ANKARA, The Pakistan Embassy in Ankara commemorated the Kashmir Black Day, marking the completion of 76 years of what they termed the “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir by India. High-profile Turkish officials, alongside representatives from media, think tanks, and civil society, participated in the event to lend their voices to the Kashmiri cause.

According to Press Information Department, Chairperson of the Human Rights Investigation Commission of the Turkish Parliament, Derya Yanik, emphasized that supporting the Kashmiri cause aligns with international law and conscience. Yanik stressed the need for the international community to intervene and put an end to alleged human rights violations in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and called for the implementation of UN resolutions to maintain regional peace and stability.

While advocating for the Kashmiri’s right to self-determination, Member of Parliament Burhan Kayaturk pointed out the potential threats to international peace and human rights when United Nations resolutions go unimplemented. He added that the Kashmiri population should be granted their right to self-determination as committed by the international community and, notably, the Indian leadership.

President of SDE, Gen. Guray Alpar, echoed the sentiment, stating that like everyone else, Kashmiris deserve the fundamental right to self-determination.

Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid detailed the alleged actions of Indian forces in Kashmir and compared the situation in Kashmir to that of Palestine, arguing both face military occupations that deny fundamental rights. Junaid contended that there are efforts to alter the demographic makeup of Kashmir by settling non-Kashmiris, particularly aiming to change the Muslim majority status of the region.

Further, Ambassador Junaid expressed gratitude towards Turkey, particularly mentioning President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s address about the Kashmir issue at the UNGA. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri plea for a UN-supervised plebiscite.