Islamabad, Marking 76 years since the commencement of Indian armed forces’ presence in Kashmir, referred to as the ‘Kashmir Black Day’, Pakistan’s top officials, President Dr. Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, have reaffirmed their nation’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s pursuit of self-determination.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, President Alvi highlighted the significance of October 27, 1947, describing it as a bleak moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s history. He remarked upon India’s failure to honor its commitments to the people of the region, particularly its non-adherence to resolutions made by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Despite enduring significant hardships, the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken in their quest for self-determination, he noted.

Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar expressed concern over India’s strategies to maintain its influence in Kashmir. He drew attention to the intensified efforts, particularly after August 5, 2019, to alter the region’s demographics and reduce the Kashmiri people’s influence in their homeland. He listed several of India’s measures, such as adjusting electoral boundaries, enlisting non-Kashmiris in voter registers, providing domicile certificates to individuals from outside the region, and enacting new land and property ownership laws. Kakar emphasized that such actions contradict the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention. He pointed out the heavy militarization of the region, labeling occupied Kashmir as one of the most militarized zones globally.

Lastly, Kakar alluded to recent events in the Middle East, stressing the importance of resolving long-standing disputes to ensure peace and stability.