Paris, Demonstrating solidarity with Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Pakistani Embassy in France organized a seminar today commemorating Kashmir Black Day. The event drew participants from various sectors, including Pakistani diaspora, Kashmiri representatives, scholars, journalists, and French citizens. The focal point was the longstanding struggle of Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination, as recognized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a news release by Press International Department, official messages from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were conveyed during the seminar. These were complemented by a documentary delving into the origins of the Kashmir conflict and the circumstances faced by residents in IIOJK. The discourse, delivered by prominent contributors, shed light on the alleged human rights and international law breaches by Indian forces in IIOJK. Tributes were paid to the resilience and sacrifices of Kashmiris in their pursuit of freedom and self-determination.
Legal nuances of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute were also dissected. The panelists, emphasizing the international community’s role, urged global media to amplify the struggles of Kashmiris and to hold India responsible for purported transgressions in IIOJK. They criticized India’s actions on 5 August 2019, challenging them as breaches of UNSC resolutions and international legal standards. Concerns over media restrictions, potential demographic shifts due to domicile rule changes, and alterations in IIOJK’s electoral territories were expressed.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad spoke extensively on the issue, marking 27 October 1947 as a defining moment when India began its occupation, curbing Kashmiris’ aspirations for self-determination. He alluded to the French principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, aligning the Kashmir predicament with universal democratic values, respect for international laws, and human rights. Ahmad stressed the urgency for global intervention, advocating for India to halt alleged oppressions in IIOJK and facilitate a Kashmiri-led decision-making process aligned with UNSC resolutions. He emphasized the importance of international consistency, fairness, and justice, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri cause.
The event culminated with attendees touring a photographic display curated to depict the reported human rights scenario in IIOJK.