Leeds, UK – August 2025
President of the Youth Council Pakistan, Muhammad Shehzad Khan, joined a delegation led by Raja Najabat Hussain, Sitara-e-Pakistan and Founding Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI), for a high-level meeting with Richard Burgon MP, Member of Parliament for Leeds East.
The meeting was organised by former Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Asghar Khan Qureshi, at Mr Burgon’s constituency office. The delegation included key JKSDMI leaders including Patron Sardar Abdur Rahman Khan and Administration Director Harry Boota.
Discussions focused on a range of pressing global and regional issues including:
- The Kashmir conflict, with emphasis on the demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK),
- The ongoing humanitarian situation in Palestine,
- The global climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable regions,
- The role of the United Nations in upholding international law and human rights,
- And the rising importance of youth diplomacy in building bridges across cultures and advocating for peace.
President Muhammad Shehzad Khan stressed the need to empower youth voices in international forums and highlighted the efforts of Youth Council Pakistan in mobilising young leaders for climate action and human rights advocacy.
Mr Burgon reiterated his ongoing support for the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and pledged to continue working with fellow parliamentarians. He also welcomed the invitation to attend upcoming activities in London and Liverpool.
In recognition of their support and contributions, appreciation shields were presented to Richard Burgon MP and Councillor Asghar Khan. Mr Burgon was thanked for his consistent advocacy on human rights issues, while Cllr Asghar Khan was honoured for over 15 years of dedicated service to the Leeds community and the JKSDMI cause.