ANKARA: Pakistan Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid underscored the significance of ‘Kashmir Black Day,’ and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmir cause.
Addressing the Institute of Strategic Thinking (SDE) in Ankara on Saturday, the Pakistani envoy urged the international community to recognize the enduring struggle for self-determination faced by the Kashmiri people. Observed on October 27, Kashmir Black Day marks the anniversary of India’s military presence in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, imposed against the will of the Kashmiri people.
In his speech, Ambassador Junaid emphasized the need to resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions to foster regional and global peace. He noted that both Kashmir and Palestine represent enduring situations of foreign occupation, where brutal military actions have denied people their fundamental right to self-determination and instigated terror against innocent civilians.
He highlighted the troubling human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and pointed out the irony of Kashmir being one of the oldest unresolved conflicts, despite existing UNSC resolutions calling for a UN-administered plebiscite, agreed upon by both Pakistan and India.
Reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people, Ambassador Junaid expressed gratitude to the government and people of Turkiye for their principled stance on Kashmir, particularly thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support of the cause.
Vice President of SDE Alpar Tan affirmed that Turkiye has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, reflecting the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He remarked on the international community’s potential to resolve conflicts but lamented the lack of will and intention regarding Kashmir and Palestine. He called on the international community, especially Islamic nations, to actively address human rights violations in IIOJK and ensure the implementation of UN resolutions.
During the Q&A session, Ambassador (R) Numan Hazar expressed concern over the international community’s indifference to Kashmir and Palestine, asserting that Kashmiris deserve the fundamental human right of self-determination, just like any other nation. Participants reaffirmed their support for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
