LONDON: The Pakistan High Commission in London hosted a seminar on Youm-e-Istehsal, condemning India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, which revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
The event was attended by notable figures including Adnan Hussain, MP; Shaffaq Mohammad, former Member of the European Parliament; Raja Najabat Hussain, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Self-Determination Movement International; Raza Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe; Syed Yousaf Naseem, Chairman of the All J&K Freedom Conference International; along with members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, prominent locals, human rights representatives, and media personnel.
During the seminar, High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal said that India’s actions on August 5, 2019, aimed to disenfranchise the Muslim-majority population of Kashmir. He highlighted concerns over India’s redrawing of electoral boundaries, issuing fraudulent domiciles to non-Kashmiris, and manipulating voter rolls, which he claimed were attempts to permanently alter the region’s demographic and political landscape.
Dr. Faisal condemned India’s severe measures, including the arbitrary detention of Hurriyat leaders, media censorship, communication blackouts, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. He called on the international community to recognize India’s illegal actions and support the Kashmiri people’s legitimate aspirations for self-determination, peace, and justice.
British Parliamentarians and other speakers expressed their solidarity with the Kashmiri people, urging India to halt human rights violations in IIOJK. They stressed the urgent need to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
The High Commission also organized a photo exhibition showcasing evidence of ongoing atrocities by Indian forces in IIOJK. The exhibition served as a stark reminder of the dire human rights situation and underscored the need for a peaceful resolution to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The commemoration of Youm-e-Istehsal by the Government of Pakistan highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in IIOJK and work towards an early resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.
The international community should support legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris for self-determination, peace and justice : Dr. Mohammad Faisal @DrMFaisal @PakistaninUK organised #Youm_E_Istehsal Seminar, denouncing India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019,… pic.twitter.com/6t4oKUmRoP
— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) August 5, 2024
