Pakistan High Commission observes Kashmir Black Day

The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka observed Jammu and Kashmir Black Day on Tuesday, expressing solidarity with the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and reaffirming Pakistan's support for their right to self-determination.

Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider welcomed members of the Pakistani community, Friends of Pakistan and media representatives to the event.

Messages from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out at the programme.

The messages recalled October 27, 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged conflict over Jammu and Kashmir. They highlighted the continued denial of the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, as recognised in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and paid tribute to their sacrifices and resilience.

The messages also expressed concern over alleged human rights violations, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the detention of Kashmiri political leaders and activists. They criticised India's August 5, 2019, actions concerning the region's constitutional status and called on the international community, the United Nations and human rights organisations to help protect the rights of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan reaffirmed its moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Kashmir, stressing that lasting peace and stability in South Asia depended on resolving the dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Participants also visited a photo exhibition highlighting the hardships faced by Kashmiris, alleged human rights violations and restrictions on freedom of expression in the region.

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