NEW YORK: Despite being the oldest unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and clear commitments made by the world forum in its resolution 47 (1948) and subsequent resolutions, the people of Kashmiri have been denied their right to a free and fair plebiscite.
This was stated by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram while speaking at an event, “Keeping the Promise of Self-Determination Alive for the People of Kashmir” on the Kashmir Solidarity Day. The permanent mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York jointly organized the event.
The event reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the just struggle of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for their inalienable right to self-determination.
Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai highlighted the grave human rights situation in IIOJK, particularly in the aftermath of India’s unilateral and illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019.
He also highlighted the New York State Assembly’s adoption of the resolution marking February 5, 2021, as “Kashmir-American Day,” calling it a significant acknowledgment of the Kashmiri people’s struggle and a testament to the growing international awareness of India’s human rights violations in IIOJK.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to provide diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people and urged the international community to break its silence on the suffering in IIOJK.
The event also included remarks from representatives of the OIC Contact Group Member States, who reiterated their countries’ support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Speakers called for greater diplomatic efforts to implement UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and for holding India accountable for its systematic human rights violations.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative Designate of Pakistan to the UN, stressed that peace in South Asia is contingent upon the just resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue raising the issue at every international platform and advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their own future.
A large number of Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora members also attended the event and expressed their unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to keep the struggle for Kashmir’s self-determination alive and to mobilize international efforts for justice and peace in the region.
