Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the United Nations today organized a photo exhibition in solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters, says a press release received here today from New York.
The event was held in virtual and hybrid format in view of COVID-19 restrictions. All the proceedings of the event were broadcasted live on Twitter.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an. A message of Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram was broadcasted.
In his message on the occasion of Solidarity Day, he expressed his unwavering support to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been fighting against the brutal occupation for seven decades. "We salute their unparalleled bravery." Ambassador Munir Akram said, "The heart of Pakistan is Kashmir. In Pakistan, 'K' means towards Kashmir. Pakistan's dream is incomplete without it."
"The people of Pakistan have always stood firm with their Kashmiri brethren against Indian atrocities and aggression."
The deployment of more than 900,000 Indian troops has made IIOJK one of the most militarized areas in the world, he said.
In his message, Munir Akram said that "Since 05 August 2019, India has turned 8 million Kashmiris into prisoners in their own land through deployment of over 900,000 occupation troops. History has few precedents of such suffocation and violation of the fundamental rights at this scale. For over 500 days, India has imprisoned all Kashmiri political leaders, illegally detained 13000 Kashmiri youth, tortured many of them, summarily executed young boys, put down protest violently, including the use of pellet guns against peaceful protestors and imposed collective punishment by demolishing homes and burning entire neighborhood and villages".
"The Permanent Mission of Pakistan remains the voice of the Kashmiris at the UN and other international forums. We have urged the international community to play its role in ensuring respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people and averting grave risks to global peace and security posed by India’s belligerent rhetoric and aggressive action. Through these persistence diplomatic efforts and under the guidance of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Kashmir issue is once again re-internationalized": said the Ambassador.
"Kashmir issue is once again re-internationalized. It’s under active consideration of the UN Security Council. UN Secretary General, the President of the General Assembly, High Commissioner for Human Rights and other high-ranking UN human rights experts and Special Rapporteurs have on numerous occasions expressed grave concerns over India’s massive atrocities and crimes in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. During its recent meeting in Niger, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers have reaffirmed its unwavering support to the legitimate Kashmiri struggle": Ambassador Munir Akram said.
"The day is not far when the people of Kashmir will be able to free themselves from the yoke of Indian occupation. Unity of purpose and a single-minded determination of the Kashmiris remains the biggest strength of the Kashmiri struggle" he concluded with the note of hope.
Later a documentary on the struggle of Kashmiris was shown at the event. A digital album titled: Kashmir: between resistance and resilience, a collection of photographs featured in international media. The album features photographs and impressions taken by Kashmiri and international reporters and photojournalists based on the struggles of Kashmiris, their plight and their current situation.
Deputy Permanent Representative Mr. Amir Khan expressed his views in his closing remarks.
Expressing solidarity with the Kashmiris in his address, Aamir Khan said, "Today is a day to recognize the legitimacy of the Kashmiri freedom struggle in the face of Indian brutality, occupation and state sponsored terrorism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir; to express our unstinting solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters; to underscore India’s consistent and blatant disregard of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and its obligations under international law".
"As members of Pakistan Mission to the UN, we are at the forefront of the Kashmiri struggle for freedom. The legal and moral case of our brethren pivots around our representation. In line with the directions of our leadership, wishes of the Pakistani people and the aspirations of millions of Kashmiris, we must continue to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to highlight all aspects of the Kashmir dispute. This is not only our national duty but also a prerequisite of our Imaan": he said.
"We reiterate our collective resolve and commitment to extend full moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir" he concluded.
At the end of the ceremony, a special prayer was offered for the liberation of Kashmiris.
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