Islamabad: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, delivered a pointed message on Kashmir Black Day, marking October 27 as a significant date in history when India took control of Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as a violation of international law and human rights. Gilani highlighted that this act in 1947 was against the wishes of the Kashmiri people and initiated a prolonged period of oppression.

Gilani emphasized the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, noting their decades-long sacrifices. He accused India of using state power to stifle Kashmiri voices, yet acknowledged the community’s continued resilience.

He criticized the Indian government’s actions on August 5, 2019, which included the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A, as efforts to strip Kashmiris of their autonomy and identity. Gilani stated that these moves violated United Nations Security Council resolutions and were rejected by the Kashmiri populace.

The Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination. He paid tribute to those involved in the Kashmir freedom movement, acknowledging their sacrifices.

Gilani described the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as an unresolved issue from the subcontinent’s partition and argued that peace in South Asia depends on its resolution in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He urged the international community to address disputes like those in Palestine, Gaza, and Kashmir, and to enforce the relevant UN resolutions.

In concluding his message, Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri cause, pledging continued support on moral, diplomatic, and political fronts until the dispute’s resolution.