Tipu Usman’s first day in London: AJK elections and Pakistan-UK Ties discussed with British MPs

Pakistan’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Tipu Usman began his diplomatic assignment in London with an extensive schedule of engagements, focusing on strengthening parliamentary relations and discussing issues of mutual interest.

During his first day in office, High Commissioner Tipu Usman held in-person meetings at the Pakistan High Commission in London with Kashmiri-origin members of the UK Parliament, including Lord Qurban Hussain, Yasmin Qureshi MP and Muhammad Yasin MP.

According to sources, discussions covered Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, the role of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in the UK.

The upcoming 27 July AJK elections were also discussed, with emphasis on maintaining peace, stability and ensuring a democratic process.

Following the meeting, Lord Qurban Hussain said the discussion with the new High Commissioner was introductory but covered important matters relating to Pakistan, Britain and AJK.

“We are agreed that the situation should be resolved peacefully,” Lord Qurban Hussain said, stressing the importance of dialogue between all stakeholders.

He added that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir would choose their representatives through the electoral process and expressed hope that matters would soon return to normal.

Yasmin Qureshi MP also called for collective engagement to address the situation in AJK, saying all stakeholders should sit together and find a solution that benefits everyone.

Sources said High Commissioner Tipu Usman also interacted with several other British parliamentarians during his first-day outreach programme at the Pakistan High Commission.

At the end of his engagements, the High Commissioner held virtual meetings with UK MPs Adnan Hussain and Muhammad Ayub, discussing Pakistan-UK relations, parliamentary engagement and matters of mutual interest.

The series of meetings marked an active start to Tipu Usman’s tenure as Pakistan’s envoy to the UK, highlighting a focus on diplomatic outreach, strengthening parliamentary ties and maintaining close engagement with the British Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora.