In a move aimed at broadening political consensus on Kashmir, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has formally requested representation in the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, arguing that every major political party must have a seat at the table to effectively advance the issue on global platforms. Main Developments During a meeting in Islamabad with Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar proposed the inclusion of all political parties in the panel. Qasim endorsed the suggestion, stating that “national unity and broader political consensus on Kashmir were a pressing need of the time.” Dr Sattar emphasized that a durable resolution to the Kashmir dispute could only be achieved through political and diplomatic means. Qasim, in turn, proposed a “National Conference on Kashmir” to build a wider consensus and amplify the issue internationally. Read also: Why Pakistan's Saarc pledge matters amid 12-year summit freeze The Kashmir Committee chairman also paid tribute to the “unparalleled sacrifices” of the Kashmiri people, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support. He described Pakistan’s success against India in “Marka-i-Haq” as a historic achievement and a source of national pride. Background The Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir is a dedicated body within Pakistan’s legislature, tasked with raising the Kashmir issue on both national and international forums. Qasim noted that Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders have been imprisoned in Indian jails for years, while India is allegedly issuing fake domiciles in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to alter the region’s demographic balance—a move he termed a “clear violation” of international law and UN resolutions. MQM-P’s push for representation reflects a broader effort to unify political voices on a matter that has historically seen bipartisan support but occasional fragmentation. The party’s public services, particularly in education, were also lauded by Qasim during the meeting. Why It Matters Kashmir remains one of the most protracted territorial disputes in the world, with direct implications for regional stability and Pakistan-India relations. A unified parliamentary front strengthens Pakistan’s diplomatic leverage, especially as India continues to face international scrutiny over human rights concerns in the occupied territory. For domestic politics, the inclusion of all parties—including MQM-P—signals a rare moment of cross-party cooperation on a national security issue. It also reinforces the message that Kashmir is not a partisan matter but a core national interest. What's Next The proposal for a National Conference on Kashmir now awaits formal consideration. If convened, it would bring together political parties, parliamentarians, experts, intellectuals, civil society, youth, and Kashmiri leadership to further strengthen the national consensus and present a unified stance at the global level. No timeline has been announced, but the endorsement from the committee chairman suggests the initiative has momentum. The question remains whether other major parties will join the call for broader representation in the Kashmir panel.