Canberra: Today, events across Australia, including in major cities such as Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, marked Youm-e-Istehsal, commemorating the continued plight of the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation. The High Commission for Pakistan in Canberra hosted a significant webinar titled “Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir: 77 Years of Occupation and Oppression,” drawing attention to the longstanding conflict in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

According to Press Information Department, the webinar featured a lineup of notable speakers, including Australian senators and academics, who criticized India’s policies in Kashmir and its implications on regional stability. Honorable Senator David Shoebridge highlighted the demographic and humanitarian challenges faced by Kashmiris following India’s actions on August 5, 2019. He emphasized the violations of UNSC resolutions and international law, calling for Australian involvement in seeking justice for Kashmir.

Senator Lee Rhiannon discussed the human rights and legal aspects of the situation in Kashmir, pointing to the long-term effects of India’s policies on both IIOJK and broader regional dynamics. Syed Faiz Naqshbandi and Professor Samina Yasmeen further elaborated on the legal infringements and broader geopolitical repercussions of the dispute.

High Commissioner H.E. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri thanked the speakers for their insights and underscored Australia’s historical role in the region, including its contributions to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). He stressed the global community’s responsibility to help resolve the Kashmir issue in line with UNSC resolutions and the Kashmiri populace’s aspirations.