By Sheraz Khan, London
Raja Sikandar Khan is a prominent figure in the Kashmiri diaspora, advocating for the Kashmir cause, particularly through his role in the Global Pak Kashmir Supreme Council (GPKSC). Under his leadership, GPKSC aims to raise awareness about the political and humanitarian issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir on international platforms. The organization seeks to foster a global dialogue around the Kashmir conflict, urging the international community to recognize the challenges in the region and to support a peaceful resolution.
One of Khan’s main objectives is to unite the overseas Kashmiri community, whom he regards as the first and essential party to the Kashmir dispute. He has been urging the British government and parliamentarians to mediate in the Kashmir dispute, highlighting the need for diplomatic intervention.
Khan, along with GPKSC, has been involved in organizing events, conferences, and engaging with policymakers and international bodies. His work focuses on mobilizing the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, strengthening diplomatic efforts to promote peace, and advocating for human rights for Kashmiris. Emphasizing the importance of a unified approach among diaspora communities, he actively works towards building broader international alliances to advocate for the political and human rights of Kashmiris.
In a recent conversation, Raja Sikandar shared details about a planned peaceful rally in London on Sunday, October 27th, commemorating “Black Day.” The rally will start from 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister’s residence) and proceed to the Indian High Commission. This day marks the entry of Indian forces into Kashmir on October 27, 1947—a date that has become symbolic in the Kashmiri community’s continued call for the plebiscite promised by the United Nations, now overdue by 76 years. The dispute remains a core issue between Pakistan and India, who have fought three wars over it.
Raja Sikandar believes that such demonstrations are crucial in raising awareness about the Kashmir issue, regardless of recent elections held in Indian-administered Kashmir after the special status was changed by India in 2019. He has also commented on recent diplomatic developments, such as Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s attendance at the SOC conference in Islamabad. Though Kashmir was not explicitly mentioned during the conference, many analysts see a possibility for meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan. This possibility was highlighted by Pakistan Muslim League leader Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who recently extended a warm message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a controversial figure in the Kashmir conflict—who had visited Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in an unscheduled diplomatic gesture during Sharif’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2013 to 2017.
Khan and his organization are actively mobilizing as many people as possible across the UK to attend Sunday’s rally, with several coaches already booked. While GPKSC plays a significant role in organizing this protest, many other groups will also participate. The turnout and impact of the rally will be clearer by Sunday, but the hope remains that it will effectively highlight the Kashmir issue on an international stage.
