The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara, in collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Center (ESAM), organized a commemorative event on 4 August 2026 to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir and express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Held at ESAM Headquarters in Ankara, the event was attended by representatives of civil society, academics, researchers, members of the public, and officials of the Embassy of Pakistan. The programme highlighted the historical, legal, political and humanitarian dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as well as its implications for regional peace and international law.
The event opened with a presentation by Mr Ammar Amin, Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan, who outlined the historical background of the dispute and its legal and humanitarian implications in the wake of India’s unilateral actions of 5 August 2019.
He briefed about India’s unilateral measures, including the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and the reorganization of the territory, aimed at altering its internationally recognized disputed status. He also underlined the importance of respecting international law, protecting civil liberties and press freedom in IIOJK, and honouring international agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty.
In his remarks, Mr Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan, stated that the passage of time cannot legalize actions not recognized under international law. He said that constitutional amendments and unilateral administrative measures cannot change the legal character of an internationally recognized dispute.
He underscored that no constitutional amendment or unilateral administrative measure could override the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized that a just and peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, was indispensable for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
In his keynote address, Mr Mustafa Kaya, Deputy Chairman of the Saadet Party, Member of Parliament and President of the ESAM, highlighted Türkiye’s longstanding support for justice, peace and the rights of oppressed peoples. A prominent advocate of dialogue, regional cooperation and stronger Türkiye-Muslim world relations, he described Kashmir and Palestine as two of the most significant unresolved issues inherited by the twenty-first century. He stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through unilateral measures, demographic engineering or military control, but requires meaningful dialogue, political courage, respect for international law, and sincere engagement with the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He also underscored the importance of the international community playing a more active role in advancing a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The speakers agreed that a just and lasting peace requires dialogue, protection of human rights, implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and full respect for the inalienable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination.
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