ISLAMABAD: Pakistan observed Kashmir Black Day across the country and at its diplomatic missions worldwide on Monday to condemn 78 years of India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and to reaffirm its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s legitimate right to self-determination.
On this day in 1947, Indian troops invaded Jammu and Kashmir, occupying the region in direct violation of the Partition Plan and against the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
“The observance served as a solemn reminder of the grave injustices endured by the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for more than seven decades and express solidarity with their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
A wide range of activities, including seminars, webinars, panel discussions, and photo exhibitions, were held across Pakistan and at its missions abroad to mark the occasion. These events highlighted the suffering of innocent Kashmiris and sought to draw global attention to the systematic repression and brutality committed by the Indian occupation forces.
In their special messages, the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to providing moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle.
They also called on the international community to fulfill its responsibility by pressuring India to end its illegal occupation, stop human rights abuses, and cease all repressive actions against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also addressed letters to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), apprising them of the grave human rights situation in IIOJK.
According to the statement, Ishaq Dar underscored India’s continued denial of the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiri people for over seven decades, in clear violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. He warned that India’s persistent defiance of these obligations, along with the increasingly hostile and irresponsible rhetoric of its leadership, continues to heighten regional tensions and poses a serious threat to peace and stability.
A special Kashmir Solidarity Walk was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with officers and officials from the Ministry taking part.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a special briefing for members of the Diplomatic Corps in Islamabad, where a documentary showcasing Indian atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was screened for the diplomats.
The observance of 27 October as Black Day serves as a somber reminder of India’s unlawful occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and a moment to honor the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people, who remain steadfast in their struggle for the right to self-determination despite decades of repression.
