NEW YORK: In a poignant gathering at the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, the community came together today to observe Kashmir Black Day, a somber occasion that underscores the enduring struggles of the Kashmiri people in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).
Marking 77 years of conflict and hardship, the event served as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by those living under occupation.
Consul General Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai opened the proceedings with powerful remarks, emphasizing the importance of this day in raising awareness about the ongoing human rights violations following India’s controversial revocation of Article 370. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and called upon the international community to act in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions to address the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
Mr. Atozai expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their solidarity and commitment to the Kashmiri cause, reinforcing the collective hope for justice and peace in the region.
The program included a video presentation that depicted the human rights abuses occurring in IIOJ&K. Additionally, a photo exhibition was held to illustrate the hardships endured by the Kashmiri people, further underscoring the need for urgent international attention.
The event featured speeches from distinguished speakers. Sardar Sawar Khan, a former member of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Council, discussed the political dynamics affecting the region. Sardar Taj Khan, Vice Chairman of Kashmir Mission, USA, stressed the importance of international advocacy for Kashmir. Tashfeen Qayyum, a civil society member, highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Representatives of various political parties also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They highlighted the ongoing human rights violations in the region, called upon international community to take notice of the reign of terror let loose in Kashmir by Indian forces and to support the Kashmiri peoples’ unalienable right to self-determination, as promised to them by the UN Security Council.
The event concluded with a collective call for the international community to act decisively to resolve the Kashmir issue, in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Consulate General remains committed to organizing such events to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri people.
Comments are closed.