News Desk
Muzaffarabad
The President Secretariat of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has issued an official notification appointing UK-based Kashmiri Shafique Rehman as Honorary Advisor to the President for the United Kingdom.
The appointment highlights efforts to strengthen engagement between the AJK leadership and the Kashmiri diaspora in the UK. Officials believe Rehman will play a key role in fostering closer ties, improving coordination, and representing Kashmiri interests abroad.
Members of the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom have widely welcomed the appointment, praising the decision and extending their congratulations to Shafique Rehman on his new role.
The notification was issued from Muzaffarabad and shared with relevant authorities, including the Secretary Presidential Affairs.
The move underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to involving overseas Kashmiris in advisory roles, particularly in countries with a strong diaspora presence such as the United Kingdom.
News
Nisar Kallu
During the blessed month of Ramadan 2026, Al Mustafa Canada successfully organised 32 fundraising events at mosques across multiple cities in Canada. This feat was achieved through long term relationship with masajid, and by collaborating with new ones. With strong participation from local mosques, community centres, and media platforms, these efforts have directly supported humanitarian programs including food distribution, cataract eye surgeries, clean water initiatives, healthcare services, orphan care, and emergency relief worldwide through the donations received by Al Mustafa Welfare Trust Canada. It is important to mention that Al Mustafa Welfare Trust Canada was able to reach nearly 46,000 individuals through flier distribution at mosques, stores, and community centres, promotion of the organization on different social media channels including radio, TV, and different whatsapp groups. Also, nearly 1,500 ramadan calendar with Al Mustafa Canada branding were distributed.
Our Local Community Food Bank which runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every week since its inauguration last Eid-al-adha provides free food to nearly 40 families every week and was open during Ramadan and Eid break.
This Ramadan once again highlighted the power of community engagement that has allowed Al Mustafa Welfare Trust to steadily increase its donor base in Canada.
Government said the cap on Plan 2 and postgraduate loans aimed to protect graduates from the risk of rising inflation due to the Iran war. Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said it wanted to “defend against the consequences of far-away conflicts in an uncertain world”.
There have been calls to lower the interest rate on Plan 2 student loans as part of a wider overhaul of the system. The cap will apply to Plan 2 student loans – which were issued in England between September 2012 and July 2023 and are still issued in Wales – for the 2026-27 academic year. It will also apply to Plan 3, or postgraduate, loans.
The Plan 2 interest rate is the retail prices index (RPI) measure of inflation plus up to 3%, depending on earnings. It is set every September, using the RPI in March that year. It is currently 3.2% (RPI in March 2025) plus up to 3%.
RPI for March 2026 has not yet been published, but it was 3.6% in February. Analysts believe the rate of inflation is on the rise because of the Iran war. This is not the first time a cap has been introduced. The government imposes caps when it thinks inflation, and therefore the interest rate, will grow too high. Caps were in place for Plan 2 loans between July 2021 and February 2022, then again from September 2022 to August 2024. The highest cap was 8%.
(BBC news, Image PA)
The Secretary General, IMO thanked Pakistan for its tireless efforts in brokering the ceasefire as well as hosting the negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad
London: The Secretary General, IMO thanked Pakistan for its tireless efforts in brokering the ceasefire as well as hosting the negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad. He requested for Pakistan’s positive role in developing an exit mechanism for vessels and seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz
Bureau report
Manchester
The Forum of Muslim Organisations (FMO) will organise a seminar titled “A Time for Action – The Far Right and Local Elections” on Sunday, 12 April at the Rethink Rebuild Society Centre on Stockport Road, Manchester. The arrangements for the event were reviewed during an online meeting chaired by Khalid Anis. Participants who attended the meeting included Abdul Rahman, Ayesha, Nasar Malik and Sadek Hamid. Khalid Anis said that this will be the second event organised by the Forum of Muslim Organisations following its very successful launch programme.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, 12 April, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Khalid Anis said that the organisation has an important role in developing ideas on how Muslims can tackle the current issues facing society. He added that the seminar will discuss the upcoming local elections and concerns about far-right activities.
