The Pakistan embassy yesterday organised an event to mark the Kashmir “Black Day” ‘to express solidarity with the people of  Jammu and Kashmir’.
A large number of people from the Pakistani community attended the event. Speakers highlighted ‘the need for immediate implementation of UN resolutions in line with the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people’.
Messages from President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were read out on the occasion. The message from the president noted, “October 27 marks one of the darkest chapters of J&K history. On this day seven decades ago, the Indian forces landed in Srinagar to occupy, subjugate, oppress and terrorise the innocent people of Indian occupied J&K in blatant violation of international law.”
The message from the prime minister said, “For seven decades, India has occupied J&K in contravention of UNSC resolutions that ordain the holding of a plebiscite to determine the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It has used coercion, brutal suppression of the rights of the people, economic blandishments and sham electoral processes to crush the will of Kashmiris and legitimise its occupation. The recent UN Report on Kashmir is an acknowledgement of Indian policies of occupation that include well documented human rights atrocities.”
He further said: “The recommendation to set up a UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights abuses by Indian occupation forces should immediately be implemented. The valiant, brave and courageous people of J&K deserve the admiration of the world. Pakistan will not relent in its moral, political and diplomatic support until the Kashmiris realise their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.”
The event was also attended by Shehryar Khan Afridi, state minister for interior, currently on an official visit. The minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to press the international community to resolve the Kashmir issue as per the UN resolutions on Kashmir and continue to support the Kashmir cause morally, politically and diplomatically.
Murad Baseer, charge d’affaires of Pakistan to Qatar, also laid stress on Pakistan’s principled stance on right of self-determination for the people of J&K.
Appreciating the role of oversees Pakistanis in economic development of the country, the minister said, “Pakistanis living abroad are our unsung heroes. They have been doing hard work and earn good name for the country. The embassies and missions of Pakistan in other countries needed to facilitate and co-operate with their compatriots. The Government of Imran Khan will give due respect and facilities to the oversees Pakistanis. The prime minister holds the Pakistanis living abroad in the highest esteem.”
The minister had an interactive session with the community members and heard their complaints and suggestions. He assured the community that the government would extend all facilities to them. He said he felt proud when he learnt that the Government of Qatar recognised and appreciated the role of the Pakistani community in development of their host country.