Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, Yasmin Qureshi MP, has joined other MPs to demand a new international airport. This airport is not for the United kingdom, but Mirpur, Pakistan.
Yasmin Qureshi posted to X:
I’ve joined MPs urging Pakistan’s PM to deliver the long-promised Mirpur International Airport. Families face long journeys—this airport would be a game-changer for travel, jobs & investment!
This is a request to the Pakistani government that would involve no British money
-- Yasmin Qureshi, March 30th, 2025
Ms Qureshi continued:
Over a million British Kashmiris face tiring journeys to visit loved ones, including families in Bolton South & Walkden. The nearest airport is 80 miles from Mirpur! I’m urging Pakistan’s PM to fulfil the promise of an international airport, boosting travel & economic growth
-- Yasmin Qureshi, March 30th, 2025
The letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shebaz Sharif
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SWIA OAA
Honourable Muhammad Shebaz Sharif
The Prime Minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister's Office
Islamabad
Pakistan
26 March 2025
Dear Prime Minister,
We hope this letter finds you well. We the undersigned cross-party group of Parliamentarians, write to draw your attention to a very important matter to the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Successive Prime Ministers of Pakistan have committed to development and welfare projects, including an international airport in Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which remains unrealised.
We the undersigned, are grateful for the political, diplomatic and moral support given to Kashmiris, including a number of successful development and welfare-orientated initiatives. These have undoubtedly had a significant positive impact on the region and the lives of people living both in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the United Kingdom.
However, our concern is, that the long-standing promise of an international airport in Mirpur has yet to be met. The nearest airport to the region is Islamabad International Airport, approximately 80 miles (130 km) by road from Mirpur City.
The Kashmiri diaspora in the UK, including significant numbers of our constituents, have concerns regarding the journey times by road. Often taking in excess of three hours driving, following a long haul flight - these journeys are genuine inhibitors to travel, and we are hearing increasing demands for an international airport in the region.
Delivering a new international airport will unlock the potential for greater economic development across the region, creating jobs and attracting much needed investment.
As well as benefitting the local population, an international airport would serve the vibrant, worldwide Kashmiri diaspora.
There are over a million British Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom who would benefit directly in addition to the neighbouring regions of Jhelum, Dina and Gujrat would also gain from improved international transport connections.
We look forward to hearing from you regarding the Mirpur Airport and plans for the region.
Yours sincerely,
Mohammad Yasin MP
Debbie Abrahams MP
Zubair Ahmed MP
Tahir Ali MP
Rosena Allin-Khan MP
Stella Creasy MP
Tan Dhesi MP
James Frith MP
Gill Furniss MP
Adnan Hussain MP
Imran Hussain MP
Lord Qurban Hussain
Afzal Khan MP
Abtisam Mohamed MP
Lord Mohammed of Tinsley
Andrew Pakes MP
Yasmin Qureshi MP
Naz Shah MP
Baggy Shanker MP
Zahra Sultana MP
https://twitter.com/YasminQureshiMP/status/1906298920789037081
