Pakistan High Commission observes Kashmir Black Day in Male’

Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives, on Wednesday, observed Kashmir Black Day, expressing solidarity with Kashmiris in their battle for legitimate right to self-determination.

Each year, October 27 is observed across the world as ‘Kashmir Black Day’ – marking the day India without any legal justification, forcibly took control of the state of Jammu and Kashmir 75 years ago, on October 27, 1947.

The event to mark Kashmir Black Day was held at Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives in capital, Male’ City. Pakistan High Commission states the day is a testament to Kashmiris’ legendary courage and resilience they have shown in standing up to the Indian occupation forces over the last 75 years.

Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad highlighted the Kashmir dispute with historic perspective and underscored the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir. Condemning India’s unilateral strike down of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution on August 5, 2019 – provisions which provided important legal protections that restricted non-Kashmiris from getting jobs, purchasing land and permanently settling in the disputed region – he alleged that abrogation of the said provisions by India was to remove this barrier, and convert the region’s Muslim majority to a minority.

He stressed that the unilateral actions of the Indian government were against international laws and the 4^th Geneva Convention.

The Deputy High Commissioner also paid tribute to the Kashmiri leaders, who sacrificed their lives for their legitimate and basic right of self-determination.

“Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have displayed exemplary courage and endurance braving the worst forms of persecution. The struggles and sacrifices of the Kashmiri brothers and sisters will not go in vain,” he had said.

High Commissioner Vice Admiral (R) Ather Mukhtar who also spoke at the ceremony said that the innumerable sacrifices and resilience of Kashmiri and Jammu’s people have thwarted all Indian attempts at coercion and control. He added that this resolution by the people remains intact.

He also said that Pakistan calls upon the immediate reversal of the Indian government’s illegal and unilateral actions – whilst also urging the international community to take practical steps to honor their commitments to Kashmiris.

High Commissioner Mukhtar explained that the solution to the Kashmir dispute is available in the United National Security Council’s Resolutions

“The long-lasting peace and stability of South Asia can only be achieved with the settlement of Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC’s Resolutions and as per aspirations of the Kashmiris,” he added.

The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stand together with Kashmiris till the realization of their right to self-determination.