Senior Kashmiri leader calls for renewed commitment to the late statesman’s vision for a free and united Jammu and Kashmir

London, (Shahzad Ali) __ In observance of the 22nd death anniversary of Ghazi-e-Millat Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, Coordinator of the Kashmir Solidarity Campaign in Luton, paid a heartfelt tribute to the founder of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In a special statement Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban described the late leader’s legacy as a timeless beacon of inspiration for generations of Kashmiris committed to justice, dignity, and self-determination.

He emphasized that July 31 is not merely a day of remembrance, but an opportunity to renew our collective dedication to the ideals for which Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan lived and fought. His political acumen, legal scholarship, and unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause earned him the title of “Ghazi-e-Millat” and a permanent place in the hearts of his people.

Reflecting on his leadership, Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban recounted the pivotal moment on July 19, 1947, when Sardar Ibrahim, presiding over the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar, played a decisive role in passing the historic Resolution of Accession to Pakistan. This foundational act, co-signed by other prominent Kashmiri figures such as Quaid e Kashmir Chaudhry Noor Hussain, signified a conscious and collective political direction for the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir at a critical juncture in South Asian history.

“Sardar Ibrahim was not only a bold and principled statesman,” Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, stated, “but also a refined jurist and deeply thoughtful individual whose leadership embodied simplicity, sincerity, and profound integrity. He subordinated personal interests to the greater national cause, setting a rare standard for political leadership in the region.”

Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, reminded the audience that it was under Sardar Ibrahim’s command in 1947 that the provisional Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir was established. “He is rightfully revered as the Founder of Azad Kashmir,” Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, noted. “His government, formed during a time of crisis, continues to represent the voice of the Kashmiri people in the broader international discourse on the unresolved status of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Throughout his life, Sardar Ibrahim actively engaged on diplomatic fronts, advocating for Kashmir at the United Nations and within Pakistan’s political structures. “His tireless efforts to secure international attention and justice for Kashmir, combined with his calls for unity among Kashmiris, reflect the depth of his vision,” said Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban,. “He championed the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination until his final days.”

In today’s geopolitical context—marked by repression, human rights violations, and the silencing of Kashmiri voices under continued Indian occupation—Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, urged Kashmiri communities, especially those in the diaspora, to draw inspiration from Sardar Ibrahim’s principled leadership. “His vision and sacrifices remind us that the path to justice requires steadfastness and moral clarity.”

He specifically called upon British and overseas Kashmiri communities to initiate programs aimed at educating younger generations about Ghazi-e-Millat’s contributions and the broader Kashmiri struggle. “His life and mission must be studied and passed down, not simply remembered once a year,” he emphasized.

As a representative of Luton’s Kashmiri diaspora, Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, also appealed to the Government of Pakistan to formally preserve and promote Sardar Ibrahim Khan’s political and intellectual legacy at the national level. He recommended incorporating his ideology into academic curricula, public media, and national commemorations to ensure the continuity of his mission.

In concluding his remarks, Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, stated that July 31 should not only mark the end of a remarkable life, but also serve as a day of recommitment to his ideals. “We must pledge that we will carry forward Sardar Ibrahim Khan’s mission until the complete liberation of Kashmir is achieved. God willing, the day will come when the people of Kashmir will witness the dawn of their freedom.”