A forgotten conflict that burst back onto the international scene earlier this year, when nuclear-armed states Pakistan and India briefly clashed over its air space, Kashmir is one of the modern world’s oldest conflicts.

What is at the core of this conflict? What’s it like to be a Kashmiri on either side of the border? And is a resolution possible?

Join former BBC Head of Religion and Ethics Aaqil Ahmed as he hosts two conversations about the Kashmir issue: firstly, with Pakistani Kashmiri politician Farzana Yaqoob and British Kashmiri politicians Imran Hussain and Naz Shah as they discuss the political ramifications of the conflict; and then with Farzana Yaqoob and Indian Kashmiri activist Muzzammil Thakur.

About The Host

Aaqil Ahmed

Aaqil is the former Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC and Channel 4, delivering many award-winning programmes, including The Life of Muhammad. He is also Professor of Media at Bolton University, Non-Executive Director of the Advertising Standards Authority and a consultant in Television production, communications and diversity.

About The Speakers

Imran Hussain

Imran Hussain is the Member of Parliament for Bradford East and recently assumed the office of Shadow Minister of State for International Development. Born and raised in Bradford, he attended local state funded schools and as a teenager worked sweeping floors and stacking shelves. He was the first in his family to attend university and went on to qualify as a barrister.

Naz Shah

Naz Shah is the Member of Parliament for Bradford  West and has been a Member of the Home Affairs select committe e since 2015. Naz is also the Chair of APPG for Islamic finance, former Chair of APPG for Islamophobia & now Vice chair on the APPG for British Muslims, and APPG for Integration.

Muzzammil Thakur

Muzzammil born in Saudi Arabia, moved to London to complete his degree and pursue a career in finance and economics, specialising in Islamic finance. He successfully launched the “Free Kashmir Campaign” and has made the knowledge of Kashmir issues available to countries that would have never known and has lead powerful protests and demonstrations. 

Farzana Yaqoob

Farzana Yaqoob is a forward-thinking social activist and entrepreneur from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. She is considered to be one of the most thought-provoking leaders on issues of conflict, women empowerment and social security network. Farzana makes her voice heard at national and international forums.