Pakistan High Commission observes Kashmir Solidarity Day

The Pakistan High Commission in Male’ held a ceremony on Saturday to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day. 

Pakistan High Commission said they marked the occasion to reaffirm support for Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

The occasion was celebrated in a function held at the Pakistan High Commission. 

The function began with recitation of the Holy Quran.  

Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad delivered the welcome remarks. 

It followed the national anthem of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and a video presentation of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Pakistan High Commissioner Vice Admiral (Retired) Ather Mukhtar delivered the keynote speech.  

In his speech, Mukhtar highlighted on human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed unwavering support to Kashmiris in their struggle for the right to self-determination. 

Mukhtar said that attempts to attack the district identity and culture of Kashmiris through demographic changes and economic marginalization were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention. 

“Durable peace, security and development in the region hinges on peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” he said. 

Mukhtar urged the Muslim Ummah and the larger international community to play their role in resolving the long outstanding dispute.  

Deputy High Commissioner Ahmad, in his speech, highlighted on the importance of marking Kashmir Solidarity Day. 

He said the occasion is marked to reiterate support to the Kashmiris in their struggle; to draw attention of the international community towards the plight of Kashmiris, and to remind the international community the UN resolutions on Kashmir remain unimplemented, despite the passage of over 73 years.   

Ahmad said that while East Timor and South Sudan were granted freedom by holding plebiscites, Kashmiris continue to suffer as the dispute drags on. 

He said that Pakistan only wanted Kashmiris to be given their right to self-determination.  

“The internationally recognized disputed issue of Kashmir must be resolved in accordance with UNSC Resolutions and as per aspiration of the Kashmiri people,” he said. 

The function concluded with a prayer for the martyrs of Kashmir and for the freedom of Kashmir and Palestine.