Ankara: The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara, in conjunction with the Economic and Social Research Center (ESAM), held an event on August 4, 2026, to commemorate Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, showing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Press Information Department, the event at ESAM Headquarters was attended by civil society representatives, academics, researchers, members of the public, and officials from the Pakistani Embassy. The program examined the historical, legal, political, and humanitarian aspects of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its impact on regional peace and international law.
Mr. Ammar Amin, Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan, presented the historical context of the dispute and highlighted the legal and humanitarian concerns following India’s actions on August 5, 2019. He discussed India’s unilateral measures, such as the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, and the territory’s reorganization, stressing the need to uphold international law and civil liberties in IIOJK.
Mr. Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy, emphasized that actions not recognized under international law cannot be legitimized with time. He highlighted that constitutional amendments and administrative measures cannot alter the legal status of the dispute recognized by the United Nations Security Council resolutions. He expressed concerns over the human rights situation in IIOJK and stressed the need for a resolution in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people for peace in South Asia.
In his keynote address, Mr. Mustafa Kaya, Deputy Chairman of the Saadet Party and President of ESAM, reiterated Türkiye’s support for justice and the rights of oppressed peoples. He identified Kashmir and Palestine as significant unresolved issues and emphasized that peace requires dialogue, respect for international law, and engagement with the Kashmiri people’s aspirations. He called for a more active role by the international community in resolving the dispute.
Speakers at the event concurred that lasting peace requires dialogue, human rights protection, adherence to UN Security Council resolutions, and respect for the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination.