Talk Programme - “Youm-e-Istehsal: Honouring the Spirit of Resistance in Kashmir”

Kathmandu, Aug 5: Today, Pakistan Embassy, Kathmandu organized a Talk Programme, titled “Youm-e-Istehsal: Honouring the Spirit of Resistance in Kashmir”. 

According to a press release of Pakistan Embassy today, the event was attended by journalists, writers and analysts as well as human rights activists. Messages of the President, Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out. 

In his message, Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, said that since 5 August 2019, India has embarked upon a ceaseless campaign to alter the demographic structure and political landscape of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) which is in blatant violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention. Pakistan will continue to extend full moral, diplomatic and political support to the just struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

In his message, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif said that India has been trying to convince the world that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India. However, international law, historical facts, moral principles and the situation on ground deny India's baseless claims. In the interest of lasting peace and security in South Asia, India must move from dispute denial to dispute resolution.

In his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said India was not only denying the Kashmiri people their fundamental rights but the UN resolutions and perpetrating violations of human rights. A large number of independent observers have expressed concerns about different facets of the dismal human rights situation in IIOJK. Pakistan will continue to extend moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of IIOJK till the fullest realization of their legitimate rights.

Ambassador Abrar H. Hashmi emphasized the need for world support for the just cause of people of IIOJK. Recalling UNSC Resolutions 98 (1951) and 122 (1957), he said that any action by the Indian legislature and courts cannot change the state of disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir. He responded to the questions of the participants on the Youm-e-Isteshsal programme; noted their suggestions and thanked them for their sincere support for the people of IIOJK.  

In the follow-up discussion, the participants highlighted the need for raising the issue of Kashmir and plight of the subjugated people of Jammu and Kashmir at UN and other international fora. They expressed their support and solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK and urged the world community to stand with the occupied Kashmir.