The True Post (Web News)The High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa and the Consulates General of Pakistan in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver organized events today to observe Kashmir Black Day, expressing solidarity with and support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.
The solemn event held at the High Commission in Ottawa featured a documentary screening, a photographic exhibition and remarks by human rights advocates highlighting the Kashmir dispute and the human rights challenges faced by civilians in IIOJK. Participants highlighted the importance of a just and peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Special messages from the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. The messages reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s continued diplomatic, political and moral support for the people of IIOJK until they are able to exercise their right to self-determination, as envisaged in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Addressing the participants, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada, Muhammad Saleem, described the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as one of the longstanding unresolved issues on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. He urged the international community, human rights organizations and civil society groups to raise their voices against reported human rights violations in IIOJK and contribute to a just and peaceful settlement of the dispute.
Kashmir Black Day is observed on October 27 to mark the events of October 27, 1947, when Indian forces entered Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan maintains that the move marked the beginning of India’s occupation of the disputed territory against the wishes and aspirations of its people.
The observance serves as an occasion to highlight the Kashmir dispute internationally and draw attention to the political and human rights concerns surrounding the region. Pakistan continues to call for a resolution in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future.
The events organized by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions across Canada reaffirmed Pakistan’s stated commitment to continue raising the Kashmir issue at international forums and expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir until their aspirations for self-determination are fulfilled.