Raja Faiz Sultan
An event was held at Hounslow Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre, under the banner of the “Hounslow Social & Political Committee”, hosted by Shafiq Rehman general secretary of the Mosque.
Sarfraz Ali MBE was chief guest on this luncheon event who received this honour from the His Majesty King Charles with a shield for his services to the community. Renowned journalist Shaukat Dar was presented at the event a shield was also presented to for his newly appointment as advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. On this occasion, Javed Akhtar chairman Islamic centre Hounslow Jamia Mosque, Barrister Zubair Awan, Barrister Arif Reman, former Mayor of Hounslow Councillor Sumiya Chaudhry, former Deputy Mayor Shakeel Akram, Chairman of AlMustafa Welfare Trust, Abdulrazzaq Sajid, Executive editor of “The London Post”, Wajahat Ali Khan, political and social figure, former advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood, Chaudhry Shaban, Ali Muhammad Zameer Bahadur Khan, businessman Tariq Gujjar and others also attended.

Saj Butt
Pakistan People’s Party Greater London, in collaboration with the Third World Solidarity, solemnly commemorated the 47th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with great reverence and respect.
The event was hosted by Mian Saleem (President, PPP Greater London, PresidentTWS-UK and Co-Chair Pakistan Community Centre Reading) and Hon Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie CBE (Chairman, Third World Solidarity, British Pakistani Mayor’s Association, and Lancaster West Estate Residents Association). The Chief Guest was Mohsin Bari (President, PPP UK), while the proceedings were conducted by Chaudhry Nisar (Joint Secretary, PPP Greater London).
The ceremony was attended by members of the PPP Women’s Wing, journalists and media representatives, along with PPP UK officials, senior leaders, and companions of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
In his address, Chief Guest Mohsin Bari stated that Pakistan before and after 10 May reflects two distinctly different eras, attributing this transformation to the visionary leadership of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He emphasized Bhutto’s pivotal role in elevating Pakistan’s stature on the global stage.

Hon. Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie CBE remarked that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was among those rare, transformative leaders who dedicated their lives to public service rather than personal gain.
Mian Saleem, in his speech, credited Shaheed Bhutto with laying the foundations of democratic culture in Pakistan, advancing public rights, and strengthening the representation of marginalized communities.
Other speakers paid tribute to the life and legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, highlighting his vision of a strong democratic, defensively secure, and economically self-reliant Pakistan. They stressed that time has proven his foresight continues to play a vital role in Pakistan’s progress and global significance.
Speakers included Shagufta Nasreen (Vice President, PPP UK), Raja Iftikhar (General Secretary, Greater London), Samia Ali (General Secretary, Women’s Wing), Mashooq Jatoi (Vice President, PPP UK), Dr Wajid (People’s Doctors Forum), Raja Qaiser (Vice President, PPP Greater London), and Syed Ali Kermani (Media Coordinator, President Office).
Senior leaders in attendance included Mirza Aftab Ahmed Baghi, Ashraf Chughtai, Agha Tanveer, Malik Mehrban, Akram Qaimkhani, Najma Akram Qaimkhani, Iftikhar Qaisar, renowned travelogue writer and filmmaker, Mushtaq Mashraqi, Senior journalist, Mian Shahjahan Ahmed, Advisor to Reading Pakistan Community Centre, M. Sajjad Butt, Media Coordinator BPMA, TWS, Mona Baig, Secretary General TWS-UK, Aumir Muhammad, supporters and members of Pakistan Peoples Party.
PMLN UK hosted a dinner in honour of Senator Nasir Butt and journalist Shaukat Dar
Staff reporter
The Pakistan Muslim League UK organised a dinner in honour of the Senator Nasir Butt and Journalist Shaukat Dar who is recently appointed as Media Advisor for the UK and Europe to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, the event was attended by journalists, local politicians and people from all walks of life. It was a cross-party reception and a memorable evening with the British-Pakistani community, filled with warmth, respect, and unity.
