Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Syedaal Khan Nasir on Friday met British Member of Parliament Imran Hussain at Parliament House, Islamabad.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister and Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, along with a 15-member delegation.
The delegation included Imran Hussain’s father, a former Member of the British Parliament, the Country Director of Orphans in Need, Muhammad Faisal Ishaq, and the Head of Fundraising of the organization.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on Pakistan-UK parliamentary, economic and trade relations, the role of the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, development of underprivileged areas of Pakistan, and the Kashmir issue.
Representatives of Orphans in Need briefed the Deputy Chairman Senate about the organization’s welfare initiatives, stating that it currently supports over 120,000 orphan children in 14 countries worldwide.
The organization is actively working on projects related to education, social welfare, and community development, with a special focus on underdeveloped regions of Pakistan.
They informed that centers have already been established in Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad, while 1,200 children have been awarded educational scholarships. One student supported by the organization is now pursuing a PhD, while another has become a lady doctor. In addition, monthly ration support is provided to widows, along with the construction of houses for them.
Appreciating the services of Orphans in Need, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasir termed their work for orphans and widows as commendable and emphasized that such initiatives should be expanded to more underdeveloped areas to benefit a larger number of deserving people.
He highlighted that 17 out of the country’s 24 underdeveloped districts are located in Balochistan, which faces challenges related to terrorism, law and order, security, and trade.
He added that welfare projects in such regions can bring tangible relief to the local population. Declaring Balochistan as the Central Gateway of Asia, he noted that despite being rich in minerals and natural resources, the province remains underdevelopeda situation that can be improved through collective efforts.
The Deputy Chairman Senate said that the current government is giving special attention to underdeveloped areas, particularly Balochistan.
He added that significant improvements have been made in the communication infrastructure, reducing long travel times to just a few hours. He also described CPEC and the Gwadar projects as highly significant, stating that they will benefit not only the local population but also the region and neighboring countries.
Speaking on the Kashmir issue, Syedaal Khan Nasir stressed that Kashmir should be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions, as Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan’s leadership, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has consistently raised the issue of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination at every international forum.
He termed overseas Pakistanis as a valuable national asset and acknowledged their vital role in the country’s development and prosperity.
He urged expatriate philanthropists to contribute actively to the development of Pakistan’s underdeveloped regions.
British MP Imran Hussain extended an invitation to the Deputy Chairman Senate to visit the United Kingdom and conveyed his best wishes.
He stated that he and other Kashmiri leaders continuously highlight the Kashmir issue at all important forums in the UK, due to which the world has become increasingly aware of the true face of India.
The delegation also expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of the Deputy Chairman Senate’s sister-in-law.