OTTAWA: The High Commission of Pakistan in Canada has observed Kashmir Black Day in order to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by India on October 27, 1947, local media reported.
A number of activities were organized by the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulate Generals in Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto.
A photo exhibition as well as screening of a documentary on the human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were also organized in the high commission which was attended by Canadians of Pakistan origin as well as supporters of the Kashmir cause.
The messages of solidarity from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were read out, reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering resolve to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
In his remarks, Acting High Commissioner Faisal Kakar has reiterated Islamabad’s steadfast support for the people of Kashmir in their struggle against oppression and human rights violations committed by Indian troops.
He also emphasized that Pakistan would continue to advocate for the Kashmir cause at all global fora, including the UN, urging the world to play its role in ending the decades-long unlawful occupation and atrocities against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated that India had stifled the legitimate aspirations of the people of Kashmir to determine their own destiny. Over the past seventy-seven years, New Delhi has not only reneged on its obligations to the people of Kashmir but has also shown disregard to multilateralism by backtracking on the UN Security Council resolutions, he said.
The acting high commissioner stated that contrary to New Delhi claims, Jammu and Kashmir was an internationally recognized dispute that has been on the agenda of the UNSC for over seven decades. Kashmir Black Day is, therefore, a somber reminder of the urgency to address the current humanitarian crisis in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Kakar said.
The Consuls General Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto also arranged different events, including a seminar and sharing of aide memoire on the human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir.
