Pakistan urges global support for Kashmiris on Black Day
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has called for continued international support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as the Pakistani embassy in Washington marked Kashmir Black Day on October 27.
The event expressed solidarity with Kashmiris and reaffirmed Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support for their right to self-determination, according to a statement issued by the embassy.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh said the Kashmir dispute remained central to Pakistan’s national identity and called for its peaceful resolution in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
He said the entry of Indian forces into Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, 1947, marked a tragic turning point in the region’s history, with lasting implications for regional peace.
He also accused India of violating the rights of Kashmiris and said the dispute should be resolved in line with the principles established by the UN.
Sheikh stressed the importance of a unified position among Pakistanis and Kashmiris living in major international centres, including London, Washington, New York, Jeddah and Brussels, to raise awareness of the issue.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by readings of messages from Pakistan’s president, prime minister and deputy prime minister.
A documentary highlighting alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir was also screened.
Speakers included Ali Raza Anar, president of the Foundation for American Security and Technology; Zulfiqar Ali Kazmi, executive director of The Common Grounds of USA and president of Discover Pakistan TV; and attorney, author and policy analyst Muwahid Hussain Shah.
They discussed the historical, legal and political dimensions of the dispute, including the events of October 1947 and the continuing humanitarian situation in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Sheikh urged the international community and human rights organisations to pay attention to the situation in Kashmir.
He thanked the speakers and participants for attending the event and expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people.