MEP for the North West of England Sajjad Karim was visited at the European Parliament in Brussel by a Pakistani Parliamentary Delegation.

The delegation was led by Hamid Nasir Chattha, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee to discuss the burning issue of Kashmir. Other prominent members included Zeb Ayub.

Highlighting the need for more pro-active action by those involved, Mr Karim MEP, speaking during the meeting, stated,

"When you speak to me over the plight of the Kashmiri people, you are preaching to the converted. However, it has to be acknowledged that, at this point in time, Kashmir is not a burning issue within the European Parliament. We need to work together to identify those members sympathetic to the plight of the Kashmiri people, consolidate and maximise our resources, and find a way to spark the flame of awareness of the situation in Kashmir."

"I am speaking as a British member of the European Parliament for the North West. I am a friend to India provided it is willing to accept its responsibilities in this regard as I am a friend to Pakistan and to Kashmir. These two nuclear powers will find that they have many friends within Europe, but they must realise that these friendships can only develop if we actively encourage dialogue over the political issues in this region, rather than merely focusing on trade."

"The International Community has a very real responsibility to ensure that dialogue between the three concerned parties in this dispute is facilitated and encouraged. India's growing economic importance carries with it responsibilities toward its immediate neighbours and the South Asia region as a whole."