Maryland, USA: What began as a warm and gracious Iftaar dinner hosted by Mr. Asif Khan and Mrs. Afshan Asif at their residence in Maryland evolved into a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the situation in Kashmir, bringing together prominent members of the Kashmiri diaspora.

The Iftaar was organized to welcome back Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan and Mrs. Parveen Zulfiqar Khan. Sardar Zulfiqar Khan, widely respected for his unwavering commitment, has been a constant source of encouragement for Kashmir-related advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., New York, and beyond for over three decades.

A particularly notable moment of the evening was the reunion of what attendees fondly referred to as the “3 Zees” — Sardar Zulfiqar Khan, Sardar Zarif Khan, and Sardar Zubair Khan — who, after more than a year, came together once again. Their presence added both symbolic and substantive value to the discussions, as they exchanged perspectives on current developments and explored new initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the people of Kashmir.

The event was attended by well-known members of DMV community including Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan, Sardar Shoaib Irshad, Sardar Zeeshan Khan, Sardar Sabir Khan, Sardar Waheed, and Mr. Tabreez Khan from Rawalakot, whose presence proved both remarkable and inspiring. I also had the honor of participating in this meaningful gathering.

During the discussions, Sardar Zulfiqar Khan provided a comprehensive briefing on his engagements in Pakistan throughout 2025 and early 2026. He highlighted a series of impactful programs organized in collaboration with Sardar Zubair Khan, Professor Waris Ali, Mohammad Nadeem Khokhar, across key cities including Islamabad, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Palandri. These initiatives focused primarily on university campuses and Bar Councils, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing youth and legal professionals to carry forward the Kashmir cause.

Among the institutions engaged were the Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Muzaffarabad campus), and Bar Councils in Islamabad and Palandri. Sardar Zulfiqar Khan specifically referenced a six-hour program organized by the Kashmir Council of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), describing it as both educational and inspirational. The event featured a cultural program, a photo exhibition, and lectures by distinguished speakers including Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO of Centaurus, Rana Mohammad Qasim Noon, Muzzammil Ayub Thakur, and Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai.

Zulfiqar emphasized that there is a strong and growing sentiment among people in Azad Kashmir that more concerted efforts are needed—both domestically and internationally—to raise awareness and encourage global powers to play a constructive role in ensuring that the people of Kashmir are granted their right to self-determination.

Mr. Tabreez Khan shared insights into the work of the Kashmir Action Committee, describing it as a non-political coalition that has effectively addressed grassroots challenges faced by the people of Azad Kashmir. Currently visiting the United States, Mr. Khan is expected to travel to several other cities in the coming weeks to further engage with diaspora communities.

Beyond the substantive discussions, the evening was marked by warmth and hospitality. All dishes served at the Iftaar were lovingly prepared at home by Mrs. Afshan Asif, with assistance from her younger sister, Inshan Zulfiqar. Guests also expressed appreciation for Sardar Waqas Khan, whose gracious service ensured comfort and ease for all attendees.

The gathering concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and reaffirmed in their shared commitment. What began as a simple Iftaar dinner ultimately became a meaningful platform for dialogue, unity, and renewed resolve toward advancing the cause of peace and justice in Kashmir.

(Dr. Fai is also the Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness forum. He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435  or  gnfai2003@yahoo.com www.kashmirawareness.org