OPINION: Keynote speaker Afzal Khan, the first Muslim Labour Member of the European parliament from Britain, said that the early resolution of Kashmir issue was important for both India and Pakistan.

By Umer Nangiana

 

Pakistan Embassy in Qatar observed “Kashmir Black Day” in a ceremony attended by a large number of members of Pakistani community, people of Kashmir origin and officials of the embassy here recently.

Addressing the gathering Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar Shahzad Ahmad reiterated that Pakistan has a principled stand on Kashmir. “Pakistan will continue to support the people of Jammu and Kashmir politically and diplomatically,” said the ambassador.

He urged the international community particularly the United Nation to resolve the issue in accordance with its resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He stressed that the people of Kashmir’s right to self-determination should be respected and given to them.

The ceremony conducted by the First Secretary of Pakistan Embassy Wajahat Hassan Hashmi also hosted a number of speakers including prominent Kashmiris who spoke about the issue at length.

Speaking to the audience, the keynote speaker Afzal Khan, the first Muslim Labour Member of the European parliament from Britain, said that the early resolution of Kashmir issue was important for both India and Pakistan.

He demanded that the issue must be resolved in line with the UN resolutions. Khan rhymed with Ambassador Ahmad’s demand that Kashmiris’ right to self-determination must be given to them without any further delay.

He urged India to respect UN resolutions on Kashmir “particularly when India aspires to gain a permanent seat in United Nation Security Council (UNSC).”

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Mujahid Akhtar Chak and Dr Azhar Khan referred to a recent referendum in Scotland and suggested that it was the best example of allowing one the fundamental right to self-determination.  

Explaining a brief history of Kashmir issue, the speakers also condemned the deployment of Indian armed forces in the valley who, they said, have been committing human rights violations against the people of Kashmir.

A special documentary on the history, background and the intensity of Kashmir issue, showing the Kashmiris’ struggle to achieve right to self-determination, was also screened at the occasion for the audience.

In the end, the audience prayed for the early and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issues.

 

 

 

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