They paid tribute to generations of Kashmiris who have endured decades of occupation and repression, describing their struggle as one for justice, human dignity and the inalienable right to self-determination.
The speakers further stated that enduring freedom struggle underscores the special responsibility of the United Nations to uphold its Charter and implement its relevant Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. These resolutions, they said, remain central to achieving a peaceful settlement, including the realization of the Kashmiri people's right to determine their future through a free and impartial plebiscite.
Held under the theme “Jammu & Kashmir: 79 Years of Occupation, Resistance and Resilience,” the event was jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN and the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York. It brought together Kashmiri leaders, human rights advocates, diplomats, students and members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Consul Genral Aamer Ahmed Atozai, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary Genral Kashmir Awareness Forum, Ghulam Shah Qadir, PML(N) AJK President, Azra Dar, Human Rights Commissioner of Nassau County, Farooq Tabassum, former Principal Secretary to the AJK Government, and Muhammad Taj, senior Kashmiri leader.
Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people. He recalled that 27 October 1947 marked a tragic turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s history, denying its people the right to determine their own future.
Expressing concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation since 5 August 2019, he cited reports of arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, enforced disappearances and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Ambassador Jadoon called for the protection of human rights, the release of those arbitrarily detained and unhindered access for international human rights mechanisms. Emphasizing that Kashmir is a question of justice, human rights and international credibility, he urged the international community to pursue accountability and a peaceful settlement in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai underscored the importance of sustained community engagement in advancing the Kashmir cause. He urged Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora members to engage US elected representatives, the media and human rights organizations, and to educate younger generations about Kashmir’s history and the people’s struggle. He emphasized that unity, consistent advocacy and peaceful engagement were essential to keeping the dispute on the international agenda.
Other speakers echoed the call for a just resolution grounded in international law and the UN Security Council resolutions, including the realization of the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their future through a free and impartial plebiscite.
Ghulam Qadir Shah, President of PML-N in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted India’s failure to honour its commitments and thanked Pakistan’s successive governments and people for their steadfast support.
Azra Dar, Human Rights Commissioner of Nassau County, stressed the resilience of the Kashmiri people and the need to sustain international attention to their rights. Farooq Tabbasum, former Principal Secretary to the AJK Government, underscored the regional consequences of the unresolved dispute and urged the international community not to allow it to fade from view.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the Kashmir Awareness Forum, called for renewed scrutiny of the historical circumstances surrounding the Instrument of Accession and urged US President Donald Trump to support efforts toward a just and peaceful settlement consistent with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Senior Kashmiri leader Taj Khan paid tribute to Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to avert a wider conflict in the Middle East, emphasized the need for unity among Kashmiris, and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s continued advocacy of their rights.
The speakers reaffirmed that the Kashmir dispute cannot be resolved through the denial of the Kashmiri people’s aspirations. They called on the international community to uphold its commitments, support a peaceful settlement and help secure a future of dignity, freedom and justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.