Houston -Texas. The conference organized by the Kashmir Global Council (KGC) in Houston, Texas on May 24, 2026, concluded with overwhelming enthusiasm, solidarity, and renewed commitment toward advancing awareness of the Kashmir dispute, highlighting continued human rights abuses in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, and advocating for the internationally recognized right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of community leaders, political activists, professionals, and members of the Pakistani, Kashmiri, and Bangladeshi diaspora, KGC President Farooq Siddiqi emphasized that the unresolved Kashmir dispute remains one of the most critical issues affecting peace, justice, and regional stability in South Asia.
In his keynote address, Farooq Siddiqi called upon the Pakistani diaspora across the world to actively engage in highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people and to strengthen global advocacy efforts. He noted that while the Kashmiri diaspora continues to courageously raise its voice internationally, many activists and their families are subjected to intimidation, harassment, imprisonment, confiscation of property, travel restrictions, and denial of entry into Indian-controlled Kashmir merely for speaking in favor of the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He stated:
“The voices of Kashmiris cannot be silenced through coercion, intimidation, imprisonment, or harassment of their families. The struggle for justice, dignity, and the right to self-determination is a universal human cause and must remain alive in every international forum and every democratic society.”
The conference brought together a broad coalition of respected social, religious, and political figures from the Pakistani and Bangladeshi diaspora communities, reflecting growing international concern regarding the humanitarian and political situation in Kashmir.
Among the distinguished participants were:
Mr. Emran Gazi, President, Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Mohmad Ali, General Secretary, Islamic Society of Greater Houston. Amongst the Social and political activist intellectual, writers. Authors , media personalities and community leaders , Faheem Akhoon, P.J. Swati, Amir Sabazwari, Gazanfar Hashmi, Nusrat Haris, Shahid Hashmi, Mahajabeen Zaidi, Arif Azeem were the speakers who spoke for bringing Kashmir issue on the front.The Kashmir Global Council Board of Governors was represented by:Altaf Qadri,Raja Muzaffar,Zain Muzaffar
The speakers collectively stressed that peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
During the conference deliberations, participants unanimously agreed to launch a coordinated America-wide awareness campaign in collaboration with the Kashmir Global Council. The initiative aims to mobilize diaspora communities, policy advocates, academic institutions, media organizations, and civil society networks to raise the international profile of the Kashmir issue.
To institutionalize these efforts, the conference resolved to establish a Steering Committee that will guide and coordinate future advocacy, outreach, educational initiatives, and policy engagement efforts across the United States.
The Steering Committee will work toward the following objectives:
• To plan and execute peaceful and constructive policies and programs supporting the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir.
• To raise international awareness regarding the Kashmir dispute through seminars, conferences, media engagement, academic outreach, and public advocacy campaigns.
• To remind the international community, including India and Pakistan, of their commitments recognizing the inalienable right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own political future.
• To promote regional and international peace and security by educating policymakers and the public about the grave risks posed by continued tensions between two nuclear-armed states.
• To document, highlight, and disseminate information regarding human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir and to urge international institutions, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, to take effective action.
• To advocate for the repeal of draconian laws restricting civil liberties and democratic freedoms in Kashmir.
• To work with global civil society organizations to raise awareness regarding mass graves, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and allegations of sexual violence in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
• To advocate for the release of political prisoners detained in prisons and interrogation centers.
• To defend and uphold the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, opinion, and political participation for the people of Kashmir.
The conference further resolved that Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, observed on 13th July, shall henceforth be commemorated every year across the world by diaspora communities and supporters of the Kashmir cause to pay homage to all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom, dignity, and self-determination of the people of Kashmir. Participants described the day as a powerful symbol of Kashmir’s enduring resistance, resilience, and struggle for freedom. The attendees pledged to organize annual events, seminars, memorial gatherings, and awareness campaigns internationally to honor the martyrs of Kashmir and to ensure that their sacrifices continue to inspire future generations in the pursuit of justice and peace.
The conference concluded with a unified pledge by participants to continue peaceful democratic advocacy and international engagement to ensure that the voices and aspirations of the Kashmiri people remain heard across the world.
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