London, (Shahzad Ali) __ The long-standing Kashmir dispute has once again taken center stage in the UK House of Lords, thanks to the persistent efforts of British-Pakistani origin peer, Lord Qurban Hussain, a recipient of the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam. On Thursday, Lord Hussain secured parliamentary time to hold a dedicated debate on the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the urgent need for international mediation to achieve lasting peace between India and Pakistan.

In his address to the chamber, Lord Hussain described Kashmir as “a wound that continues to bleed” and stressed that without a just resolution reflecting the will of the Kashmiri people, the dream of lasting peace in South Asia will remain unfulfilled. He characterized the dispute as one of the oldest unresolved issues before the United Nations, noting that despite UN resolutions from 1948-49, the people of Kashmir have yet to be granted their right to self-determination.

Citing reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and Genocide Watch, Lord Hussain highlighted ongoing human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir. He criticized India’s unilateral revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of its constitution, calling it a targeted assault on the region’s Muslim identity.

Lord Hussain expressed deep concern over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as “inhumane and dangerous.” He urged the British government to take on a constructive mediating role between India and Pakistan and to ensure that human rights considerations are embedded in any future trade agreements. “The road to peace runs through Kashmir. Until this issue is resolved, lasting stability in the region will remain elusive,” he concluded.

Lord Saffaq Mohammed of Tinsley pointed out that the issues raised by Lord Hussain go beyond bilateral tensions and touch on the essence of international cooperation amidst growing water scarcity and climate change. He referenced a 2019 United Nations report on Kashmir, expressing full support for its findings and urging the Minister to read it, while cautioning that it presents a grim picture. He noted that the situation in Kashmir has worsened since that report and requires urgent attention.

He described India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as one of the most alarming recent developments. Although less visible than military strikes, he argued that its long-term consequences could be far more severe. Pakistan’s agricultural economy, which supports over 240 million people, relies heavily on the Indus River system. Suspending the treaty jeopardizes not only diplomatic relations but also the livelihoods, food security, and water rights of millions.

He emphasized that the treaty contains no provision for unilateral suspension, stating that Article XII(4) clearly indicates the treaty remains in force unless replaced by a mutually ratified agreement. “India’s action,” he asserted, “is a flagrant violation of international law and sets a dangerous precedent.”

He warned that countries across the Nile, Euphrates, Tigris, and Central Asia would closely monitor how the Indus Treaty is handled. If one longstanding treaty can be disregarded, others may follow. He also pointed to China’s dam construction in Tibet, which could impact the flow of rivers shared by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others. Lord Mohammed encouraged the UK to welcome the US offer of mediation and urged the Foreign Secretary to consider a similar role. He called on the UK government to act as a guarantor of peace, push for the immediate reinstatement of the Indus Waters Treaty, and support efforts to modernize it in light of climate realities.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh argued that the core of the India-Pakistan conflict is not only political but also deeply emotional. He described Kashmir as a product of the 1947 Partition and suggested that if the subcontinent had not been divided, the Kashmir issue might have been resolved long ago. Lord Parekh called for confidence-building measures and the establishment of institutions that promote cultural and historical understanding. “The real problem is not just politics, but a lack of trust and empathy,” he noted.

During the debate, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon stated that the UK must play a more active role in fostering peace between India and Pakistan.

Baroness Shaista Gohir expressed serious concerns over India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law and basic human rights. “Water is not a weapon; it is a human right,” she stated, adding that India’s use of water as leverage against Pakistan is morally wrong and potentially destabilizing.

She pointed out that the treaty’s suspension would harm Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which relies on the Indus Basin for 80% of its irrigation, supporting 20% of the GDP and 40% of jobs. “Cutting off water could lead to food shortages, poverty, and energy crises,” she warned.