ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said on Monday that lasting peace and stability in South Asia hinge on a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
During a special seminar hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in France to commemorate Kashmir Black Day and express solidarity with Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Ambassador Ahmad described October 27, 1947, as one of the darkest days for Kashmiris.
He said that Indian occupation, which began on that date, has stifled their legitimate aspirations for self-determination and led to decades of gross human rights violations.
“For generations, the Kashmiri people have looked to the global community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfill their promised right to self-determination,” the ambassador stated.
He condemned India’s illegal actions and ongoing atrocities since August 5, 2019, which he said have worsened the situation and alienated the Kashmiri population, who reject any attempts by the occupying power to alter the internationally recognized status of Jammu and Kashmir or change its demographic composition.
Ambassador Ahmad asserted that India must understand it cannot suppress the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people through continued occupation and brutality. He reiterated that the Kashmir cause is rooted in strong political, legal, and moral grounds, and pledged Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri struggle.
He highlighted that self-determination is a fundamental right enshrined in the UN Charter and international human rights covenants.
AJ&K Minister for Small Industries and Trade, Kausar Taqdees Gillani, also expressed grave concern over the inhumane treatment of Kashmiris, particularly women and children, by Indian forces. She called on the international community to unite and develop policies in accordance with UNSC resolutions to liberate Kashmiris from Indian occupation and safeguard their basic human rights.
Prominent speakers at the seminar condemned the severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated by Indian occupation forces against innocent Kashmiris. They urged the international community and media to amplify the plight of defenceless Kashmiris and hold India accountable for its atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in IIOJK.
The event drew participation from members of the Pakistani diaspora, Kashmiris, academics, journalists, and other distinguished guests, highlighting the long-standing legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination as recognized by UNSC resolutions. A photo exhibition was also organized to showcase the grave human rights situation in IIOJK.
