The Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa solemnized the Kashmir Black Day to mark the illegal occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) by Indian forces in 1947.
The event was attended by members of the Pakistani community, human rights advocates and supporters of the Kashmiri cause. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the almost 8 decades-long suffering of the people in IIOJK and Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, moral and political support for their just cause for self-determination.
On this occasion special messages of solidarity from the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were shared with the participants, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. A special documentary highlighting the plight and resilience of the people in IIOJK was also screened.
In his remarks, High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem underscored, “we have come together to express our unflinching support and solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren who remain undeterred by the oppressive Indian occupation forces in their just struggle for attaining their right to self- determination”. The High Commissioner urged the international community and the human rights organizations to hold India accountable for its grave human rights violations in IIOJK. He also called on the international community to play its due role in ensuring a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Special events were also arranged at the Consulates General of Pakistan in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to mark the Kashmir Black Day.
