LONDON – A meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) onKashmir this week received a critical update on the situation in Jammu andKashmir from the president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Masood Khan.

India has been irked with the move played by the Pakistan and the AzadKashmir government.

Categorised as a “country group”, the AAPG on Kashmir is cross-partygroup governed by rules set by the House and are subject to oversight bythe parliamentary standards commissioner.

APPGs focus on countries and subjects, and invite leading lights forhearings and events.

Chaired by Labour MP Chris Leslie, the 10-member group on Kashmir has sevenLabour lawmakers – including Indian-origin Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi – andthree from the Conservative Party. The meeting on Thursday was alsoattended by Pakistan high commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas.

The purpose of the APPG on Kashmir is described as: “To support the rightto self-determination of the Kashmiri people through dialogue; to seeksupport from British parliamentarians; to highlight the abuses of humanrights in Kashmir; and to seek justice for the people there.”