Reported by Sardar Shaukat Mahmood – Islamabad:
In a significant step towards the empowerment of youth in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Sardar Group of Companies and the Kashmir Supreme League (KSL), marking a new chapter in sports development and youth engagement in the region.
The official signing ceremony, held in Islamabad, was graced by the former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and President of Sardar Group of Companies, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, who also serves as Patron-in-Chief of the Kashmir Supreme League.
Addressing the gathering, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan emphasized that Azad Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and reiterated the unwavering resolve that the occupied region of Kashmir would one day be free from Indian control and fully unite with Pakistan. “The people of Kashmir had already declared their allegiance to Pakistan before its independence,” he said.
He further noted, “Today marks the beginning of a new era—one that recognizes the dreams and potential of Kashmiri youth. The Kashmir Supreme League is not merely a sporting event but a meaningful platform for youth development, providing them with opportunities in sports, education, employment, and personal growth. Our aim is to channel their energy towards peace, progress, and positivity.”
He added that Azad Kashmir holds immense untapped talent. “Our youth have the ability to excel in every domain, including sports. Many have already represented Pakistan in cricket and other fields, for which we remain grateful to PCB and the nation.” He also highlighted initiatives launched during his tenure to promote employment and skill development among youth, aiming to divert them from negative influences.
The event witnessed participation from a range of prominent figures including cricket legends Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, and Abdul Razzaq, along with celebrated actor Imran Abbas, all of whom praised the vision behind the Kashmir Supreme League, calling it a milestone initiative for youth empowerment in the region.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included former President of Pakistan and Senate Chairman Wasim Sajjad, former Naval Chief Admiral (R) Abdul Aziz Mirza, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasneem, CEO of Sardar Group of Companies Sardar Umar Tanveer Khan, CEO of Kashmir Supreme League Usman Sani, Chairman of KSL Sardar Masood Ahmad Khan, and several political leaders, business figures, celebrities, and members of the press from print, electronic, and digital media.
As a mark of solidarity, the audience observed a one-minute silence in protest against the ongoing atrocities in Indian-occupied Kashmir and Palestine. The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer for national peace, security, prosperity, and the success of the Kashmir Supreme League, as well as for the freedom of Kashmir and Palestine.
