Jammu & Kashmir Black Day is a solemn reminder of the events of 27 October 1947, when Indian forces entered Srinagar, setting in motion a conflict that has remained unresolved for seventy-nine years. It is a day to remember the sufferings and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and to reaffirm the international commitments made to them regarding the Right to Self-determination.
For nearly eight decades, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have faced prolonged political uncertainty, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and serious human rights concerns. Yet through successive generations, the people of IIOJK have demonstrated remarkable resilience and an enduring determination to preserve their identity, dignity, and political aspirations. Their sacrifices deserve to be remembered with respect and their voices deserve to be heard.
The developments since 5 August 2019 have added a new and deeply concerning dimension to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Unilateral changes to the constitutional and administrative framework, restrictions on political activity and fundamental freedoms, prolonged detentions, and measures affecting the demographic and political character of the territory have intensified concerns about the future of its people.
These developments cannot be divorced from the broader question of the status of Jammu and Kashmir and its unresolved international dimension.
Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute has remained principled and consistent. We believe that no unilateral action can alter the fundamental nature of an internationally recognized dispute.
A durable settlement must be peaceful, just, and consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The continuing tensions between Pakistan and India also underscore the importance of resolving the issues that lie at the heart of instability in South Asia. Peace in the region requires sustained diplomacy, respect for international obligations, and meaningful efforts to address the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The international community, particularly the United Nations, must continue to play its role in promoting peace and protecting the rights of the people affected by this longstanding conflict.
On this Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, I pay tribute to the generations of Kashmiris who have endured immense hardships and made profound sacrifices. I also express my solidarity with the families who continue to bear the consequences of this unresolved conflict.
As Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, I reaffirm the Government of Pakistan's continued political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK. We will continue to advocate for their legitimate rights and to highlight their concerns before the international community.
Jammu & Kashmir Black Day is not only an occasion to remember the past; it is also a reminder of our collective responsibility to work for a future, in which the people of IIOJK can live in peace, security, dignity, and with the opportunity to determine their own future.