Speakers Congratulated to Senator Nasir Butt on his appointment to the Senate and also
Heartfelt congratulated to Shaukat Dar on his appointment as Media Advisor.
All the speakers in their speeches expressed their thoughts and congragulated to Senior vice president PMLN UK Iqbal Sandhu and President Youth wing PMLN UK Anjum Chaudhry , Rizwan Gujjar and the entire team for their wonderful hospitality.

Iftikhar Qaisar, renowned travelogue writer and filmmaker, Abdulrazzaq Sajid , Chairman AlMustafa welfare trust, Wajahat Ali Khan, Executive editor “The London Post” Ghulam Hussain Awan, Joint Secretary Pakistan Journalists Association UK, Mushtaq Hussain Mashraqi, Senior Journalist/ Columnist, Mian Shahjahan Ahmed, Advisor to Reading Pakistan Community Centre, Amir Shahzad, Journalist/ Promoter (NP), Imran Shahzada , Billu Badsha , Tahir Chaudhry, senior journalist Waseem Kazmi, Waheed Ahmed, And Raja Faiz Sultan, founder/ Head of RFS news were in the attendance.
Community expresses grief over the death of renowned educationist Amanat Anjum’s mother
City reporter
Quran recitation at Hounslow Jamia Mosque on the death of the mother of renowned educationist Amanat Anjum. Members of the journalistic community, political parties, and the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom gathered at Hounslow Jamia Mosque, West London to offer prayers for the late mother of renowned educationist Amanat Ali Anjum.
Vice President of the Pakistan People’s Party, and Labour Party politician has said that may Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah and bless the bereaved family with strength, patience, and comfort during this difficult time.

From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Diplomacy: How Pakistan Helped Avert a Global War
Sajjad Azhar
The recent 39-day conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel was not merely a military confrontation between three nations; it threatened to engulf the entire Gulf region in instability. Analysts warn that had the war continued beyond the ultimatum issued by Donald J. Trump, the consequences could have been catastrophic—spreading to multiple countries, causing massive casualties, and crippling global energy supplies for years to come.
At the outset of the conflict, Iranian leadership invoked history as a source of resilience. Officials emphasized Iran’s thousands of years of civilizational continuity, framing the war as a defense not just of territory, but of heritage. In response, President Trump issued a stark message on Truth Social, warning that “an entire civilization could disappear overnight,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As tensions escalated and reports suggested that U.S. B-52 bombers were prepared for further strikes, an unexpected diplomatic intervention emerged from Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly urged all parties to agree to a two-week ceasefire, appealing for restraint and giving peace a chance. Shortly thereafter, President Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, and announced a temporary suspension of hostilities.
This development is now being described as one of Pakistan’s most significant diplomatic achievements in recent history, widely acknowledged across international media. However, beyond immediate geopolitics, the episode also highlights a deeper dimension—Pakistan’s civilizational legacy.
Pakistan is often viewed through the lens of its post-1947 identity, yet it is also the custodian of one of the world’s oldest civilizations: the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological discoveries at sites such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa reveal an advanced urban culture dating back over 4,000 years. More recent findings, including research linked to early settlements like Mehrgarh, suggest that the roots of this civilization may extend as far back as 8,000 years.
Experts argue that such deep historical continuity fosters a form of collective wisdom—shaping how societies perceive conflict, cooperation, and long-term survival. The Indus civilization, notably, shows little evidence of rigid class divisions or militaristic dominance, hinting at a more balanced and organized social structure.
In this context, Pakistan’s recent diplomatic role can be interpreted not only as a strategic maneuver but also as an extension of a long-standing civilizational ethos—one that values stability, negotiation, and coexistence.
The crisis has prompted renewed debate within Pakistan about embracing and promoting its ancient heritage. Scholars contend that recognizing this legacy could help reshape the country’s global image—from one often associated with conflict to one rooted in historical depth and cultural resilience.
As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions, Pakistan’s intervention serves as a reminder that sometimes, the key to peace lies not only in modern diplomacy but also in the accumulated wisdom of ancient civilizations.