NEW YORK: Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people, urging the international community to fulfil its commitments under United Nations Security Council resolutions and support their right to self-determination.
The call came during a Kashmir Black Day commemoration held in New York under the theme “Jammu & Kashmir: 79 Years of Occupation, Resistance and Resilience”, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
The event, jointly organised by Pakistan’s UN Mission and its Consulate General in New York, brought together Kashmiri leaders, diplomats, human rights advocates, students and members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora.
Speakers stressed that lasting peace in South Asia would remain elusive without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Kashmiris
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their political future.
He described October 27, 1947, as a tragic turning point in Kashmir’s history and expressed concern over the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly following India’s actions on August 5, 2019.
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Ambassador Jadoon cited reports of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
He called for the release of individuals arbitrarily detained, protection of human rights and unhindered access for international human rights monitoring mechanisms.
The ambassador emphasised that the Kashmir dispute was a question of justice, human rights and international credibility, urging the global community to pursue accountability and a settlement consistent with UN resolutions.
Speakers Call for Implementation of UN Resolutions
Participants reiterated that the United Nations had a responsibility to uphold its Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
They called for a peaceful settlement that would enable the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite.
Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, urged Pakistani and Kashmiri communities abroad to strengthen engagement with US lawmakers, media organisations and human rights groups.
He also emphasised the importance of educating younger generations about Kashmir’s history and sustaining peaceful advocacy at the international level.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the Kashmir Awareness Forum, called for renewed international attention to the historical circumstances surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s accession.
He urged US President Donald Trump to support diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a just and peaceful settlement in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmiris’ Resilience Highlighted
Other speakers paid tribute to the resilience of Kashmiris and stressed the need to maintain international attention on the longstanding dispute.
Ghulam Qadir Shah, President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, criticised India’s failure to honour its commitments and acknowledged Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people.
Azra Dar, Human Rights Commissioner of Nassau County, highlighted the importance of protecting Kashmiri rights, while former AJK government official Farooq Tabassum warned of the regional consequences of the unresolved dispute.
Senior Kashmiri leader Taj Khan called for unity among Kashmiris and appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic advocacy.
The gathering concluded with a renewed appeal to the international community to uphold its commitments, protect human rights and support a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
