New York,
A group of Kashmiri-Americans along with some overseas prominent guests from Azad Kashmir visited Sardar Sawar Khan, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and a well-known leader of Kashmiri American community at his home in Woodbridge, New Jersey, who is recuperating from his recent bypass surgery that was conducted on June 9, 2025. Sardar Sawar Khan has endured immense trials and tribulations during the past few years, including the issue with his kidney lung infection and now by-pass surgery. The presence of so many friends at his home brought much-needed encouragement and comfort to Sardar Sawar Sahib during this difficult time. It also was a reminder of how much he is loved and cared for by those who know him for more than four decades in New York and beyond. We were happy to see Sardar Sawar Sahib’s continuing progress who was in high spirits and as always in a positive mood.
It was spectacular to watch his strong determination and interest in the affairs of occupied Kashmir. Sardar Sawar Sahib got deeply engrossed with the visitors in the conversation related to the aftermath of Pahalgam massacre and the role Pakistan played in highlighting the issue of Kashmir in important capitals of the world including the United Nations Security Council, particularly during the presidency of Pakistan in the month of July.
It is significant to point out that Sardar Sawar Khan has played an instrumental role in mobilizing the local community to participate in peaceful protests in front of the United Nations, raising awareness for the cause of Kashmir with dignity and determination. After the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A on August 5, 2019, a delegation of World Kashmir Awareness Forum met with 59 United Nations Missions in New York. Sardar Sawar Khan Sahib remained the part of all the meeting for over three weeks. During these meetings he focused on two points: first, peaceful resolutions of the Kashmir conflict and second, tripartite negotiators between India, Pakistan and the genuine leadership of Kashmir. When our delegation was asked: who will represent the people of Kashmir, Sardar Sawar Khan did not hesitate to mention that Kashmiris will be represented by All Parties Hürriyet Conference which represents the broader spectrum of the opinion of people from both sides of the Ceasefire Line.
Sardar Sawar asked Sardar Taj Khan, Sardar Imtiaz Garalvi, and Sardar Mehmood regarding upcoming demonstration in New York during the speech of Narendra Modi to the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2025. The modalities of the protest were discussed, and strategies were deliberated to ensure maximal attendance. Everybody agreed that it was vital to hold such kind of rallies to remind the United Nations that Kashmir continues to be an unresolved issue until today.
Sardar Sajid Sawar; Sardar Basit Sawar and Sardar Wajid Sawar warmly received the guests, greeting them with kindness and serving a variety of delicious food and sweets that added to the joy of the gathering. The food and sweets were prepared by Mrs. Sawar Khan and his daughters. Sardar Sajid Sawar, a young human right activist is himself involved in lot of activities regarding Kashmir.
Those who visited Sardar Sawar Khan Sahib at his residence included: Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice; Choudhry Tariq Farooq, Secretary General, Muslim League N, Azad Kashmir; Sardar Taj Khan, Senior Vice Chairman, Kashmir Mission USA; Advocate Sardar Imtiaz Khan Garalvi, General Secretary, Kashmir Mission, USA; Sardar Mehmood, prominent human rights activist; Sardar Habib Khan, a well-known community leader; Akhtar Hussain of California, a close friend of Sardar Sawar Khan; Sardar Ali Anwar; Azhar Javeed; Choudhry Muhammad Ishaq; Choudhary Muhammad Shoaib; Advocate Choudhry Imran Ul Haq; Choudhry Tariq; Choudhary Sajid and Choudhary Ali.
The meeting ended with Du’a. “O Allah, heal Sardar Sawar Khan Sahib who is suffering from illness. Restore him to health and strength and grant patience to his family and friends. You are the Supreme Healer, the Most Compassionate, and the Most Merciful. Aameen.”
