Birmingham Lord Mayor Zaker Choudhry sparked controversy after saying “Kashmir is ours” at a Pakistan Independence Day event.
Choudhry urged Pakistan and Kashmir representatives to resolve the issue through “peaceful dialogue”.
Born in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Choudhry became Birmingham’s first Muslim Lord Mayor in 2026.
A remark by Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Zaker Choudhry that “Kashmir is ours” during a Pakistan Independence Day event has triggered controversy in the United Kingdom and India, with questions being raised over the comments made by an elected British official on a long-standing international dispute.
Addressing a gathering in Birmingham last week, Choudhry said Pakistan is part of his identity while calling for dialogue between Pakistan and Kashmir.
“Our forefathers fought for our country. Kashmir is ours, Pakistan is ours, and [the] army is ours as well,” Choudhry said in a video clip circulating online.
“I would urge everybody, including Pakistan government and also from Kashmir side, to sit down on the table and have a peaceful dialogue. You are not going to achieve anything without dialogue,” he added.
The remarks sparked criticism online, with several users questioning whether an elected official in the UK should make statements on territorial issues involving another country.
Who Is Zaker Choudhry?
Zaker Choudhry became Birmingham’s 116th Lord Mayor in May 2026, becoming the first Muslim person to hold the ceremonial position.
Born in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Choudhry moved to the United Kingdom in 1969 at the age of 14. According to the Birmingham City Council website, he began working as a gas welder at a manufacturing unit while continuing his studies before moving into senior operational roles and later building businesses in property and local enterprises.
Choudhry entered politics in 2006 after being elected as a councillor from the Birmingham Liberal Democrats. He represented communities in Bordesley Green and South Yardley and has remained active in local politics for nearly two decades.
His profile on the Birmingham City Council website describes him as a “pragmatic and approachable local representative” with a focus on neighbourhood welfare, infrastructure and public safety.
A Political Career Rooted In Community Work
Before becoming Lord Mayor, Choudhry was involved in community initiatives, including his work as chairman of a local mosque.
He has also supported fundraising efforts for Birmingham-based charities and international humanitarian relief programmes, including assistance following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to his profile.
Choudhry comes from a family with a military background. His father served during the Second World War and was recognised by King George VI in 1945 for his contribution to the war effort.
Remarks Trigger Backlash
Choudhry’s comments were made during a Pakistan Independence Day programme in Birmingham, where he spoke about Kashmir and called for talks between Pakistan and representatives from the region.
The statement drew criticism from some sections online, with users questioning his reference to Kashmir as “ours” while holding a public office in the United Kingdom.
The remarks also triggered online reactions, including memes and criticism over whether his comments reflected his role as a British elected representative or his personal connection to Pakistan.
Earlier Controversy Over Lord Mayor Ceremony
Choudhry’s appointment as Birmingham’s Lord Mayor had also faced criticism from some members of the right-wing Reform UK party.
During his swearing-in ceremony, an imam was invited to recite a brief Arabic verse as part of the installation programme, leading to objections from some political opponents.
Despite the controversy, Choudhry continued in his role as the city’s ceremonial head.
India Independence Day Event Attendance
Days after the controversy over his Kashmir remarks, Choudhry also attended an Independence Day celebration hosted by the Consulate General of India in Birmingham on August 15.
Sharing pictures from the event on X, he described it as a privilege to attend the India Flag Raising Ceremony and celebrate the occasion with Birmingham’s diverse community.
His comments on Kashmir, however, have since placed the Birmingham Lord Mayor at the centre of a political controversy stretching beyond the city’s local affairs.
