ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis and Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world on Sunday observed Kashmir Black Day, marking 77 years of illegal Indian occupation in the valley.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called on the international community to intensify pressure on India to halt its human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In their statements, both leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and urged India to adhere to United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions.
President Zardari, in his statement, described October 27, 1947, as a dark chapter in South Asian history, marking the day Indian troops occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He condemned the ongoing brutal repression faced by Kashmiris, highlighting that the region has become one of the most militarized areas globally. “Thousands of innocent Kashmiris have been killed, their legitimate leaders imprisoned, and local media heavily censored,” he stated.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri struggle until a resolution is achieved in accordance with UN resolutions. He reflected on the past 77 years, during which the Kashmiri people’s aspirations have been stifled. “Their resolve to realize their inalienable right to self-determination remains as firm as it was in 1947,” he asserted.
The prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people in their quest for freedom, asserting that their sacrifices will not be in vain. He expressed concern over the oppressive measures faced by the Kashmiri population, noting the thousands of political prisoners and the impunity with which Indian forces operate under harsh counterterrorism laws.
Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar termed October 27, 1947, as the darkest day in the history of the subcontinent. In his message, he said India on October 27, illegally annexed Jammu and Kashmir by landing its troops against the wishes of Kashmiris.
“Despite the atrocities and brutal policies of the Indian fascist government, the valiant Kashmiri people are fighting bravely for their freedom,” said the minister.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Maqam, on Sunday led a rally in Islamabad on the occasion to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Addressing the rally he said on October 27, 1947, Indian forces entered Jammu and Kashmir illegally, stating, “No Pakistani can forget this day,” he said.
He praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for raising the Kashmir and Palestine issues at the UN General Assembly in September 2024. He reassured that Pakistan will continue to support Kashmir’s political, diplomatic, and moral cause until Kashmiris achieve their right to self-determination.
Parliamentary Secretary for Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Anwar Ul Haq said that Pakistan had always stood with the people of Kashmir to get their right to self-determination.
He said that despite resolving the long-standing dispute in Kashmir, India once again violated international laws by revoking the special status of Kashmir in 2019.
Chairman Kashmir Committee (KC), Rana Qasim Noon called upon the international institutions to uphold UN resolutions and hold dialogue with Kashmiris, reaffirming that India’s Independence Day is observed as Black Day in Kashmir as a symbol of resistance.
Addressing a Kashmir solidarity rally, he said Pakistan is committed to supporting the right of Kashmiris to self-determination.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh said that on October 27, 1947, India began state terrorism against Kashmiris and violated human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for 77 years.
The minister in the message said that Pakistan would continue to provide moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in this difficult time.
Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid rich tribute to the courageous people of IIOJK and strongly denounced the atrocities being committed in the valley.
In her message on ‘Kashmir Black Day’, the CM expressed her deep connection to Kashmir, adding that it was very close to her heart.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that brave Kashmiris were striving for their right to self-determination despite facing oppression and injustice.
Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the civilized nations must express their seriousness on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Governor of Sindh Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori in his message said that October 27, 1947, was one of the darkest days in the history of the sub-continent.
In his message on Black Day, he added that India entered her forces into IIOJK on this day in 1947.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday said that the entire Pakistani would express solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers on October 27.
In his statement, the chief minister said that October 27 was the day to expose India’s usurpation of Kashmir and atrocities on the people of Kashmir.
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi denounced Indian forces’ brutalities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and paid glowing tribute to the struggle of Kashmiri people for their liberation. He praised the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination.
President of Azad Jammu Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, terming October 27 as the darkest day in the history of the valley, said on this day in 1947 India invaded Kashmir and forcibly occupied the territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a special message issued on the eve of “Black Day,” the president said that India’s belligerent military occupation has been the main cause and consequence of unrest and human rights violations in the region.
AJK Prime Minister Ch Anwarul Haq has asked Kashmiris across the world to record their protest against India.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, asked the youth to play an active role in keeping the Kashmir cause alive.
Addressing the Kashmir solidarity rally, she stressed the importance of remembering this day every year, saying, “Every Pakistani stand in solidarity on this day.”
Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Chairman of J&K People’s Freedom League and former Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), said the observance of Black Day sends a clear message to India, affirming that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not tolerate further division or repeated aggression.
