor.
* The appointment of a Plebiscite Advisor is a constitutional obligation, not a choice.
* This advisor should work with the UN, Pakistan, India, and the Kashmiri leadership to push for a credible process leading to a plebiscite in line with the UN Charter and International law.
2. Digital Pushtini-Bashinda-e-Riyasat Certificate for the Citizens of AJK
The Pushtini-Bashinda-e-Riyasat Jammu and Kashmir Certificate (Permanent State Subjects Certificate) is essential for proving the Kashmiri identity, inheriting property, and exercising political rights.
* Over one million British Kashmiris and millions more worldwide risk losing their legal status as citizens of Jammu and Kashmir due to outdated documentation processes.
* Without a machine-readable digital card, the diaspora may be denied participation in the plebiscite, should it take place.
We demand the AJK Government:
* Issue digital Pushtini-Bashinda-e-Riyasat Certificate cards.
* Set up a Facilitation Centre in the UK to streamline the application process for the diaspora.
3. Representation in the AJK Assembly
The AJK Legislative Assembly currently allocates 12 seats for the J&K refugees in Pakistan but ignores the equitable representation of the Kashmiri diaspora, despite their immense political, economic, and social contributions to AJK.
* There are over one million Kashmiris in the UK, 500,000 in the EU, 1.5 million in the Middle East, and 500,000 in North America.
* The diaspora plays a critical role in Kashmir’s economy through remittances, investments, and international advocacy.
We demand 12 reserved seats in the AJK Assembly:
* 6 for the UK and Europe.
* 3 for the Middle East.
* 3 for North America and other countries.
4. International and Domestic Airports in AJK
AJK lacks direct international connectivity, forcing millions of Kashmiris to travel via Islamabad and Lahore. This increases costs and travel time and restricts direct International trade, tourism, and economic growth.
* The lack of an international airport hinders rapid humanitarian response during disasters.
We demand:
* One international airport to connect AJK with the world.
* Two domestic airports to facilitate intra-regional travel.
5. Youth and Cultural Exchange Programme
The younger generations of the Kashmiri diaspora are losing touch with their heritage, language, and homeland.
* There is no formal platform for Kashmiri youth in AJK and abroad to engage in cultural, academic, and professional exchanges.
A structured Cultural Exchange and Youth Mobility Work Experience Scheme between AJK and the UK, EU, and North America will:
* Help young Kashmiris connect with their roots.
* Create educational and economic opportunities.
* Strengthen bilateral ties between AJK and the diaspora.
6. Implementation of the Joint Awami Action Committee Charter of Demand
The British Kashmiri diaspora overwhelmingly supports the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) Charter of Demand in AJK.
* On 8th December 2024, the AJK Government made commitments and agreements with the JK Joint Awami Action Committee to address critical issues raised by the people of AJK.
* The AJK Government must honour and fully implement the demands agreed upon with the JKAAC, as failure to do so will further weaken public trust and fuel discontent.
* The British Kashmiri diaspora stands in solidarity with the people of AJK in demanding justice, accountability, and good governance.
The British Kashmiri community stands firm in demanding these urgent steps to safeguard our rights, preserve our identity, and strengthen our role in the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
The time to act is now!
About Author: Sardar Aftab Khan is a community development professional specializing in public policy, emergency planning, and business continuity management. He is the Executive Director of the Kashmir Development Foundation and National Spokesperson for the British Kashmiri Inclusion Campaign (BKIC).📧 aftab@kdfuk.org
