Istanbul, Türkiye Youth Foundation (TUGVA) spearheaded a convention in Istanbul, bringing together international student organizations and civil society groups to commemorate Kashmir Black Day.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, the event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye, Dr Yousaf Junaid. Among the attendees were a host of representatives from international youth and student associations, including notable entities such as International Islamic Federation of Student Organization (IIFSO), AGD, MUSDAV, and Genc Askon, among others.

During his address, Ambassador Dr Yousaf Junaid drew parallels between the Kashmir situation and the ongoing conflicts in Palestine, commenting on the unfortunate reality where international systems have been inadequate in ensuring justice. He further expressed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to extending political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of freedom. The Ambassador commended the Turkish government and its citizens for their consistent and principled stance on the Kashmir issue, emphasizing that such support acts as a beacon of hope for those in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Adding to the discourse, Dr Mustafa Faisal, Secretary General of IIFSO, appealed to the global community. He stressed the urgent need for holding India accountable for the reported human rights violations in IIOJK and urged global powers to facilitate a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in alignment with the pertinent Security Council resolutions.

TUGVA’s Vice President, Muhammad Malik, articulated the universal truth that any instance of injustice poses a risk to the overarching principle of justice. He advocated for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, a promise made by the international community.