Jeddah: The Pakistani Consulate General and local community in Jeddah observed “Youme-Istehsal-e-Kashmir” to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir under Indian occupation. This event commemorated the anniversary of the unilateral revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India on August 5, 2019, highlighting continued violations of international laws.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the ceremony took place at the Consulate General’s premises where special messages from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were delivered, reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri struggle. A documentary providing a glimpse into the life under siege in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ and K) was also shown to the attendees.
Prominent figures, including senior APHC-AJK leader Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Masood Ahmed Puri, the Chairman of the Kashmir Committee Jeddah, and Acting Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Community Overseas (JKCO) Sardar Ashfaq Khan, spoke at the event. They discussed the historical context of the Kashmir issue, criticized India’s actions on August 5, 2019, and acknowledged the resilience of the Kashmiri people. Tributes were paid to the ongoing support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The gathering, attended by a large number of people from the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities as well as media representatives, concluded with a collective prayer for the martyrs of the Kashmir cause and aspirations for an early peaceful resolution of the dispute, alongside wishes for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan.