Ottawa: The Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa, along with its consulates in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, marked the fifth anniversary of India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status with a series of events on “Yaume-Estehsaale-Kashmir.” These events aimed to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since August 5, 2019.

According to Press Information Department, photographic exhibitions and the unveiling of a documentary detailing alleged human rights abuses in IIOJK were central to the day’s observances. These events drew significant attendance, offering attendees insight into the region’s struggles under Indian policies perceived as aggressive and repressive by Pakistan. The Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Faisal Kakar, delivered a video message condemning what he described as the “illegal and unilateral actions” of the Modi government, which he claimed exacerbated the human rights situation in Kashmir.

Mr. Kakar criticized India’s efforts to alter the demographic and political landscape of Kashmir, actions he argued contravene international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention. He called on the international community to address the human rights violations reportedly occurring in the region and reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The Acting High Commissioner also demanded the immediate lifting of the military siege and communications blackout in Kashmir, the release of detained individuals, the repeal of laws granting immunity to Indian forces, and access for international human rights groups and media to assess the situation firsthand.