The Embassy of Pakistan in Iran organized an event at Pakistan House today to observe Kashmir Black Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The event brought together distinguished guests, academics, representatives from various universities, members of the Iranian intelligentsia, and people from different walks of life to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, highlighted the historical significance of 27 October 1947, when Indian troops landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged period of suffering for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Historically, he noted that it was India that brought Jammu and Kashmir question before United Nations Security Council, invoking the UN charter on 1 January 1948.On 21 April 1948, UN SC resolution 47 envisaged a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices to determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir. But the implementation of UN resolutions is still pending after eight decades, he added.
Ambassador Siddiqui reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to extending moral, political, and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He emphasized that the credibility of the international order rests on a simple proposition that commitments must be honored, international law must be applied consistently and rights of people must not be sacrificed to political expediency. He urged the international community urged to call upon India to implement the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with their aspirations.
Distinguished guest speakers from the international departments of various Iranian universities underscored the importance of resolving the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute through the implementation of relevant UN resolutions in letter and spirit. They emphasized that a peaceful and lasting solution must reflect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The speakers also recalled the support expressed on various occasions by the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for the Kashmiri people and their struggle for freedom.
As part of the event, a documentary highlighting the plight and sufferings of the Kashmiri people was screened for the audience. A pictorial exhibition was also organized, depicting the hardships faced by Kashmiris and their continued struggle for their fundamental rights and self-determination.
An Iranian poet recited a poem dedicated to Kashmir, expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people and highlighting their enduring quest for justice and dignity. The messages of President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were also read out.
The event concluded with a renewed expression of solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and a call for sustained international attention to the longstanding dispute. The observance reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue advocating for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
