News Detail
Event Title: Senator Asad Qasim, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.
Event Date: 2025-12-16
Senate Panel Calls for Stronger International Advocacy on Kashmir Issue
The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan & SAFRON, chaired by Senator Asad Qasim, met today at Islamabad to deliberate on matters concerning developments on the Kashmir issue at the international level, recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and the role, scope and functions of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Council.
The meeting was attended by Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Naseema Ehsan, Nasir Mehmood, Mir Dostain Khan Domki and Atta-ul-Haq. Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur participated in the meeting via Zoom and shared her input during the proceedings.
The Director General (Foreign Affairs), South Asia (SAARC), briefed the Committee on a motion tabled in the UK House of Commons by a Conservative Party member. Similar motions were tabled in 2014, 2021 and January 2025 but failed to gain sufficient support and did not reach the stage of debate. The motion included references to terrorism, including the Pahalgam incident, and expressed sympathy with affected families.
It was informed that only a tow members had signed the motion, which did not secure substantial backing. The official noted that such motions are often moved to gain visibility within certain communities.
The Committee was informed that the Pakistan High Commission actively works on Kashmir-related initiatives in the UK and submits a large number of Early Day Motions (EDMs) annually. It was highlighted that Pakistan-sponsored EDMs, vetted by 44 members and moved by MP Imran Hussain (Labour Party), led to debates in Westminster Hall and at Oxford University.
Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur expressed concern over the limited influence of politicians of Pakistani origin in the UK and emphasized the need for stronger advocacy on the Kashmir issue, highlighting the daily hardships faced by the Kashmiri people. On the direction of the Chairman, the Ministry was asked to share a list of EDMs raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UK. The DG assured the Committee that the Kashmir issue would continue to be pursued at the international level.
The Chairman recommended that the Foreign Office enhance lobbying efforts and raise the Kashmir issue more effectively at appropriate international forums.
During the briefing on the role, scope and functions of the GB Council, it was reiterated that Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Council comprises nominated and elected members, with nominated members selected by the Prime Minister.
Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto raised concerns regarding the nomination process and the absence of elected representation from the GB Council itself. The Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, clarified that names are forwarded to the Prime Minister and that selection is his prerogative. The Chairman directed that the complete list of nominated members be furnished to the Committee and noted that no meeting of the GB Council has been held since 2021.
The Ministry informed the Committee that the GB Council is an advisory body functioning under its own rules and procedures. The Chairman directed the Ministry to submit the minutes of the last GB Council meeting and the copy of summary sent to the Prime Minister for nominations.
The Committee was informed that the total budget of the GB Council is Rs. 1.27 billion, with reserves amounting to Rs. 6 billion. Audits are conducted by the Auditor General, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the last audit covered the period up to 2025. The Committee directed that the audit report be submitted for review.
Details were also shared regarding federal grants and development assistance provided to Gilgit-Baltistan, including funds allocated for universities, flood relief, development projects and other initiatives.
The Chairman expressed concern over the utilization of the Rs. 6 billion reserves and directed the Ministry to present a detailed plan for their effective use. The Secretary clarified that the amount has been invested in various areas to generate revenue for meeting administrative expenses. Members emphasized to build a small piece of road on priority that is the only way to tourist spot which is highly visited.
The meeting concluded with the Chairman emphasizing transparency, effective coordination and proactive engagement by the concerned Ministries on all matters relating to Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.