Altaf Hamid Rao.
MIRPUR (AJK), (Parliament Times) : Veteran local journalist and Deputy General Secretary Kashmir Press Club Mirpur-AJK Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood Anjum, has said that overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora community are our unofficial ambassadors playing the vibrant role of true architects in strengthening and stabilizing the beloved homeland of Pakistan.
He expressed these views while addressing a reception hosted in his honor in Peterborough, by the renowned local business tycoon from Kashmiri Diaspora community. Abdul Aziz Chaudhry in Londan late Tuesday, says a message reaching and released to the media here on Wednesday.
“Hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir state including overseas Kashmiris and entire Pakistani nation beat in unison – since Kashmiris considered Pakistan their ultimate destination”, Khalid said.
“We are proud of their role. Even during the recent Pakistan-India conflict, the overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri community played a frontline role on diplomatic and social media fronts. This reflects the fact that these individuals are our heroes, and even while living abroad, they exhibit unparalleled love for their homeland.
Addressing the ceremony, chief guest Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood Anjum further said, “I am proud that Abdul Aziz Chaudhry is my friend and elder brother. I am deeply impressed by his hard work in business, his efforts to resolve the problems of fellow countrymen, and his impactful projects under the Abdul Aziz Foundation in Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir, focusing on education, employment, healthcare, and interest-free loans. Despite being blessed abundantly by Allah, he remains free from arrogance and full of humility — a trait that deeply touches my heart.”
He added, “Whenever I have visited the UK from Pakistan, I have always been warmly welcomed throughout the country. However, the love and affection I received from Abdul Aziz Chaudhry and others in Peterborough is so profound that I can say without hesitation: Pakistan is my first home, and Peterborough is my second.”
He thanked the host and all the friends who always honor him with immense respect, which fills his heart with joy. The host of the event had arranged excellent food for the guests and expressed gratitude to all community dignitaries for taking the time to attend.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abdul Aziz Chaudhry said, “Although we live abroad, our hearts beat with our fellow countrymen. Love for the homeland is deeply ingrained in our hearts. However, it is regrettable that no government has so far adopted a concrete strategy to resolve the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis. People are still entangled in land disputes, police matters, and bureaucratic hurdles when dealing with government departments. There’s also the constant fear of being looted when traveling home via GT Road, he said demanding early redrssal of these grievances on priority grounds.
He further stated that political and economic stability in Pakistan was the need of the hour. “As overseas Pakistanis, we believe that the solution to national problems lies in a comprehensive dialogue, in which everyone must participate without discrimination. We must move politics forward by fostering a culture of dialogue, inclusion of diverse opinions, and tolerance. For this, sincere and transparent efforts are indispensable, he urged.
He also praised Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood Anjum, saying that he embodies many admirable qualities — his sincerity, deep affection for friends, and dedication to writing about state issues, Pakistani politics, the Kashmir issue, and overseas concerns make him a source of pride for us.
The reception was attended by District Councilor Ghafarat Shahid Chaudhry, Secretary General of Pakistan People’s Party UK and former Councilor Azhar Iqbal Baralvi, former Leader of Peterborough Council Councilor Muhammad Farooq, President of CUJ Muhammad Zafeer Baba, Councilor Muhammad Maroof Chaudhry, author, writer and renowned journalist Khalid Mehmood Janvi, Chaudhry Abid Advocate, President of Peterborough Zafar Iqbal, political and social personality Chaudhry Liaqat Ali, literary enthusiast Azeem Daswandi, businessmen Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Rasheed, Muhammad Farooq Chughtai (London), Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal, Chaudhry Muhammad Tariq, Abdul Hameed Chaudhry, Muhammad Rizwan, Hassan Subhani, Chaudhry Imran and others.
The stage was conducted by local senior journalist Muhammad Zeeshan Qureshi, who received great applause from the audience.