PARTY LEADERSHIP PROFILE

Muhammad Sajjad Raja, widely known as Sajjad Raja, stands as one of the most prominent and respected nationalist leaders of Jammu Kashmir and Aksai Tibetha. His life story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the rights, dignity, and freedom of the people of his homeland—a cause he has championed for decades. Though now a British citizen, his heart remains firmly rooted in the land of his ancestors, a place rich in history, culture, and political struggle. Born in Jammu Kashmir to a distinguished Dogra warrior clan, his identity is inextricably tied to the aspirations of his people.

Educated first in Jammu Kashmir and later in Pakistan, Sajjad Raja’s academic path led him to earn a Master’s degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Karachi. In 1991, he married Sameena Raja, a British citizen and renowned writer with a deep interest in the history and culture of Jammu Kashmir and Aksai Tibetha. Together, they form a powerful intellectual and activist partnership, each contributing to the global awareness of Kashmir’s political plight.

Raja’s career began as a college lecturer in Economics in 1990, where he served in the government education department for six years. Later, he transitioned into the life insurance industry, working as a manager for seven years. However, it was the tragic loss of his father that prompted him to relocate to the United Kingdom, where his journey as a global advocate for Kashmiri rights would truly take shape.

Once in the UK, Raja continued his studies, completing postgraduate qualifications in law at Leeds Beckett University, alongside a diploma in Public Service Interpreting in Law. It was in this new land that he would forge a deeper connection with the Kashmiri diaspora, becoming a pivotal figure in their struggle for cultural preservation, political freedom, and social justice.

Sajjad Raja’s political activism began at a young age. He joined the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) at just 12 years old, a decision that would shape the trajectory of his life. His involvement in nationalist politics led to his arrest in 1977, following his participation in protests against the military dictatorship of General Zia ul-Haq in Pakistan. From that moment, he would become a tireless advocate for democracy, justice, and the rights of the Kashmiri people.

By 1980, at the age of 18, Raja was elected Unit President of the JKNSF at Government College Mirpur, one of the largest and most politically influential colleges in Azad Kashmir. His leadership skills soon propelled him to national prominence, and by the mid-1980s, he had been appointed to several key positions within the organization, including Central Publicity Secretary and District Organizer for Mirpur. His ability to inspire and mobilize the youth of Jammu Kashmir was unmatched, and he played a crucial role in the formation of the Jammu Kashmir Peoples National Party—the first socialist nationalist political party in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

In 1987, Raja rewrote the constitution and manifesto of JKNSF, transforming it into a more ideologically focused and radical organization. His vision was clear: to advance the cause of Kashmiri nationalism through a synthesis of political ideology and cultural identity. By 1988, he was elected President of JKNSF, a position he held with great distinction until the formation of the Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP) in 1995.

JKNAP, which Raja helped establish, was a direct extension of his lifelong struggle for the independence and unity of Jammu Kashmir. The party’s founding represented a new wave of nationalist thought—one that rejected the traditional political structures in favor of a more radical, inclusive approach. As a founding member of JKNAP, Raja played an instrumental role in drafting its constitution and shaping its political vision. His ideological leadership was pivotal in establishing JKNAP as a powerful force for change within Jammu Kashmir and among the Kashmiri diaspora worldwide.

Yet Raja’s work did not stop there. Upon his relocation to the UK, he spearheaded an innovative community project under the Social Services Department, aimed at educating elderly Kashmiri immigrants about their cultural heritage, political history, and the ongoing struggle for justice. This groundbreaking initiative was the first of its kind, offering a platform for the Kashmiri diaspora to reconnect with their roots and understand the complexities of the Kashmir conflict. His tireless advocacy for the Kashmiri cause earned him the respect and admiration of people from all walks of life.

In 2009, Raja was elected President of JKNAP UK at the first-ever UK Convention of the party, and in 2011, he was appointed International Coordinator of JKNAP. His leadership continued to expand in global scope as he founded the Jammu Kashmir Centre for Peace & Reconciliation in 2013, an NGO dedicated to promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful resolutions to the conflict. In 2015, he also founded the Peoples Reconciliation Committee, an organization aimed at fostering closer ties between the people of Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan—two regions that share a common struggle for political and cultural recognition.

Despite numerous challenges, including ideological divisions within his own party, Sajjad Raja remained resolute in his commitment to the cause. In 2019, after the splitting of JKNAP, Raja and his allies founded the National Equality Party JKGBL, a new political platform that sought to unite the disparate factions of Jammu Kashmir and Aksai Tibetha under a shared vision of equality, justice, and self-determination. As the founding chairman of this new party, Raja has continued to be a leading voice in the global Kashmiri nationalist movement.

Raja’s leadership is defined by his unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and the preservation of Jammu Kashmir’s distinct identity. He is not only a political leader but a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Kashmiri people—resilient, principled, and dedicated to the cause of peace and freedom. His contributions to the nationalist cause have earned him widespread respect and admiration, not only among his supporters but also from those who oppose his views.

As a statesman, intellectual, and activist, Sajjad Raja has left an indelible mark on the history of Jammu Kashmir. His journey—from a young nationalist in Mirpur to a globally recognized leader of the Kashmiri cause—continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris around the world. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of conviction and the belief that, one day, the people of Jammu Kashmir will achieve the freedom and justice they so richly deserve.