Ambassador Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, addressing a ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul to observe October 27 as "Black Day," reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Ambassador Nizamani stated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a critical issue on the international agenda. He emphasized that two elements have been constant throughout the history of the dispute: the resilience and courage of the Kashmiri people, and Pakistan's consistent support for their legitimate right to self-determination.
Ambassador Nizamani drew attention to the worsening human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, citing documentation by international human rights organizations. Highlighting the regional implications, he stated that India's continued occupation has, on multiple occasions, threatened peace and stability in the region. While reiterating Pakistan's belief in peaceful coexistence, he asserted that a lasting peace in South Asia is contingent upon a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant according to United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of Kashmiri people. Ambassador called upon the international community to use its influence to convince India to fully implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The ceremony also featured the reading of messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar. A documentary on Kashmir was screened for the attendees.
