Pakistan High Commission commemorated ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day (05 February)’ today. A convention was held at the High Commission of Pakistan, Hulhumale to reaffirm solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren in their just struggle for right to self-determination in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). The event was attended by Pakistani community and Maldivians. The function started with the recitation from the Holy Quran. In order to express the resolve that Pakistanis are with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters, the National Anthems of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir were played. A video on Human Rights Violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) was also showcased. While welcoming the guests; Mr. Zulqurnain Ahmad, Deputy Head of Mission, appreciated their sentiments for the Kashmiri brethren. The messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan on the Kashmir Solidarity Day were also read out. While speaking on the occasion, H.E. Vice Admiral (R) Faisal Rasul Ladhi, High Commissioner of Pakistan said that the people of Pakistan are commemorating the Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm the unwavering support to the Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right to self-determination. He highlighted that the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny. Regrettably, the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise this inalienable right, despite the passage of last seventy-eight years. High Commissioner further underscored that unfortunately, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is one of the oldest, unresolved items on the agenda of the United Nations. Thousands of Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives and suffered countless atrocities at the hands of the Indian Occupation Forces. The situation took a turn for the worst after India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 when article 370 was abrogated. These illegal and unilateral steps have been rejected by Pakistan and the Kashmiris. He also noted that this day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people. The United Nations must honour the commitments it had made 77 years ago and support the Kashmiri people's struggle for self-determination. On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, the High Commissioner reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will remain a key pillar of Our Foreign Policy. Pakistan will continue its unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people till realization of their right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. High Commissioner underscored that the young Pakistani must remember that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (founder of Pakistan0 termed Kashmir as Pakistan’s Jugular vein. At the conclusion of the convention, special prayers were also offered for the martyrs and freedom of IIOJK.
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