WELLINGTON: Pakistan High Commission in Wellington organized function to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day, to express solidarity with the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK) who are struggling for their just right of self-determination and being subjected to state terrorism by the Indian government.
A sizeable number of the Pakistanis and Kashmiri diaspora living in Wellington and Palmerston North attended the event. Dr Abdul Malik, High Commissioner of Pakistan to New Zealand, explained the significance of the ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ observed on February 5 with its historical perspective.
He said Pakistanis observe this Day every year since 1990 to renew the pledge to continue their all-out support to their Kashmiri brethren who are engaged in a peaceful struggle to secure their inalienable right of self-determination. He said purpose of observing this day is to remind the international community that resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is imperative for ensuring peace in South Asia. He said most importantly, this year, the day is being observed in the backdrop of India’s unilateral and illegal move of abolishing special status of Kashmir and annexing it on 5 August of last year.
The High Commissioner explained that the Modi government put the territory under military siege, strict lockdown, millions of Kashmiris were confined to their homes while thousands were arrested. Continued curfew, restrictions and communication blackout led to humanitarian crisis in Kashmir.
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He said Prime Minister Imran Khan since assuming his office in 2018 has vigorously highlighted at all global fora including the UN General Assembly the plight of the people of Kashmir, particularly after India’s action of 5 August 2019.
He observed that the worst human rights situation following the India’s 5th August clampdown forced the UN Security Council for the first time in 55 years to convene a special session to discuss the matter.
He mentioned that world leaders and organizations including UN Secretary General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, US Lawmakers, European Union, OIC, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch expressed their concerns over the grave human rights situation.
In this context, he also informed about the efforts made by the High Commission to raise the Kashmir issue. He reiterated Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic and political support and said that it has always represented the Kashmiris’ aspirations and never betrayed the faith reposed on them by the Kashmiri people.
He concluded that the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day conveys a clear message to India that it would have to recognize Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and resolve the issue as per United Nations Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.
A special documentary on Kashmir Solidarity Day and human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir was also screened to the participants during this event. Pakistan women’s tennis team which is currently touring New Zealand also participated in the event.
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