Kashmir advocacy gains momentum

FM writes letters to key international officials about dire IIOJK situation

ISLAMABAD:

The government and the people of Pakistan, along with the Kashmiri population, observed the 76th anniversary of Indian troops' landing in Jammu and Kashmir as a solemn 'Black Day.'

On this occasion, the president, prime minister, and foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmir cause.

They emphasized the critical need to address India's illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which have initiated a process aimed at altering the demographic structure and political landscape of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The foreign minister sent letters to the President of the UN General Assembly, the President of the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to inform them of the latest situation in IIOJK.

In these letters, the foreign minister called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future.

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He also urged the international community to press India for the immediate release of political prisoners and dissenters, including Yasin Malik, who faced a death penalty sought by Indian authorities.

The foreign secretary briefed the diplomatic missions in Islamabad about the situation in IIOJK, highlighting the legal, security, and human rights dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

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A 'Protest Walk' took place from the Foreign Office to 'D-Chowk' on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, led by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and attended by officers and staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Across the country, various activities such as public rallies, seminars, webinars, panel discussions, and photo exhibitions were organized to commemorate the 'Black Day.' Additionally, Pakistan's diplomatic missions worldwide arranged special events with the active participation of Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora to raise global awareness regarding India's prolonged occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.